DIY vs Mechanic Cost Comparison
Honest cost breakdowns for common repairs. Know before you go to the shop.
Brake Pad Replacement
DIY: $40-$120
Shop: $150-$350
Beginner-Friendly
Oil Change
DIY: $25-$70
Shop: $60-$150
Very Easy
Tire Rotation
DIY: $0-$0
Shop: $25-$60
Very Easy
Spark Plug Replacement
DIY: $20-$80
Shop: $100-$300
Beginner-Friendly
Air Filter Replacement
DIY: $10-$30
Shop: $40-$80
Very Easy
Battery Replacement
DIY: $80-$200
Shop: $150-$350
Very Easy
Alternator Replacement
DIY: $100-$300
Shop: $350-$700
Moderate
Starter Replacement
DIY: $80-$250
Shop: $300-$600
Moderate
Timing Belt Replacement
DIY: $50-$150
Shop: $500-$1000
Advanced
Water Pump Replacement
DIY: $40-$120
Shop: $300-$750
Moderate
Radiator Replacement
DIY: $80-$250
Shop: $350-$900
Moderate
Fuel Pump Replacement
DIY: $80-$300
Shop: $400-$1000
Moderate
Catalytic Converter Replacement
DIY: $150-$600
Shop: $500-$2000
Moderate
Oxygen Sensor Replacement
DIY: $20-$80
Shop: $150-$350
Beginner-Friendly
Mass Air Flow Sensor Replacement
DIY: $30-$120
Shop: $150-$400
Very Easy
Throttle Body Cleaning
DIY: $10-$20
Shop: $60-$150
Very Easy
Transmission Fluid Change
DIY: $30-$100
Shop: $100-$300
Beginner-Friendly
Coolant Flush
DIY: $20-$60
Shop: $100-$200
Beginner-Friendly
Power Steering Flush
DIY: $15-$40
Shop: $80-$150
Beginner-Friendly
Brake Fluid Flush
DIY: $15-$30
Shop: $80-$180
Beginner-Friendly
Wheel Bearing Replacement
DIY: $60-$150
Shop: $300-$700
Advanced
CV Axle Replacement
DIY: $60-$200
Shop: $300-$700
Moderate
Ball Joint Replacement
DIY: $40-$120
Shop: $300-$700
Advanced
Tie Rod Replacement
DIY: $25-$80
Shop: $200-$450
Moderate
Strut Replacement
DIY: $100-$300
Shop: $450-$1200
Advanced
Shock Absorber Replacement
DIY: $60-$200
Shop: $350-$900
Moderate
Serpentine Belt Replacement
DIY: $15-$50
Shop: $100-$250
Beginner-Friendly
AC Recharge
DIY: $30-$60
Shop: $150-$300
Very Easy
Cabin Air Filter Replacement
DIY: $10-$25
Shop: $50-$100
Very Easy
Thermostat Replacement
DIY: $10-$40
Shop: $150-$350
Beginner-Friendly
Head Gasket Replacement
DIY: $100-$400
Shop: $1200-$3500
Expert
EGR Valve Cleaning
DIY: $15-$30
Shop: $150-$400
Beginner-Friendly
Fuel Injector Cleaning
DIY: $10-$30
Shop: $60-$200
Beginner-Friendly
Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
DIY: $15-$60
Shop: $150-$300
Beginner-Friendly
Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement
DIY: $15-$60
Shop: $150-$350
Beginner-Friendly
Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement
DIY: $15-$50
Shop: $150-$300
Beginner-Friendly
Knock Sensor Replacement
DIY: $20-$80
Shop: $250-$600
Moderate
EVAP Purge Valve Replacement
DIY: $15-$50
Shop: $100-$250
Beginner-Friendly
PCV Valve Replacement
DIY: $5-$20
Shop: $50-$150
Very Easy
Brake Caliper Replacement
DIY: $60-$180
Shop: $250-$600
Moderate