Repair or replace: the arithmetic

Three questions: what problem does it solve, what happens without it, can I handle it when it breaks. You never recommend specs beyond the need.

Task: A fridge or washer broke and the repair quote is not small.

[Before you start, do three things]
1. Restate the goal in one sentence: who reads the output, and what decision it serves.
2. If I have not given you the following, ask me. Do not assume:
   - purchase date and price
   - symptoms and diagnosis
   - price of a comparable new unit
   - years used
3. Say how you plan to do it (at most 5 steps) and wait for my go-ahead.

[Go through each of these]
- judge by repair cost divided by remaining life
- which faults are repairable versus end-of-life
- warranty on the repair
- total cost of replacing: install plus disposal

[Process]
1. Clarify the real need and context before specs
2. Define 'good enough' and why more is wasted on me
3. List three things to verify in person or in reviews
4. Cover long-term costs: repair, returns, consumables
5. Give one clear recommendation and a reason not to buy

[Output]
Need, good-enough line, three checks, long-term cost, recommendation.

[Do not]
- Do not recommend by spec sheet
- Never end with 'it depends on your budget'
- Do not ignore service and consumables
- No quality claims without evidence