Motorists Overpaying For Repairs

UK motorists may be paying almost a quarter more than necessary for common car repairs, according to new data.

It highlights the growing pressure on drivers already struggling with record motoring costs alongside the negative economic pressures over recent years.

Analysis from automotive diagnostics specialist Carly suggests inflated repair pricing on critical components such as engines, transmissions and brakes could be costing drivers hundreds of pounds a year.

That’ll cost you

The findings, drawn from more than 2.8 million diagnostic sessions carried out between January and October 2025 via the Carly OBD2 Scanner App, indicate that repair invoices are coming in 23% higher on average than benchmark estimates.

Their data covers over 550,000 UK drivers using the app to identify and understand vehicle faults before approaching garages.

Engine issues, such as overheating, ignition problems or turbo faults, showed the highest mark-ups, with estimated overpayments of 19–23%.

Transmission repairs, including gearbox and clutch problems, carried premiums of 15–20%, while braking system work averaged 12–16% above expected costs.

In real terms, a £400 repair could easily rise to £480–£500, with higher-end models facing bills above £1,000 for common faults.

Popularity price

Carly also examined typical repair costs across the UK’s most popular used models, based on SMMT registration data.

A Ford Fiesta driver might be charged £380 for brake or ignition issues, around 14% more than a fair estimate.

Meanwhile, a BMW 3 Series owner could face a £1,200 repair bill for an engine oil pressure fault, an increase of 23%.

Clutch or gearbox issues on a MINI were among the most expensive, averaging £1,050, around 20% above benchmark prices.

Dali Ati, Carly’s Head of Internationalisation, said the findings showed how difficult it is for motorists to challenge prices without reliable information.

“Drivers deserve transparency when it comes to repair pricing,” he said. “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. With trusted, data-driven insights, drivers can compare quotes with confidence and avoid paying more than they should.”

Top ten popular UK models 

Rising bills and delayed repairs

The report comes as UK households face the highest motoring costs on record.

Insurance premiums hit new highs in 2024 and remain elevated; fuel prices have fluctuated sharply; and repair costs have risen faster than overall inflation due to labour shortages and the complexity of modern vehicles.

Industry surveys also indicate a growing number of motorists are delaying repairs because they cannot afford the work.

Consumer organisations have warned that deferring maintenance, such as tyre replacements, brake servicing or engine diagnostics, can lead to far higher bills later and increase the risk of breakdowns or crashes.

Some garages report that minor issues are being ignored for months, while breakdown services have noted increases in callouts linked to faults that could have been prevented with earlier repairs.

Push for clearer pricing

With household budgets still stretched and the UK Budget placing renewed focus on affordability, Carly says the potential for savings is significant.

Its data suggests motorists could collectively save hundreds of pounds a year simply by checking the fair cost of repairs before booking work.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to strain drivers, calls for greater transparency and fairer pricing in vehicle maintenance are likely to intensify.

This is especially true when the latest new-car sales figures show a slowdown in new-car purchases.

This means the UK population is relying on older vehicles, which come with more servicing and repair bills.