Get a specific diagnosis
Record the model, serial number, symptom and error code. Check the applicable warranty before authorizing work, and ask whether the diagnostic fee is credited toward repair. A repair quote should identify the part, labor and any uncertainty.
A rack component or door adjustment presents a different decision from an unexplained recurring leak. Do not judge all faults by the same percentage of the original purchase price.
Compare equivalent totals
Replacement costs can include delivery, required hoses or electrical parts, removal, installation and changes to cabinetry or plumbing. Compare those with the repair quote, not just a sale price for a new appliance.
Consider whether the existing machine otherwise suits your load and space. Replacing a useful appliance to gain features you will rarely use is a different choice from replacing one that has always been too small or inaccessible.
Ask about the remaining risk
The technician should explain whether the repair addresses the known cause or only one likely symptom. Ask about the repair warranty and part availability. If another problem remains unresolved, include that uncertainty in the decision.
For a replacement, check service coverage before choosing a brand. A longer advertised parts warranty may cover only named components and exclude labor. Keep the written terms and do not treat them as a promised lifespan.