Is this mechanic repair quote too high?
Shops routinely bundle minor, unneeded services and high labor rates into major engine and body repair quotes. This leaves vehicle owners unable to tell if they are paying fair market value or absorbing inflated charges for parts they may not actually require.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Doing the repairs yourself
- 2Getting multiple quotes from different repair shops
- 3Asking online communities for pricing opinions
- 4Posting itemized repair quotes on online forums to ask strangers for a second opinion on whether parts and labor are actually necessary.
- 5Using zip ties or new screws to make the bumper functional without caring about appearance
- 6Buying an unfolded unpainted bumper online and sourcing cheaper parts from a junkyard with independent labor
- 7getting an estimate from another mechanic
- 8visiting an independent exhaust shop for an aftermarket unit
- 9Getting quotes from independent shops with a specialty in specific car makes
- 10Buying parts online from reputable sources and having an independent mechanic install them
- 11Asking for an itemized invoice breaking down parts and labor
- 12Telling the shop to hold off or stop work immediately
- 13Taking the car to a different mechanic or shop
- 14Doing the repair yourself using video tutorials
- 15Find another independent mechanic or full-service shop
- 16Decline unnecessary upsold services like fuel system cleanings
- 17Perform minor maintenance tasks like changing air filters yourself
- 18Asking online forums for price checks
- 19Comparing dealership quotes with online parts prices
- 20Doing the diagnostics and repairs oneself
- 21Finding a different shop
- 22Getting a second opinion or quote from an independent shop
- 23Cleaning the mass air flow sensor
- 24Replacing spark plugs
- 25Driving the car without fixing it until the next inspection
- 26Doing the repair work yourself if mechanically inclined
- 27Accepting the cost as standard for specialty shops or dealerships
- 28Buying tools to diagnose and fix the vehicle yourself
- 29Returning to the shop to request warranty service or a correction
- 30getting multiple quotes from different shops
- 31asking for detailed itemized estimates to check parts markup and labor rates
- 32comparing part numbers online to retail prices
- 33Stopping by the shop in person to check if the car has moved
- 34Dividing the labor quote by the shop's hourly rate to estimate hours
- 35Asking online forums about typical turnaround times for specific vehicle models
- 36Supplying own genuine parts to a garage to pay for labor only, or evaluating whether certain recommended service components like transmission fluid changes are genuinely necessary.
- 37seeking alternative quotes from independent shops
- 38Asking online communities like Reddit to review and validate the fairness of mechanic or dealership estimates.
- 39asking mechanics online if fuel system cleaner additives like RedLine can fix carbon buildup instead of paying for a replacement
- 40Asking for more quotes from other shops
- 41Checking online part prices
- 42Calling local dealerships to check list prices
- 43Using a wrecking yard module
- 44seeking advice online
- 45replacing parts independently
- 46getting a second opinion
- 47getting a second opinion from another shop
- 48attempting to fix the car components yourself
- 49Comparing online parts prices to shop estimates
- 50Doing the repair work independently at home
- 51Seeking second opinions or looking for independent shops
- 52Asking for estimates online or through forums
- 53shopping around at a dozen different mechanic shops to compare prices
- 54buying the part myself and finding someone to install it
- 55Shopping around at independent repair shops
- 56Buying aftermarket parts from online retailers like RockAuto or Amazon
- 57Removing the control arm yourself and paying an independent shop just to press in new bushings
- 58Go somewhere else for a second opinion
- 59Ask the shop to send pictures of the damaged wiring
- 60Consult a specialist
- 61Asking mechanics online or in communities like Reddit to review and validate repair estimates
- 62Calling the repair shops directly to check prices
- 63Looking for shops that have standard pricing posted on signs inside the store window
- 64buying parts from discount sites like RockAuto
- 65asking online communities if a repair bill is accurate
- 66Asking the dealership to show the damage in person under the lift
- 67Getting a second opinion from an independent mechanic shop
- 68Inspecting the part for cracks, tears, or listening for metal-on-metal banging over bumps
- 69Taking the vehicle to independent mechanics or looking elsewhere for service
- 70Buying parts and performing the repairs yourself
- 71Telling the service advisor to decline the service and walking away
- 72asking others online to evaluate damage photos for pricing fairness
- 73Getting parts from wrecked cars for cheaper pricing
- 74Following the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual
- 75Declining dealership add-ons and seeking a second opinion or gut check
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I just reviewed their diagnostic report and repair estimate, and the quote seems outrageously high.”source ↗
“Over 1K for front pads and rotors is insane.”source ↗
“Not sure if this is something I would notice as a driver who doesn't know much about mechanic stuff. I haven't had any issues. If it's legit, I am very willing to get it fixed, but want to know if the price is fair and would appreciate your insight on this!”source ↗
“Only reason I go is because it's my Grandfather's only wish, he likes getting service done at Toyota only.. after these quotes I convinced him to look elsewhere for our vehicle”source ↗
“I just wanted to ask how urgent do you think this is and how soon should I get it done?”source ↗
“Some people I get, they dont want to take the time to take the car in to different places to get a quote, so they just want a quick double check from internet strangers on if they got the fuck you price or not.”source ↗
“Took it to the dealer to diagnose and they said both need replacement, but I just find it hard to believe that BOTH would go out at the same time..?”source ↗
“I don’t really have that kind of money because I just moved into a new house.”source ↗
“Was quoted 2k CAD parts/labour for front struts on my Volvo C30, seems a little steep, is this a fair price?”source ↗
“this price seems steep to me but maybe I'm wrong?”source ↗
“That's a ripoff I did the one on my car a few months ago 176$ for the quick strut already assembled delivered to my door and 1 hour to install them.”source ↗
“why not put it on your site right next to "services offered", what's the point? And when I call to check the price, it's not like they don't have a set price, they do, so why not just have that up front?”source ↗
“Is it truly what I suspect where they just want you to schedule and come in and then feel trapped by whatever they present you with?”source ↗
“Went to a new dealer service center because I moved away from the one I got my car at. But have no idea how important the below are to address or if prices are too much for what it is. Car only have 28.5K miles on it so still relatively new.”source ↗
“I went into the shop because my front brake pads needed replace and just to check where an oil leak on the truck is coming from. I was told the front end is loose. Do these prices seem fair?”source ↗
“I tried to research this a bit before posting but am still unsure about if the dealership is taking me for a ride on this.”source ↗
“my 2017 Nissan Pathfinder bumper. autobody shop said 2200 to fix. is that reasonable or is there anything I can do?”source ↗
“So my car’s AC recently broke and only warm wind blowing. I have a 2020 CLA45 and the dealership gave me this quote. Is this price normal? Really need advice.”source ↗
“I did an AC diagnose for 430$ and this is price they gave me for replacing the AC. I haven’t received any paperwork for the details yet.”source ↗
“Hi looking for some opinions on a quote I got.”source ↗
“Quoted me $1,100. Wondering if this is a fair price.”source ↗
“Also for a fuel system clean, new plugs and and air filter they want to charge me $700 am I being taken for a ride?”source ↗
“I just had an oil change place tell me that my jeep liberty has 12 spark plugs”source ↗
“Still not sure if they were trying to fuck me or just combo of standard upselling procedures and whatever their database thing is being wrong about my engine”source ↗
“So I took my 2019 Colorado in for a state inspection/oil change about a month ago. The shop claimed both rear brake rotors needed to be replaced in order to pass inspection, citing an uneven wear patch.”source ↗
“Now a month later, I look at the supposedly almost new rotor and pad only to see the exact same wear pattern. I'm feeling pretty crappy about the whole thing (ended up with a $800 bill)”source ↗
“So I was scammed originally? 🫤”source ↗
“Not everyone knows a lot about cars. They might actually have no idea how much a normal price would be.”source ↗
“A few days ago, my car started misfiring again. Took my car for an inspection and they recommend replacing the fuel injectors quoting ~$1700.”source ↗
“A used car and I do not know much about its history beside no mechanical errors.”source ↗
“I'm a newbie to cars especially my Honda.”source ↗
“2023 Kia rio. Got hit.”source ↗
“Since the beginning of summer, I've been trying to get the AC compressor replaced and have been suffering through hot air for months.”source ↗
“I went to Pep Boys for a quote initially and they quoted it in the $1700 range. I've been to about a dozen non chain mechanic shops since then that have more or less quoted me the same thing.”source ↗
“I feel like I have wasted months trying to secure a deal here when I could've just gotten it replaced months ago.”source ↗
“I was a little surprised, for this small dent? Just wanted some insight if that sounds right.”source ↗
“This is for a 2012 Prius V, been having issues with my emission test and finally decided to take it in”source ↗
“Please, I need help and some relief. I’m afraid this will cost a fortune”source ↗
“The hood is bent at an angle where it can’t open which potentially causing the car to vibrate. I’m not sure if that helps you take a guesstimate”source ↗
“They’re already working on it so what should I do?”source ↗
“Took my 2016 nissan sentra into the dealer because it was bogging down around 40mph. This is what they came back with. Does this seem like a fair price?”source ↗
“Nope. Really scratching my head over $840 labor here”source ↗
“dude $840 labor is wild. also why the MAF needs replaced too if power and ground checked out?”source ↗
“$1000 for a throttle body is beyond ridiculous.”source ↗
“My 2017 Volvo XC90 (turbo) needs a new drive belt, PCV, and brakes cleaned and lubed. Charging $432 for the serpentine belt and labor Charging $928 for pcv and labor Charging $200 for the brakes cleaned and lubed.”source ↗
“My dashboard is showing a Mercedes A9 service is due, but the estimates I’m getting especially from “specialist Mercedes garages” are fairly excessive and some are significantly higher than Mercedes itself especially for the automatic transmission oil component alone.”source ↗
“400 per control arm for a 10 year old car seems crazy to me.”source ↗
“I got a quote for an ABS module replacement on a 2018 RAM 1500. They quoted $5,500 which according to what I saw online seems way too much, so I wanted to check online (any tip welcome) while I ask for more quotes.”source ↗
“That might be the "fuck off we dont wanna do it price" Call around to ask other shops.”source ↗
“What's giving me pause is that everything I read online says a failed PCM is pretty rare on these, and that symptoms like this more often come down to fuel pressure or bad grounds.”source ↗
“So, is this diagnosis reasonable, or am I getting jerked around? Should I go ahead with the PCM, or should I try something else first?”source ↗
“Im not sure if the price for the labor are fair any help would be nice.”source ↗
“Quoted minimum of $1400+ for recommended worn/torn repair at Audi on the front axle”source ↗
“I was just surprised it would be this much”source ↗
“I’ll look into replacing them, but rather not pay the quoted $1800 they’re asking for”source ↗
“Quoted 1500$ for a downstream o2 sensor repair???”source ↗
“Am I being ripped off? It sure as heck feels like it but idk.”source ↗
“They will sell unnecessary service items, misdiagnose, and just overall suck and they will always spin it to make them look like they are the hero out to save you.”source ↗
“hard to call that bad from this pic alone. have them show you where it’s actually torn or show the play with a pry bar.”source ↗
“Nearly $4100 for a VTC Actuator and Timing Chain Replacement, is this mechanic upcharging me on other stuff that I need or don't need?”source ↗
“I'm pretty sure I don't exactly need the oil change as I just did it and the antifreeze but those are low cost % to the total cost and I will overlook that for now.”source ↗
“FWIW, this is my first time potentially replacing the chain + actuator so I'm assuming that these old worn parts are still honda genuine from the factory.”source ↗
“Here is the damage I’m not sure if it’s £300 ($380) since it’s a scratch of paint and little dent”source ↗
“Should they be charging this much for an alternator and belt?”source ↗
“We left our car at the shop last week, paid for it on friday. Guy said it should be done by friday. (Meaning tomorrow). We’ve stopped by on wednesday and thursday to see if our car’s still there. And it was in the exact spot where we left it. So if the approximate they gave us really is tomorrow and they call us to come pick up the car. Im gonna be reeeeal suspicious on whether or not they worked on the car at all.”source ↗
“Hey guys I got into an accident with someone and they said instead of asking insurance to pay which would cost way more they said they will go to a body car repair shop and send me the price for me to pay.”source ↗
“By looking at the door would you say it’s around that much price as I don’t want to be scammed”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 2How much does it cost to replace metal brake lines?
- 6How to know if a furnace repair recommendation is real
- 3How much does it cost to fix roof damage?
- 7How to find a trustworthy mechanic after losing DIY space
- 2How to estimate home repair costs before buying
- 16How to handle a mechanic who messed up brake repairs