Common Repairs That Can Total Out Your Car’s Value
Budgeting for car repairs isn't always easy. After all, costs do have a tendency to fluctuate! But certain fixes can be very expensive, leaving you with a bill that actually surpasses your vehicle's current value. Is it worth the hassle? To give you a helping hand, we're going to reel off those pricey repairs right here.
Replacing the Engine
The thought of replacing your car's engine can be daunting, to say the least — especially if your powertrain warranty has expired. In those cases, the costs can reach eye-watering levels. We're talking between $3,000 and $4,000 at a car shop. And it's even pricier for high performance vehicles.
An Engine Rebuild
While replacing a car engine can cost a fair chunk of change, how about an engine rebuild? Is that a cheaper option? Not by much! $2,500 is one of the lower price points, and it could jump up to $4,000 depending on the complexity of the job.
Transmission Replacement
Have you ever needed to replace the transmission on your car before? No? Well, know this — it's an extremely expensive job. The average figure is usually between $2,500 and $7,000. But it can cost more than that if you've got a high-end make or model.
Repairing Cylinders
Cylinders are essential parts of car engines. So that means you've got to be prepared to pay if something goes wrong with them. Fixing a cracked cylinder head can cost between $500 and $1,000. But you're looking at $2,500 for a full replacement. Your wallet won't like that job!
Engine Block Repairs
Repairing a car's engine block doesn't come easy or cheap. Talk about a bad combo! This particular job can cost around $4,000 on a good day. Yet it can also rise up to $8,000. And there's a chance that it could be a lot pricier if the damage is really severe.
Fixing a Bent Frame
Bent car frames are no joke, folks. Depending on the level of damage, your repair bill could fluctuate between a manageable fee and a wince-inducing total. Minor fixes can be in the $600 region. As for the more extensive repairs, you might be looking at a sum closer to $10,000!
Replacing an Electric Car Battery
Curious how much it costs to replace an electric car battery? Well, it's not cheap — by any stretch! On the more affordable end of the scale, you could pay under $3,000 for a new battery. But on the other end? Oh boy. Prices can reach around $20,000.
Brake System Replacement
Fortunately, brake rotors and pads don't cost that much to fix. But the same can't be said for the entire brake system. If you need a new one installed, that could set you back by well over $1,000. Coupled with any other repairs the car might require, it can all add up.
Repairing the Camshaft
Another vital part of the engine, the camshaft manages both the intake and exhaust valves. Should something go wrong with it, you need to be ready to spend! Yes, repair costs can range between $1,000 and $2,500 — and in some cases it can even rise to $3,000.
Suspension Overhaul
Overhauling your car's suspension is a significant job. After all, it's a system made up of many different parts. So how much would it cost you? Well, you'd be looking at a bill for no less than $1,000 in a best case scenario. But it could rise up to around $5,000.
Replacing the Axle Shaft
It's pivotal to keep your axle shafts in working order. Why's that? Well, without them, your car's wheels just won't rotate! But replacing those shafts can cost a pretty penny at the shop. We're talking roughly $1,600-plus in some bad cases.
Heater Core Replacement
The heater core keeps your car's interior nice and toasty during the winter months. What happens if it goes wrong, though? How much will you have to pay to fix it? Well, costs can surpass $1,000. But keep this in mind. A faulty heater core could be a sign of other pricey issues within your vehicle.
Removing Rust
We won't beat around the bush here — car rust is horrible to deal with. It's not a good look for your vehicle! On top of that, it isn't the cheapest problem to fix, either. If you want a full rust removal, you're staring at an average cost of roughly $3,000.
Repairing the Steering Rack
When something goes wrong with the steering rack, ignoring it isn't an option. You've got to get it checked out at a car shop. And that can be bad news for your wallet. You see, repairing a faulty steering rack could cost you close to $2,500.
A Transmission Rebuild
As we mentioned earlier, replacing your transmission can be a very expensive job. How about a rebuild, though? Is that a more financially friendly option? Yes and no! Rebuilding a transmission is cheaper, but it'll still cost you a hefty chunk. The average fee is usually between $2,000 and $3,500.
Head Gasket Replacement
Curious as to what stops the coolant, oil, and combustion gases from leaking out of an engine? Say hello to the head gasket. It's a vital component. And replacing a faulty one could really eat into your budget. The average cost for this job ranges from $2,000 to $6,000.
Replacing the Catalytic Converter
A healthy catalytic converter is an absolute must. Don't forget, this component stops toxic emissions from leaving your tailpipe. Replacing a broken converter doesn't come cheap, though. The average cost is well over $2,000. It can even jump up to around $3,500 in some cases.
PCM Repairs
The Powertrain Control Module, otherwise known as PCM, is another important component found in your car. It's the powertrain system's central computer. So how much does it cost to repair one? Quite a bit! The average price for this job can rise to around $1,500 or so.
Replacing an Airbag
It goes without saying that airbags are integral to your safety inside a vehicle. But have you ever needed to replace one? It can be a pretty pricey job! A single airbag can cost up to $2,000, while multiple replacements could set you back by roughly $6,000.
Clutch Replacement
Clutches do suffer from wear and tear over time, so you might have to replace yours at some point in the future. But your wallet won't appreciate the cost! The average price for getting a new clutch for your car can range from $1,200 to $2,500.
Repairing the Diesel Particulate Filter
Do you drive a diesel? If so, your car will be fitted with a diesel particulate filter. This component stops soot from leaving your exhaust system. It's quite expensive to repair, though! On average, you can expect to pay up to $3,500 to get it fixed.
Fuel Injector Replacement
While they might not be the biggest of components under the hood, fuel injectors can still cost a hefty chunk of change to replace. How much are we talking here, then? Well, the average price can rise to around $2,500 in some cases.
Replacing the Air Conditioner Compressor
Losing your car's air conditioner compressor is bad news — especially during the summer months. And unfortunately, your wallet will feel a lot lighter after replacing it! The average cost can reach around $1,000, but some folks have had to pay closer to $2,000 for a new compressor.
Turbocharger Assembly Replacement
Arguably one of the most complicated things to fix in your car, turbocharger assemblies aren't cheap to replace. At all! If you're lucky, you might just have to pay $2,000 or so for a replacement. But this job can rise to roughly $6,000 in other cases.
Replacing the Radiator
Car radiators are very important under the hood. Remember, they stop your engine from overheating. Now, replacing a faulty radiator doesn't cost as much as some other repairs, but it's still not exactly cheap. You could pay up to $1,000 to get the job done.
Replacing the Timing Belt
A faulty timing belt could spell disaster for certain components inside your car's engine. You really don't want to deal with the consequences there! So how much does it cost to replace a timing belt? Well, the average price usually sits between $580 and $1,400.
Alternator Replacement
Car alternators are essentially generators, supplying electricity to the electrical systems and the battery. Fixing them can be a pain, though! In most cases, replacing an alternator costs between $350 and $900. Yet the price can jump to $1,000 or more with certain cars.
Replacing the Starter Motor
You won't get far without a working starter motor, folks. It's integral to the engine! Replacing this component doesn't come cheap, so you've got to be prepared for the bill. Generally, the price can range from around $700 to $1,000 — but it could be more for a high performance car.
Dual Mass Flywheel Repairs
If you're looking to save money, then this job will certainly make you wince! Repairing your car's dual mass flywheel is a pretty pricey endeavor. You're looking at least $840. But it can rise to $2,500 and beyond depending on the vehicle.
Water Pump Replacement
Much like the radiator, you car's water pump also plays a vital role in keeping the engine cool. How bad are the repair costs if something goes wrong, though? Well, we'll be honest — it's not great! The average price can range between $400 and $1,000.
Repairing the Door Handles
Depending on the type of car you drive, fixing a busted door handle won't break the bank. You could be looking at a minimum cost of $150. But it's a different story with something like a Tesla. In those cases, the price can jump to more than $1,000.
Repairing a Window Regulator
Without a working window regulator, you can't open or close your vehicle's windows. It can be problematic, to say the least! Is it an expensive fix, though? You bet. The average cost for this job can rise to around $800 or so at car shops.
Seatbelt Repairs
If you need to fix a jammed seatbelt, you're unlikely to pay more than $80 for the job. Not bad, right? But if the whole assembly has to be replaced, then that figure will skyrocket. We're talking a fee of around $500 here, folks.
Replacing the Upholstery
There's no getting around it, folks — replacing your car's upholstery can cost a lot of money. One seat could set you back by up to $750! The fee for the whole vehicle, though? You're might end up paying closer to $2,000.
Repairing the Wheel Well
Wheel well repair costs are no joke. If yours are damaged and they require serious work, such as welding, you could be left facing a very hefty bill. Some folks have had to cough up in excess of $2,000 for those jobs in the past!
Through: Martin Vorel