How to read a car repair estimate before you say yes

A repair estimate describes what's wrong with the car and what it will cost to fix. Ask for it in writing before you agree to any work. Reading it line by line, before the work starts, tells you exactly what you're agreeing to pay for.

What you need

• The written estimate, or a copy of it
• The car's owner's manual and maintenance records
• A few minutes at the counter or on the phone with the service writer

Steps

1. 1

   Find the problem being fixed

   The estimate should name the problem to be repaired. Check that it matches what you told the shop and what the car is doing.

   3 min

2. 2

   Read the parts list

   The estimate should list the parts needed. If it doesn't say whether each part is new, remanufactured or salvaged, ask.

   4 min

3. 3

   Read the labor line

   The estimate should show the expected labor charge. Some shops charge a flat rate, based on a published estimate of how long the repair takes. Others charge for the hours actually worked. Ask which this shop uses.

   4 min

4. 4

   Ask about the diagnostic charge

   Many shops charge for the time it takes to find the problem. Ask whether you still pay it if you have the repair done somewhere else.

   2 min

5. 5

   Find the approval line

   The estimate should say the shop will call you for approval before doing work beyond a set amount of time or money. If it doesn't, ask them to add it.

   2 min

6. 6

   Ask about the repair warranty

   There's no standard warranty on repairs, so get the shop's in writing. Many makers warrant replacement parts but not the labor to put them in.

   3 min

7. 7

   Check you have your own copy

   You should leave with a copy that shows the problem, the parts, the labor and the approval line.

   2 min

When the work is done

Ask for a completed repair order that describes the work. It should list each repair, the parts supplied and the cost of each, the labor charges and the odometer reading. Compare it with the estimate, and ask for any part that differs. You can also ask for the parts that were replaced, which shows the work was done.

For a large repair

For an expensive or complicated repair, consider getting a second opinion. A shop that only diagnoses problems, without selling parts or repairs, may give the most objective one.