Buyback vs. replacement: which remedy should I choose?

A buyback returns you to your financial position before the defective vehicle, minus the mileage offset. A replacement provides a comparable new vehicle, which can make sense if you trust the model line but your VIN is problematic. Cash settlements are negotiated when a full buyback or replacement is impractical. Your loan balance, how long you have been without a reliable car, and whether the defect is safety-related all affect the best choice.