Is It Time to Sell or Keep Repairing? Expert Q&A With Derek Gainey
Derek Gainey, automotive expert with 28 years of experience, explains that once annual repair costs exceed 10% of a vehicle’s market value, it’s often wiser to sell rather than repair. Major repairs like engine or transmission replacements typically don’t increase a car’s value enough to justify the cost, especially after 80,000–100,000 miles. Understanding repair costs versus market value helps drivers decide when to upgrade to a more reliable vehicle.