TopOrHop — Repair or Replace CalculatorTopOrHop
Methodology

How we calculate repair vs replace.

TopOrHop combines four objective inputs and one heuristic adjustment into a single recommendation. No tracking, no sponsored verdicts, no nudging toward the more profitable answer.

Vintage 1960s mechanical calculator with rounded terracotta keys

The core formula

The recommendation score is built from four signals:

  1. Repair cost ratio — your repair quote divided by the live replacement benchmark.
  2. Remaining lifespan ratio — expected category lifespan minus current age, divided by expected lifespan.
  3. Reliability adjustment — based on prior repairs and how the unit has behaved.
  4. Energy / running-cost factor — applied to large appliances where new energy ratings change the long-term math.

The break-even repair limit is roughly:

break_even = replacement_benchmark
            × (remaining_lifespan / expected_lifespan)
            × reliability_factor
            × energy_factor

If your repair quote is meaningfully below this line, we recommend repair. If it's above, we recommend replace. If it sits within ±10%, we recommend a second quote.

Where the replacement price comes from

We use PricesAPI as our live offer source. For every calculation we:

  • Query for product candidates matching your brand / model / category
  • Pull live offers for the best-matching candidate
  • Normalize prices, currency, condition and stock
  • Score each offer 0–100 on quality (match, seller credibility, condition, stock, review count, price sanity)
  • Exclude accessories, broken/refurb units, out-of-stock listings, low-match titles, and suspiciously cheap outliers
  • Take the median of the remaining reliable offers as the benchmark

We also write a daily snapshot to our database so price-history charts build up automatically over time.

Confidence scoring

Every recommendation comes with a confidence label:

  • High — 8+ reliable offers, tight price spread, and complete inputs
  • Medium — 3–7 reliable offers, or moderate input gaps
  • Low — fewer than 3 reliable offers, very wide spread, or unconfirmed repair quote

If confidence is low, we strongly suggest getting a second repair quote and verifying the replacement price yourself before deciding.

What we never do

  • We never adjust the recommendation based on which retailer is paying the highest commission.
  • The recommendation is calculated before any offers are shown, in a separate code path.
  • We don't sell your inputs or quote details.
  • We don't dark-pattern you toward replacement to drive affiliate clicks.

Editorial standards

  • Category guides are reviewed and dated. The "Last updated" date on each hub reflects the most recent editorial review.
  • Common-failure verdicts are based on industry repair data, manufacturer service notes, and our own benchmark pricing.
  • Safety-sensitive categories (washing machines, fridges, dishwashers, ovens, power tools, AC units) always include a safety warning recommending qualified technicians.
  • Where guidance is debated, we prefer the more conservative call.

Limitations

This calculator gives a financially rational decision based on the data you provide and live market prices. It cannot account for:

  • Sentimental value
  • Local repair-shop quality differences
  • Manufacturer recalls or known defects
  • Country-specific extended warranty laws
  • Seasonal sales pricing that may temporarily change replacement cost

It's a strong starting point — but final responsibility for any repair, replacement or disposal decision rests with you.

Try the repair or replace calculator