Fleet

When to Repair vs Replace Your Van — A Cost Analysis Guide

When repair costs approach 50% of the vehicle value, or the van is over 7 years old with frequent breakdowns, replacement is usually more cost-effective.

Deciding whether to repair an ageing van or replace it is a common fleet management dilemma. A useful rule of thumb — if the cost of a repair exceeds 50% of the vehicle's current market value, replacement is the better financial decision. Also consider frequency of breakdowns — if the van has been off the road for repairs three or more times in the past year, the reliability issue costs more than just the repair bills. Age and mileage matter — vans over 7 years old or 100,000 miles typically have higher maintenance costs and lower resale value. A total cost of ownership calculation that includes depreciation, fuel, insurance, tax, maintenance, and downtime helps make the right decision objectively.