Dosh dilemma: Bruce’s car failed his MOT and he wants to know should he repair or scrap it?

Bruce’s old Ford Fiesta has failed its MOT. He’d half expected it, after all, older cars and MOT tests often go hand in hand with bad news, but he was hoping the garage bill would be a lot less than £900.

Now he’s stuck with a common money question: is it worth repairing the car, or is it time to scrap it and move on?

Well Bruce, only you can make the final call. Anyone who’s run an older car will recognise this moment. But there are some steps you can take to make the decision easier, and cheaper in the long run.

What’s the car actually worth?

Start with the basics. You can check the car’s current market value for free using sites like Auto Trader or Parkers. Look at:

• the same model
• similar mileage
• similar condition

If your Fiesta is worth around £700–£1,000 and the repair bill is £900, you’re effectively putting the car’s full value back into it.

That doesn’t automatically mean ‘scrap it’. But it does mean you need to think carefully about what you’re getting for that money.

Will the repairs buy you time?

Ask the garage some direct questions:

• Will this fix likely keep the car running reliably for another two years?
• Are there advisories on the MOT that could turn into expensive problems soon?
• Is this a one-off repair, or is the car deteriorating overall?

If £900 gives you two years of relatively trouble-free driving, that works out at £37.50 per month, which may be cheaper than replacing the car.

If the mechanic hints that “more issues are likely next year”, that’s a warning sign.

Can you afford the repair without borrowing?

This is crucial.

If you can pay the repair bill from savings, it may be manageable.

But if you’d need to use:

• a credit card
• a high-interest loan
• buy now, pay later
• an overdraft

then the £900 repair could easily turn into £1,100–£1,300 once interest is added.

Avoid payday lenders at all costs, as short-term borrowing can spiral quickly.

If paying for repairs would wipe out your emergency savings entirely, think carefully before going ahead.

What would replacing it actually cost?

Scrapping the car doesn’t mean you’re free of costs. Replacing it could mean:

• £2,000 - £5,000 for a decent used car
• higher insurance if the replacement is newer
• unknown repair risks with another used vehicle

Sometimes people scrap a ‘known problem’ car only to buy someone else’s problem.

If you do look at replacements, factor in:

• road tax
• insurance differences
• fuel economy
• MOT history

Do you truly need a car?

This is the uncomfortable but important question.

Ask yourself:

• How often do I actually use it?
• Could I manage with public transport?
• Could I car-share or lift-share?
• Could I walk or cycle for shorter journeys?

In some parts of the UK, public transport may be realistic and far cheaper overall. When you add up fuel, insurance, tax, servicing and MOT costs, the annual costs of a car quickly add up, even before big repairs.

If you rely on your car for work with unsociable hours or poor transport links, it may be essential. But if it mostly sits on the drive, this might be an opportunity to rethink.

Consider a middle ground

Before scrapping or fully repairing, you could:

• get a second quote, as prices at mechanics vary
• ask if any repairs can safely wait
• see if used or reconditioned parts could reduce the bill
• negotiate, as garages sometimes have flexibility

So, what should Bruce do?

There’s no universal right answer. But here’s a basic rule of thumb:

• If the repair cost is less than half the car’s value and likely gives you 1 - 2 reliable years, then a repair may make sense.
• If repairs are ongoing, costs are rising, and you’d need to borrow the money, it may be time to let it go.

The key is not just the £900 bill, it’s what that £900 means for your overall finances.

Cars are emotional purchases as well as practical ones. But when money’s tight, the smartest decision is the one that protects your long-term financial stability, not just your short-term convenience.