Not long ago my 18-year-old Toyota Corolla started acting up all at once. First it failed the emissions inspection. That same day the battery warning came on and wouldn’t clear. Then, to top it off, the water pump gave out.
I ended up spending almost $500 on parts and labor, but those fixes could have easily run into the thousands if the parts hadn’t been covered by warranties.
Auto repairs can become extremely expensive, with parts and labor adding up to tens of thousands of dollars over a vehicle’s lifetime. The older the car, the more likely you’ll face higher costs. Still, based on a vehicle’s year, make and model, it’s frequently less costly to keep an older car on the road than to buy a new one.
Whether your car is nearly new or barely hanging on, here are eight practical strategies to help you save thousands on vehicle repairs.
1. Use Warranties to Your Advantage
Lots of parts come with lifetime or limited lifetime guarantees. Sales staff usually mention this when you buy the item and it’s printed on your receipt; the store’s system also records the warranty.
I bought a DieHard battery from Sears in 2006 for $124 that included a 36-month full-replacement warranty and a 10-year prorated warranty. When the battery died in 2012 I brought my six-year-old receipt to the shop and only paid $38 for a brand-new battery — almost $90 saved.
Labor warranties are sometimes available too. In 2000 I paid $99 for a lifetime wheel-alignment warranty at Firestone. In congested cities with potholes and other road hazards, you should get an alignment at least annually. That one purchase has saved me more than $1,500 over the years.
If you can choose between a one-time service or a lifetime warranty, it’s usually worth investing in the warranty now to save later. Even if you don’t plan to keep your car long, buy it anyway. Store all warranties and receipts in a safe place; you’ll need them for as long as you own the vehicle.
2. Cut Down on Core Charges
Many components can be rebuilt — the industry calls these “cores.” When replacing a core item like a battery or starter, you’ll often be expected to return the old unit to the retailer or pay a “core charge” or deposit. Returning the used core can sometimes reimburse a large portion of your purchase, though it’s typically just part of it.
For instance, in 2012 I bought spark plug wires for $36.99 for a tune-up. By returning the old wires, I’ve since recouped nearly $75 in core refunds.
3. Shop Around Online
If you’re not pressed for time, search for parts online. They’re frequently less expensive and often ship for free.
When I needed two struts recently, my mechanic quoted $270. The local store’s online rep said ordering through them could save me $50, but I found both struts on eBay for $128 with free delivery — a $142 saving.
4. Take Advantage of Online Discounts and Coupons
Before buying anything, hunt for discounts. Some retailers provide coupons usable online and in stores; others are digital-only.
When my car needed an EGR valve, I searched and found a $50-off coupon from Advanced Auto. My total with tax would’ve been $165; with the coupon I paid $114. After the core credit, my out-of-pocket was $58 — a $107 savings.
5. Ask for Free Shipping
Many online auto sellers provide free home delivery for orders over a set amount. If your purchase is below that threshold, request that they ship it to a local store for free pickup.
6. Watch for Physical Coupons
Many service shops still mail physical coupons to bring customers in. I received a $9.99 oil change coupon from Toyota; typical local prices run about $29.99, so this saved me $20.
That kind of discount is often a one-time incentive to get you into the facility, but you can also find deals through Groupon and regional deal sites. Keep an eye out for specials as you drive by businesses, too.
7. Build a Relationship with a Reliable Mechanic
Once you earn a mechanic’s trust, they may cut you breaks on labor or bundle services for less. Independent, home-based mechanics might use their own supplies without adding costs and could offer payment flexibility or payment plans when you’re short on cash.
8. Skip Dealership Services When Possible
Unless your vehicle requires specialized dealer-only work, you usually don’t need to use dealership service centers — they’re often more expensive. In a Popular Mechanics Q&A with an unnamed dealership service manager, he admitted that bills are frequently inflated with extra line items — though he also noted dealership techs may have deeper knowledge of that specific brand’s vehicles.
I had a free diagnostic at the Toyota dealership where they insisted I needed a catalytic converter at $1,100. A local independent shop quoted $500. I’ll choose the local shop and bank the $600 I saved for routine maintenance and small fixes.
Your Turn: How do you cut costs on car repairs?
