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10 most common car repairs and auto repair financing explained
Car troubles, am I right? Not to mention the much-dreaded expenses that come with car repairs. My personal nightmare is getting overcharged, because how much is too much for a car repair, anyway? Keep reading to discover all you need to know about costs and auto repair financing.
Do you sometimes wish you didn’t have to adult? I know I do! An inevitable part of adulting includes driving a car that sometimes gives you grief. With 3 out of 4 Americans living paycheck to paycheck, it is very plausible that an unexpected auto repair bill can make it difficult to make it till your next payday. This is where we step in with short-term loan options. Get auto repair financing here.
Don’t you just hate overpaying for things? We all do! That’s why it is important to have an idea of how much the most common car repairs cost. Of course, the numbers will vary depending on where you live, the extent of problem/damage, and the auto center you choose. I’ll pull some estimates to serve as a solid starting point for your reference.
Before we dig deeper into the most common car repairs, auto repair loans, and auto repair financing, let’s take a look at what depreciation looks like for some of the most popular car models in the United States. This is a way to gauge what your vehicle is worth after a few years before you splurge a small fortune on car repair.
Car Depreciation Chart
This car depreciation chart shows how five popular car models depreciate over time. I have used the Kelly Blue Book car depreciation calculator to arrive at these results. You can enter details such as make, model, and year of your car to get an estimate of what your car is worth after a while.
| Make & Model | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
| 2019 Toyota Camry SE Sedan 4D | $24,609 | $22,111 | $18,276 | $16,818 | $13,989 | $11,834 |
| 2019 Ford F150 Regular Cab XL | $25,943 | $21,412 | $20,367 | $14,287 | $11,807 | $10,050 |
| 2019 Honda Civic LX Coupe 2D | $21,101 | $15,446 | $14,038 | $14,324 | $11,574 | $10,057 |
| 2019 Chervrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab | $32,205 | $28,620 | $23,551 | $19,205 | $15,975 | $13,474 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S Long Range Sedan | $71,697 | $67,104 | $42,129 | $34,706 | $28,897 | $24,130 |
Resale values of a few car models over time are shown in the car depreciation chart above. It is wise to consult a car depreciation chart before you buy a new car as it helps assess what your car will be worth over the years.
How Much is Too Much for a Car Repair?
Now let me share something that happened recently.
I took my car in for maintenance last month for a routine oil change. Nothing out of the norm. A few minutes after my car was taken back, an employee came in with a clipboard. He had run diagnostics on my Toyota Corolla and had news to share with me. It wasn’t just an oil change. He said my car needed repairs.
My windshield wipers were bad. OK, a little shock to my pride. But I’ll trust you.
My air filter was dirty. OK, makes sense.
My cabin filter was the worst he had ever seen. Sure, OK. Say what you will.
He said everything needed immediate repair or else my car would explode.
Alright, maybe not explode…But he emphasized a need for these repairs to be done quickly.
Sure, I said, as he ran up an estimate.
Over $250…
Huh? No way. Not a chance, that’s my car! I asked for an explanation. We went through the itemized repairs one-by-one. I took my best guess at what could take a pass and what was more of a need. This brough me back to the question—how much is too much for a car repair?
Every service I declined, he backed up with an explanation. I wouldn’t bite. But that didn’t stop him. He left and came back with my cabin filter—as dark as the midnight sky, a mangled mess of what vaguely resembled a filter. Something I’m sure was a gimmick and not my real cabin filter.
Bargaining ended. Then came upsell. Apparently, my car needs premium oil and windshield wipers dipped in gold. I left with a bill totaling $150. It was way, way more than I had bargained for when I began.
It pains me knowing this scenario plays out with millions of people every day. I want to put an end to that. I looked at the most common auto repairs and what they cost in hopes that sharing this knowledge may help you stand tall in these situations. Please be aware that some types of repairs cost more than others.
These days cars aren’t a luxury. Cars are a necessity in order to go to and from work. When faced with car repair expenses, sometimes it can be a bit of a catch twenty-two. You’re faced with an expense that’s difficult to pay without going to work, but can’t go to work without a car. That’s why many people get auto repair loans or emergency loans to pay for an unexpected car repair.
Next, I’ll talk about some of the most common auto repairs and what they cost. Knowing how much the most common car repairs cost can help ensure you’re charged a fair price. Empower yourself with this knowledge and share with your friends so they know, too.
10 Most Common Auto Repairs and What They Cost
In my quest to answer how much is too much for a car repair, I went into research mode and dug up these standard cost ranges. All average cost estimates include parts and labor.
1. Oil change
Average oil change cost: $35-60
It’s likely the thing you’ll do most often in terms of vehicle maintenance. Forewarning: Expect them to tell you to change the oil every 3,000 miles. That’s not entirely true. Most modern lubricants only require a change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If you use full-synthetic motor oil, you may go up to 10,000 miles between services.
2. Air filter
Average car air filter cost: $60-90
Your air filter keeps particles of sand, dirt, and dust from getting sucked into your engine. It’s recommended you swap it out once a year, or every 10,000 miles. Word of caution: Air filters are inexpensive. Buying an air filter itself will set you back between $60-90 and installing it DIY is quite simple. Dealerships and repair shops tend to run up the total for this repair. If you receive a price quote on the higher side, consider going the DIY route on this repair.
3. Car battery
Average car battery replacement cost: $260-320
Car batteries have a lifespan of two to five years. At some point, you will likely need to change your car battery. What you pay to replace your car battery may vary significantly, depending on your vehicle type and the battery type. It’s typical to pay anywhere around $260-320 for a car battery. But the cost may go up as high as $400 in some cases!
4. Break pads
Average brake pads cost: $260-300
Just as you need to go, you need to stop. How long brake pads last is usually about 40,000 miles. But you may need to repair them earlier than that mark, depending on wear and tear. When it’s time to replace your brake pads, you can expect to pay close to $260-300 per axle (your vehicle has two, btw). In total, expect a quote in the ballpark of $300.
5. Break shoes
Average brake shoes cost: $200-275
Brake pads and brake shoes are not the same thing. But they do carry a lot of similarities, including basic function. Brake shoes are housed inside the brake drum and not exposed to the elements like brake pads are. Therefore, brake shoes may outlast brake pads. It’s recommended to change brake shoes every 40,000 miles. But some may go longer. Brake shoes are easier to manufacture, and therefore their replacement costs less.
6. Spark plugs
Average spark plugs cost: $200-300
Spark plugs ignite the fuel mixture in your engine, and in essence, provide you with the power to go. Conventional spark plugs wear out after about 40,000 miles but may go much longer. To tell if your spark plugs are wearing out, you may notice difficulties starting your car. Typically, your car will have anywhere between two and six spark plugs. Fortunately, spark plugs are relatively inexpensive, but repair costs are on the higher side. The cost of replacing spark plugs usually runs between $200-300.
7. Catalytic converter
Average catalytic converter cost: $1,400-1,800
This one hurts. Replacing the catalytic converter is an expensive fix. Your catalytic converter is responsible for filtering and eliminating emissions from your car’s exhaust system. If your catalytic converter goes bad, you may experience sluggish vehicle performance and even overheating. Its location makes replacing the catalytic converter a time-consuming repair, and a costly one, too. Your repair shop will likely charge between $70-130 an hour for labor. At the end of it all, your repair may cost up to $2,000 (or more).
8. Windshield wipers
Average windshield wipers cost: $20-40 (DIY); $50-60 (Repair shop)
Just about anyone can swap out their windshield wiper blades. It takes about a minute for each blade, from start-to-finish. Should you let the repair shop replace them, expect a pricey repair. But I don’t recommend you let them swap them out for you. Typically, a windshield wiper blade runs anywhere from $10-20 per blade. Fair warning: It’s inevitable that even the most expensive wiper blades will wear out eventually. I join others who recommend opting for the cheaper blades and changing them twice per year, as the more expensive alternatives may get you a year at best.
9. Antifreeze
Average antifreeze cost: $125-150
Your coolant, also called antifreeze, helps keep your engine from overheating. It also helps prevent corrosion and wear. Every now and then, your coolant needs flushed out and cleaned. This relatively inexpensive process requires you to swap out the old and replace it with the new. In all, the cost of an antifreeze change is between $125-150. This is different than simply topping off your coolant levels, which you can do yourself for about $10. It’s recommended you change your antifreeze every 30,000 miles.
10. Tires
Average cost of new tires: $100-300 each
Anyone who’s visited a tire shop knows that tires come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. Tires for a Toyota Corolla run cheaper than those made for a Ford Expedition. It’s expected that your tires will cost anywhere in the range of $100-300 per tire. If you drive a bigger vehicle, you can expect to fall on the higher end of that scale. It’s quite common for tire shops to run discounts and special promotions, including Buy 3, Get 1 Free. If you can, replace all four tires at the same time. It’ll keep your car balanced and performing better.
These are the most common auto repairs that often get people into a financial fix. Not everyone has extra cash before payday to afford a repair and this is where auto repair loans serve their purpose. Keep reading to discover more about ways to save money on auto repairs and auto repair financing.
What you can do to reduce repair costs
Do It Yourself.
Some auto repair shops make a killing on repairs. With labor costs on average running $70-130 an hour, doing the labor yourself can help lower your repair costs. You won’t be able to do every repair yourself, but plenty of minor repairs can be done at home. It’s worth researching first to see if the repair is something you can take on yourself. To learn what you’re doing, visit the treasure bank of information—a place called YouTube—for informative how-tos.
Change your oil frequently.
Fresh oil helps keep your car running smoothly. You might’ve heard that you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles or every three months. I’ll admit that I don’t do that. Find out what type of oil your car uses first. It’ll give you a better indicator of what’s recommended. Then, don’t go beyond the recommendation. My car uses synthetic oil, which is recommended to change every 7,500 miles. I change my oil every 6,000-7,000 miles, just before the recommendation.
Rotate your tires often.
You know by reading earlier that new tires can be costly. By rotating your tires, you can extend their life by a few thousand miles or more. When you rotate your tires, you give them the chance to even out their wear. It’s inexpensive to have this done and takes only a few minutes. You’ll find most recommend you have this done with every oil change. Oh, and check that air pressure, too.
Maintain your car in the winter.
I’ve had my fair share of car troubles and in my experience, cold weather doesn’t help. In the winter it’s especially important to keep up with your car maintenance. Snowy salty roads can damage car paint and metal, so you may want to wash your car more often in the winter. Colder temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop – 1-2 pounds per square inch (PSI) for every 10° drop in the weather. Low tire pressure can lead to tire failure, poor handling, and fuel inefficiency, costing you more in the long run if you don’t keep your tires aired up. Cold weather can impact your car’s battery, engine, and even windshield. It is common to run into issues with your vehicle during the winter months. For winterized car repairs, a holiday loan might be helpful.
Ask for a second opinion.
Sometimes we’re fortunate to have a trusted auto shop. But not all of us do. With any repair that’s outside the norm, you want confidence in the repair. Ask for a second opinion. There’s nothing wrong with asking someone else to inspect your vehicle or review the pricing you received from another shop. You’re simply gathering information, and no one can fault you for that. You want to make an informed and confident decision. Your auto shop may even encourage you to do this to ensure a level of trust with them.
What to do if you can’t afford your car repair? Auto repair financing for the win!
Listen, nobody budgets for a costly auto repair. It’s perfectly normal to find yourself out of money when the car breaks down. I hear these stories often. It feels like you’re out of options. But you’re not. Plenty of people utilize auto repair loans to deal with such situations.
What can I use the auto repair loans for?
Pretty much anything car related. It could any of the items mentioned on the list of most common car repairs like new tires, a new car battery, or to fix something after an accident that your insurance doesn’t cover.
Taking out auto repair loans
You might consider a short-term loan from Net Pay Advance. It’s designed specifically for instances like these, to help with unexpected expenses. Believe it or not, a large portion of our customers come to us to help pay for car repairs. It might be just what you need.
There are several benefits of getting auto repair loans from Net Pay Advance. You can apply online, from the repair shop, the side of the road, or even in your home. Net Pay Advance gives you a speedy decision, so you don’t have to wait. Instant funding* once approved is available. Best of all, the application has no hard credit checks and provides full transparency from the get-go!
How it works: If approved, Net Pay Advance will give you the money you need to pay for your auto repair. You stay on the road. You’ll pay it back according to your payment schedule. Since the schedule is based on your pay dates, it’s convenient to repay.
Looking for auto repair loans? Let us help.