Is It Worth Fixing a 3-Year-Old MacBook? Costs & Advice (Perth Guide)
Many MacBook owners eventually face the big question: should you repair a three-year-old MacBook or invest in a new one? The answer depends on the type of damage, the costs involved, and how much longer the device can realistically last.
Common Repair Costs in Perth
In Perth, the average costs for common MacBook repairs are:
Screen replacement: starts from $400
Keyboard replacement: starts from $300
Logic board repair: starts from $300
By comparison, Apple’s official repair pricing is much higher:
Screen replacement: usually starts from $700
Keyboard replacement: around $500
Logic board: Apple rarely repairs logic boards and instead encourages customers to buy a new laptop, which can cost over $1,800.
This price difference alone makes independent repairs a practical choice for many MacBook users.
Real-Life Example: A2337 M1 MacBook
One customer in Perth with a 2021 MacBook A2337 (M1) closed the lid with an object on the keyboard, cracking the screen. Apple quoted $950, warned that the device would be wiped of all data, and gave an appointment time of two weeks.
Geeks Callout completed the repair the same day, on-site, for $600, with all data preserved. The customer didn’t even need to leave their home.
Liquid Damage: A Different Story
Liquid damage is tricky. At Geeks Callout, we’ve successfully repaired around 80% of liquid-damaged MacBooks. However, corrosion on the motherboard can cause issues to reappear months later.
That’s why we recommend a $150 deep assessment before deciding. If the MacBook is three years old and liquid damaged, repair may not be the most cost-effective choice — unless the laptop holds high personal or business value.
How Long Can a Repaired MacBook Last?
If you repair a three-year-old MacBook for issues like a broken screen, faulty keyboard, or trackpad, you can often get another four to five years of use. Apple laptops are built to last, and with proper maintenance, they can serve well beyond their warranty period.
Local Perth Factor: Heat and Overheating
Perth’s hot summers — often hitting 45°C — can make MacBooks more prone to overheating. Investing in a cooling pad with a fan can help prevent thermal stress, extend lifespan, and reduce the chance of expensive repairs in the future.
Why Choose Independent Repair Over Apple?
Save money: Repairs cost 30–50% less.
Keep your data: Apple often wipes devices during repair. We don’t.
Faster service: Apple repairs can take weeks. Geeks Callout completes most jobs within 2–3 days, and many the same day.
Warranty included: Every repair comes with warranty for peace of mind.
Final Verdict
If your MacBook is three years old with screen, keyboard, or battery replacement, it’s almost always worth repairing. The costs are significantly lower than buying new, you keep your data, and you avoid the hassle of setup.
If it’s liquid damage, a professional assessment is the smartest first step — but in many cases, replacement may be the better option.
📞 Call Geeks Callout today for a quick quote. We’ll give you an honest answer on whether your MacBook is worth fixing, and if it is, we’ll get it back to you in days, not weeks.