Fair Quote Checker
A shop just quoted you a price and you have no idea if it's reasonable. That's normal — repair pricing isn't public, so there's nothing to compare it to. This tool fixes that: pick your repair, type in the number the shop gave you, and we'll instantly show you how it stacks up against typical pricing nationwide, with the math laid out so you can see exactly why.
It's not a way to prove a shop is scamming you — a quote above "typical" can be completely fair once you factor in OEM parts, warranties, or a tricky diagnosis. Think of it as a second opinion you can get in ten seconds, before you either approve the work or call around for a comparison quote.
Check your quote
Pick the repair, enter what your shop quoted you, and see how it compares to typical pricing.
Average cost-of-living metro — a rough adjustment, not a precise local rate.
Read this before you call the shop back
Prices vary by vehicle, region, and what's actually broken — a high quote isn't automatically a ripoff. OEM parts, manufacturer warranties, and extra diagnosis time all cost more for good reason. Use this as a sanity check, not an accusation. If a check-engine light is involved, get the FREE OBD2 scan at AutoZone, O'Reilly, or Advance Auto Parts first — no purchase required — so you know exactly what you're paying to fix.
Frequently asked questions
Why do repair quotes vary so much between shops?
Labor rates alone can swing 2–3x between an independent shop and a dealership. On top of that, shops differ on parts brand (OEM vs. aftermarket vs. reman), whether diagnosis time is included, local cost of living, and how busy they are. A quote that looks high isn't automatically wrong — it just means you should understand what's driving the number.
What should I actually say to negotiate a quote?
Try this line: "I've seen typical pricing for this repair run about [typical range] — can you break down what's driving your number, or is there room to match that?" It signals you've done your homework without accusing anyone of overcharging, and most shops will either explain the difference or adjust.
When is a high quote actually legitimate?
A quote above typical pricing can be completely fair if it includes OEM (not aftermarket) parts, a manufacturer or shop warranty, extra diagnostic time for an intermittent problem, same-day or emergency service, or dealership labor rates for specialized work. Ask what's included before assuming you're being overcharged.
Where do eli5cars' typical price numbers come from?
They're pulled from the same sourced dataset behind our Repair Cost Index — DIY parts cost vs. typical shop cost (parts + labor) for common repairs, reviewed periodically. See the full methodology and all 50+ repairs at the Repair Cost Index.
Want the full dataset behind these numbers — all 50+ repairs, DIY vs. shop cost, and methodology? See the Repair Cost Index →