Gaggia classic broken repair or replace?

[Liveinthepresent]

We think we know what the fault is (solenoid valve) so pretty sure it's fixable - think it will cost £75 minimum and we wil be without it for several weeks.
I don't know what a reasonable life span is for these machines - and can't decide whether its the beginning of the end - in which case I would rather start again with a new machine or whether if we get it fixed it will be as good as new for a few more years.

Anyone got any wisdom from experience for me?

Oh I forgot to say it is already five years old - and used daily.

Anyone?

I haven't had a Gaggia, but I've got a big Krupps. In time, the seals and valves wear out, or clog with scale, so if you've used it daily for 5 years, I would be wondering if a major repair will be worthwhile. If it needed another repair, you be more than half-way to a new one.

However look at what is now available. I got a similar-looking best buy as a replacement, but wasn't able to find a current espresso machine that will fill a half-pint mug.

Thanks for reply piglet - your comments made sense.
Have bought a new machine the same one - it's only (!) £180 - and my DSis reminded me she sold her old machine for about £60.