Results
Cumulative cost by year
Keep Replace
How it works
Fleets usually decide with life-cycle costing: an aging unit's repair and running costs keep rising, while a replacement costs money to own but less to run. This calculator adds up each path over the years you choose:
- Keep: the repair quote now, then maintenance (growing each year), fuel, insurance and downtime, minus what it's worth at the end.
- Replace: the price minus your trade-in, then the new unit's running costs, minus what it's worth at the end.
- With a discount rate above 0, future years count for a little less (present value), and the yearly figure is the equal annual cost.
The break-even repair quote is the repair amount where both paths cost the same. It's the number to have in hand when the shop calls.
Estimate only, not financial or tax advice. It leaves out taxes, depreciation schedules and loan terms. "Cheaper on your numbers" depends entirely on the inputs.
FAQ
Where do I get "maintenance per year"?
Your last 12 months of repair and maintenance spend on this unit is the best start. If you track work orders in a spreadsheet, it's a SUMIFS away.
What growth rate should I use?
Look at how this unit's yearly repair cost has changed. If you don't know, run 0%, 10% and 20% and see whether the answer changes.
Why count down days?
A unit in the shop still costs you: a rental, a crew waiting, or a job that slips. Even a rough daily cost makes the comparison honest.
Does it work for equipment on hours?
Yes. Set "Measured in" to hours to see cost per hour.