I need a new inverter cable for my MacBook (5.5 years old). Can I get it replaced cheaply, or should I buy a new laptop?

Hi! I have a 5.5-year-old Macbook4.1, and I've been having problems with the display. I googled the problem and found out that I've got a wonky inverter cable. Apparently, the part itself is relatively cheap, but the labor (which involves taking nearly the whole laptop apart) means that the repair is expensive. The quote I got (in Germany, where I live) is 200 euros.
My laptop has been functioning just fine besides the display problem, but since it's already so old, it seems to make sense to buy a new laptop rather than repairing this one. However, someone told me that I should contact Apple first and see if they might cut me a deal on the repair, since I'm an existing customer and they'd want to keep me happy. I tried doing this through the Apple Support site, but I'd have to pay $50 to do that, which seems to defeat the purpose. Going to an Apple store is also prohibitively expensive, since there aren't any very close to me.
So my question is this. Does anyone see any reason why I shouldn't buy a new laptop? The one I would probably end up buying is about $550 (not a Mac), so it's more money than I'd pay for the repair, but...you know. Sunk costs, and all that. I'd be appreciative of any opinions!
Sidenote: in case anyone doubts my diagnosis, here's a description of the problem. When my screen is open, I can see a very faint picture on the display, but the screen is pretty much dark. When I slowly tilt the screen as if to close it, the picture suddenly comes back. So when the laptop is open at any angle more than about 45 degrees, the display is dark.

go on give it a go! what have you got to lose;
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Core+2+Duo+Inverter+Cable+Replacement/4772

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