UK Drivers Could Be Paying 25% More Than Necessary for Common Car Repairs

New research from automotive diagnostics company Carly suggests UK motorists might be overpaying by up to 23% for routine car repairs.

Based on over 2.8 million diagnostic sessions from more than 550,000 UK drivers, Carly’s analysis seems to suggest that there are instances of inflated pricing, particularly for engine, transmission, and braking system repairs. Obviously, these are some of the most safety-critical and commonly serviced systems in most vehicles.

Engine faults such as ignition issues or overheating were found to be most overpriced, with drivers paying between 19% and 23% above expected costs. Transmission problems, including fluid leaks and gear slippage, had mark-ups of 15% to 20%, while brake-related repairs were 12% to 16% over benchmark prices.

For drivers, this means a repair that should cost around £400 could end up closer to £500. This is obviously a fairly big jump, especially when combined with other motoring costs like servicing, insurance, and rising fuel prices.

 “Drivers deserve transparency when it comes to repair pricing. The difference between what a repair should cost and what people are actually being charged can be significant, and most motorists simply don’t have the data to challenge it. Our analysis highlights just how important visibility is. With trusted, data-driven insights such as those provided by us [Carly], drivers can make more informed decisions, compare quotes with confidence and ultimately avoid paying more than they should.”

Dali Ati, Head of Internationalisation at Carly

The report also looked at the UK’s ten most popular used car models, based on SMMT registration data, to see where overpayments are most likely. Vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Nissan Qashqai, and Volkswagen Golf were among the models regularly showing inflated repair costs. For example, engine or turbo issues on a Golf can average £950, while BMW 3 Series drivers can expect to pay over £1,200 for common engine repairs, both up to 23% above typical market rates.

Typical Repair Overpayments by Model:

With inflation continuing to make things difficult for lots of people, Carly argues that greater pricing transparency could offer immediate relief for drivers. The company offers an OBD2 plug-in device that connects to its app, giving drivers access to professional-grade diagnostics and repair cost estimates.

Carly’s system is available in Basic and Premium versions, starting from around £41. The Premium tier includes features like a Used Car Check, which can detect mileage rollback and VIN inconsistencies – offering additional peace of mind for used car buyers.

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