Car repair cost guide
Real DIY part cost vs. what a shop charges — so you know what you're dealing with before you talk to any mechanic.
Alternator
DIY ~$120 · Shop ~$450 · moderate
Ball Joint
DIY ~$80 · Shop ~$350 · hard
Battery Cables
DIY ~$8 · Shop ~$95 · easy
Brake Caliper
DIY ~$80 · Shop ~$280 · moderate
Brake Pads
DIY ~$35 · Shop ~$180 · easy
Car Battery
DIY ~$120 · Shop ~$220 · easy
Catalytic Converter
DIY ~$250 · Shop ~$1800 · hard
Control Arm Bushing
DIY ~$30 · Shop ~$250 · hard
Coolant Hose (Radiator Hose)
DIY ~$20 · Shop ~$180 · easy
Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT Sensor)
DIY ~$20 · Shop ~$180 · easy
Crankshaft Position Sensor
DIY ~$35 · Shop ~$225 · easy
CV Axle (CV Joint / Drive Axle)
DIY ~$90 · Shop ~$400 · moderate
EGR Valve (Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve)
DIY ~$80 · Shop ~$350 · moderate
Engine Air Filter
DIY ~$20 · Shop ~$45 · easy
EVAP Purge Valve
DIY ~$30 · Shop ~$150 · easy
EVAP Vent Valve
DIY ~$40 · Shop ~$170 · moderate
Fuel Filter
DIY ~$20 · Shop ~$110 · easy
Fuel Injector
DIY ~$15 · Shop ~$150 · easy
Fuel Pressure Regulator
DIY ~$50 · Shop ~$280 · moderate
Fuel Pump
DIY ~$200 · Shop ~$560 · moderate
Head Gasket
DIY ~$250 · Shop ~$1800 · hard
Ignition Coil
DIY ~$30 · Shop ~$200 · easy
Ignition Switch
DIY ~$45 · Shop ~$260 · moderate
Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF Sensor)
DIY ~$40 · Shop ~$220 · easy
Motor Mount (Engine Mount)
DIY ~$60 · Shop ~$350 · moderate
Oil Pan Gasket
DIY ~$30 · Shop ~$400 · moderate
Oxygen (O2) Sensor
DIY ~$45 · Shop ~$200 · moderate
PCV Valve (Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve)
DIY ~$10 · Shop ~$80 · easy
Piston Rings
DIY ~$800 · Shop ~$3000 · hard
Power Steering Pump
DIY ~$120 · Shop ~$450 · moderate
Radiator
DIY ~$80 · Shop ~$550 · moderate
Serpentine Belt
DIY ~$25 · Shop ~$200 · easy
Shock Absorber
DIY ~$80 · Shop ~$300 · moderate
Spark Plugs
DIY ~$25 · Shop ~$150 · easy
Starter Motor
DIY ~$80 · Shop ~$350 · moderate
Steering Rack (Rack and Pinion)
DIY ~$350 · Shop ~$900 · hard
Strut Assembly
DIY ~$200 · Shop ~$550 · hard
Sway Bar Link
DIY ~$25 · Shop ~$130 · easy
Engine Thermostat
DIY ~$25 · Shop ~$200 · easy
Throttle Body
DIY ~$12 · Shop ~$140 · easy
Tie Rod End
DIY ~$50 · Shop ~$220 · moderate
Valve Cover Gasket
DIY ~$20 · Shop ~$300 · easy
VVT Actuator (Cam Phaser)
DIY ~$120 · Shop ~$900 · hard
VVT Solenoid
DIY ~$35 · Shop ~$200 · moderate
Brake Rotors
DIY ~$80 · Shop ~$300 · moderate
Water Pump
DIY ~$60 · Shop ~$450 · hard
Wheel Bearing
DIY ~$80 · Shop ~$350 · hard
Wheel Hub Assembly
DIY ~$90 · Shop ~$380 · moderate