Common Auto Repair Cost Guide
Typical national price ranges for the most common repairs — a starting reference, not a quote. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, location, and the parts used.
Battery replacement
$150–$350
Includes a standard battery; premium/AGM batteries run higher.
Brake pad replacement (per axle)
$150–$350
Pads only; add rotors below if they need replacing too.
Brake rotor replacement (per axle)
$250–$500
Usually done alongside pads, not on its own.
Alternator replacement
$350–$700
Parts cost varies a lot by vehicle — luxury/import tends toward the high end.
Starter replacement
$300–$600
Labor-heavy on some vehicles due to access.
Oil & filter change (conventional)
$50–$100
Synthetic oil typically adds $20-40.
Oil & filter change (full synthetic)
$80–$150
Spark plug replacement (4-cyl)
$100–$250
6/8-cylinder engines run higher due to more plugs and labor.
Timing belt replacement
$500–$1000
Often bundled with a water pump replacement — ask if yours includes it.
Water pump replacement
$350–$700
Can be much higher if it requires removing the timing belt to access.
Serpentine belt replacement
$100–$250
CV axle replacement (one side)
$350–$650
Radiator replacement
$400–$900
Wheel alignment
$75–$200
Four-wheel alignment costs more than a front-end-only alignment.
Full vehicle diagnostic
$80–$180
Often credited toward the repair if you proceed with the fix.
Why prices vary so much
These are national averages, not quotes — your actual price depends on your specific vehicle (luxury and import parts cost more), your region's labor rates, whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts, and whether you're working with a mobile mechanic or a shop with different overhead.
The best way to know your real cost is a real, itemized quote for your specific vehicle — not a national average. Figure out your own labor rate if you're the one doing the quoting, or find a shop/mobile mechanic using real online quoting to get an exact number.
Running a shop or mobile operation? Give customers real quotes, not ranges.
Torqued's online quoting gives customers an instant, itemized estimate for their actual vehicle — not a guess.
Start Free Trial