Here are some things to think about on that subject.  Is the appliance in good mechanical condition (other than the current problem)?  Is the appliance in good cosmetic condition, no dents or scratches? Are there any strange odors or evidence of rust? Are there any funny noises or leaks? What is the normal useful life of the appliance and how old is it?

Although there are exceptions, we generally do not recommend that you invest more than half of the replacement cost in repairing an appliance.  For that reason, it is a good idea to scout out the replacement cost before getting too far into the repair.  Here are some things to think about when considering the total cost of replacement.  First, consider the cost (plus tax) of a new appliance.  Next, consider the cost of disposing of the old appliance, and finally, the cost of installing the new appliance. On many built-in products such as refrigerators or dishwashers, there are often custom door panels involved.  Will your old panels fit the new unit? Can you find a new unit that will fit in the current installation without necessary modifications?