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CostHelper.com > Cars > Tune-up
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Tune-up Cost |
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How Much Does a Tune-up Cost? |
 | Medium: Range $30-$100+ |
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| Prices vary greatly depending on the cost of labor in your area and what work is being done. According to the New York State Attorney General's Auto Repair Tips, the old kind of "tune-up" which were more typical for cars before 1980 usually aren't required in modern cars. | | |
| Typical costs: | - For a basic "tune-up," we've seen rates as low as $30-$50 in places where the cost of living is low, to as much as $100 or more in expensive areas where more is included in the tune-up.
- Most places will charge you for parts and labor separately. Often tune-up parts like spark plugs, air filters and fuel filters will run $20-$60. We've seen hourly labor quotes from $40 an hour, to over $110-$150 an hour at BMW and Mercedes dealerships in urban areas. In the San Francisco Bay Area, we've seen ordinary repair shops with rates from $55-$80 an hour, and ordinary dealerships with rates of $80-$90.
- Dealer 30k, 60k or 90k mile tune-ups can run from $250 for 3-4 hours of labor and basic maintenance, to over $1,000 at places with high labor costs and additional maintenance services, such as timing belt replacement.
Additional costs: | - If the mechanic identifies needed repairs, this can add a significant amount to your total.
Discounts: | - Small auto repair shops and gas stations will often advertise specials on tune-ups in newspapers and coupon books.
Shopping for a tune-up: | - If you've lost your owner's manual, which typically specifies your car's maintenance schedule, you can usually find instructions for ordering a replacement at the manufacturer's website.
- If you don't already have a mechanic, look for mechanics who are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Search for ASE certified Blue Seal repair facilities.
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Article updated November 2006 |
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Pay the guy without the degree |
| Amount: $50.00 |
| Posted by: Alexander the IV in Federal way, WA. | Posted: July 9th, 2010 09:07PM |
| Car Make: Lexus 90-00' | Car Model: LS 400 |
| Hours of Labor: 1 hour |
| I just want every non-mechanic person to know that you dont need a degree to work on a "new" car."New" car,"old" car-it's all the same, ladies and gentlemen- style's have changed alot but engine technology has not. Anyways, this lady called me and said she wanted her plugs changed,(she had an 10' Jeep liberty)- but then she decided to question me,did i have a degree? No,I said- thats why i charge so cheap and realistically($30 for 6cyl.engine). She said "oh i probably dont need someone like you to work on my car". and hung up. How rude. what a dumbass. why would you need your plugs replaced after only bout 1 year(plugs are good for bout 100k. She probably took it somewhere else and got ripped off ooohhhh say bout $200+. That's what she gets. I have no problem doing the job right in front of you. That way you see that the job is actually getting done. Well anyways I want to tell everyone out there- trust that guy that charges cheap and has no degree- cause you dont know where or who he acquired his skills from. By the way Im a lead technician at a shop getting $20 an hour, without a degree. You think they'd pay that much if i didnt know what i was doing. Didnt think so. |
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| Posted by: Pinky in Houston, TX. | Posted: July 14th, 2010 01:07PM |
| Car Make: Ford | Car Model: Explorer Sport Track |
| Hours of Labor: 2 |
| Was shopping around for the best price but everywhere I go it seems kind of expensive until I finally just decided to do it, since my truck really needs it, so after checking out some of the other prices you guys have posted here I guess I feel like I'm paying a reasonable price |
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| Complete Tune up |
| Amount: $371.00 |
| Posted by: Chele in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Other. | Posted: July 15th, 2010 08:07AM |
| Car Make: Ford | Car Model: Windstar |
| Hours of Labor: 1.0 |
| 2001 Ford Windstar Sport minivan...Engine light on, van shaking and hesitating. Service center did diagnostic with 3 error points. They said the spark plugs were never changed. They suggested a complete tune-up. *sigh of relief* Ford minivans are known to have transmission problems and I was relieved it was not that. I was happy to hear it cost under 500.00. Part, labour and tax! |
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| Posted by: Ebonythebeautifulone in Toms River, NJ. | Posted: August 13th, 2010 09:08AM |
| Car Make: Chrysler | Car Model: Town and Country |
| Hours of Labor: ? |
Tune up 140 dollars
Ignition wires 125 dollars
Fuel injection 70 dollars |
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| Posted by: Ted in Taloga, OK. | Posted: September 29th, 2010 06:09AM |
| Car Make: chevy | Car Model: truck |
| Hours of Labor: 3 |
| just wanted you do-it-yourself people to know that as a mechanic,doing a tune-up can cost you very much for repairs if its not done correct. for example; on a 2004-o8 f150 the spark plugs are known to break in the head and the repairs could cost as much as $4000. to repair. all spark plugs can be cross threaded very easy,changing the wires can also be crossed easy,and parts you really didn't need can get broken in the process. the cost you are out for a shop to do your repairs might seem high but they know what they are doing and it will be done correctly. i get autos in all the time from people that have tried the simple repairs and failed. results in costing much more to get it done correct. we have been hands on trained or ASE certified to preform whatever it takes and paid the high cost for tools needed. newer autos in most cases have to be run on a computer to track down the problem. its not all that easy to work on todays autos. compaired to a doctor or lawer cost,auto repairs are sooooo cheep,and they never break a sweet,rip their skin and bleed for you,nor will they get greese and grime on their clothes. they are paid far more than a mechanic for just a mere talking session than most normal tune-ups. if your willing to get dirty,bring blood,ruin your clothes, or break something you shouldn't have, feel free to take my job. for all the rest of you making some $100000. a year or even more, take a long look at us mechanics making much less and doing a very hard job to keep you on the roads. i get $40. a hour to check your auto, find the problem,repair them at the cost of the parts, and stand behind my work 100%. make sure you have priced everything you need to work on a auto before you take on the job we are trained to do and have already paid the high cost for tools needed. have a blessed day! Ted. |
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| Posted by: GothicValentine in Knoxville, IA. | Posted: October 6th, 2010 10:10AM |
| Car Make: Honda | Car Model: Civic |
| Hours of Labor: .75 |
Car had no power, vibrating, running rough, engine light flashing off and on. Spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor & IGN wire set.
Labor $86.73
Parts $117.06 |
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| minor tuneup |
| Amount: $150.00 |
| Posted by: mariofrom313 in clinton township, MI. | Posted: October 12th, 2010 10:10AM |
| Car Make: 2003 | Car Model: durango |
| Hours of Labor: 30min to 1 hour |
| all he did was replace the spark plugs, air filter was still good,and said fuel filter cannot be maintainanced |
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| Posted by: John B's Z in Syracuse, NY. | Posted: October 18th, 2010 04:10AM |
| Car Make: Most | Car Model: Most |
| Hours of Labor: 2 to 3 |
| I agree with about 99.9% of what "Ted in Taloga, Oklahoma" has to say. If you are competent enough and have enough experience to do the job yourself, that is one thing. HOWEVER; most people simply do not have the necessary skills or mechanical aptitude to do it themselves. A "D.I.Y Guy" might accidentally break or irreperably damage something that costs a small fortune to fix... then you have to bring your ride to a guy like Ted with a stupid look on your face and expect him to take be merciful on you with the price for repairs. And he can't, because in most cases the sheer amount of labor invoved in disassembling and reassembling the top end of your motor, having to install all new gaskets and seals, possibly lower intake plenum replacement, ect. ect. IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW, FIND A PROFESSIONAL WHOM YOU LIKE AND TRUST THAT DOES. And remember, Sometimes a dealer isn't always the best way to go. |
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| Posted by: Brina in Bronx, NY. | Posted: October 20th, 2010 12:10PM |
| Car Make: Kia | Car Model: Sephia 2001 |
| Hours of Labor: 4 hours |
| If I knew how to do my own tune up I probably would have done it, but I didn't. I brought my own materials and gave it to my mechanic, first he was going to charge me an outrageous price, but when I started talking the lingo and knew how much parts and labor cost, he lowered it to the price you see. Do the research, and buy the material, especially if your a women. |
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| Posted by: Bob G. from Long Island in Massapequa, NY. | Posted: November 12th, 2010 05:11AM |
| Car Make: 1996 Toyota | Car Model: Corolla |
| Hours of Labor: 2 - 3 |
This work was performed by a small local repair shop in Massapequa, NY.
My 1995 Toy Corolla with 129,000 miles on it was badly in need of complete tune up, and I was experiencing a cold start issue. I was called and told the car just needed a tune up, and "OK'd" the work without asking the complete price (my mistake).
All parts were replaced including wires,plugs,rotor,cap,fuel filter, PVC valve, and air filter. The cost with labor was $426.66. I was never called to "OK" this cost, the work was just performed so I was bound. I paid the shop owner "Jay" and expressed my anger at the cost, and was told that's what it cost, and he tried to justify the price by explaining he used quality parts.
This was a shop that I had a relationship with prior to this repair. I tipped the mechanic, because no matter how criminal and unprofessional the shop owner was, the mechanic is just a worker, and I am still a responsible adult. I will never use this shop again (his mistake), and will inform all recommended friends of his business tactics. "Once shame on you, twice shame on me", his loss. |
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| tune up and time with the boy...priceless |
| Amount: $60.00 |
| Posted by: Patti G. in elgin, IL. | Posted: November 16th, 2010 08:11PM |
| Car Make: ford 2003 | Car Model: excursion v-10 |
| Hours of Labor: doesn't matter |
| 10 plug @$3.09 each, air,oil and fuel filter, pvc valve,high mileage oil ....and a nephew who works at advance auto and gets 20% off. plus I borrowed the tools from the store so I didn't have to buy a new oil wrench. |
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| Engine Tuneup |
| Amount: $424.61 |
| Posted by: SANJEEV JOSHI in ATLANTA, GA. | Posted: November 18th, 2010 06:11AM |
| Car Make: TOYOTA | Car Model: SIENNA AWD |
| Hours of Labor: 1 |
| This is what I have been quoted by a dealer on my minivan for changing the spark plugs only. |
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| Time for a Different Tune |
| Amount: $200.00 |
| Posted by: Lonestarter in Muskegon, MI. | Posted: December 2nd, 2010 09:12AM |
| Car Make: Oldsmobile | Car Model: Intrigue |
| Hours of Labor: 2-3 |
| Went to get it done by a professional, but my wife was upset because I didn't go to the Shade-Tree... She was concerned about the price, I was more concerned about the quality. In a lot of cases, yes, the Shade-Tree is a good place to visit for certain cases, but when it's cold outside and you don't have the tools to do it yourself, it's always better to be safe than sorry. |
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| Posted by: Sidra in New Smyrna Beach, FL. | Posted: December 3rd, 2010 03:12PM |
| Car Make: Toyota | Car Model: pickup |
| Hours of Labor: 2 |
I have an 87 Toyota pickup that was in bad need of a tune up(came to me that way) I purchased:
Spark plugs
Spark plug wires
5 quarts of oil
Oil filter
Windshield washer fluid
Distributer cap
because i already had a new air filter/fuel filter
paid a mechanically inclined friend an additional 10 bucks |
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| Posted by: justman in long beach, CA. | Posted: December 18th, 2010 08:12PM |
| Car Make: 2005 kia | Car Model: serrento |
| Hours of Labor: 1hr |
| this was a mobile mechanic very economical do good work in calif long beach area certified through wyotech. help people help him, |
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| is it to high cost |
| Amount: $925.00 |
| Posted by: ilene in watertown, NY. | Posted: December 22nd, 2010 03:12PM |
| Car Make: chrysler 2000 | Car Model: |
| Hours of Labor: not sure |
| my daughter took her car to a local repair shop because it wouldn't start. they said she needed a distributor, new belt, rotor, sparkplugs, and oil change with new oil filter because she flooded it and gas got in the oil. does this price sound right to you or is she being over charged? |
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| Tuneup on a 2004 Chevrolet Aveo |
| Amount: $268.00 |
| Posted by: KellyJ in Metropolis, IL. | Posted: February 12th, 2011 11:02AM |
| Car Make: Chevrolet | Car Model: Aveo |
| Hours of Labor: 3-4 Hours |
| Was acting like it was having trouble exhilarating yesterday morning, and died on me once(which it doesn't ordinarily do)as I was pulling into a store parking lot. This was actually not a bad a price as I was expecting for a full tuneup. I'm anxious to see if the gas milege improves once I get it home! My only complaint was the shop gave me a POS loaner car! I had to drive that to work and held my breath the whole time! |
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| Posted by: PatrickMW in Newport, OR. | Posted: February 13th, 2011 10:02AM |
| Car Make: Toyota | Car Model: SR5 truck |
| Hours of Labor: 1 |
| Did it myself. Plugs, Plug wires, fuel filter, pcv valve, air filter, rotor, distributer cap, air filter. Watched video on how to do a tune up on you tube. $70 bucks in parts, 1 hour of my time. Truck never ran better. Also did a few maintenance items while i was at it. |
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| oil change and tune-up |
| Amount: $138.00 |
| Posted by: Jo Evelyn in jacksonville, FL. | Posted: February 16th, 2011 09:02AM |
| Car Make: oldsmobile | Car Model: alero |
| Hours of Labor: 1 |
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| Posted by: curlydog in Yerington, NV. | Posted: February 19th, 2011 01:02PM |
| Car Make: Chrysler voyager mini van | Car Model: min van |
| Hours of Labor: 3 |
| For spark plugs and wires, it took 3 hrs??? |
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| CAR TUNEUP |
| Amount: $500.00 |
| Posted by: parishoney7 in Stevens Point, WI. | Posted: March 8th, 2011 01:03PM |
| Car Make: 2001 Chevrolet | Car Model: Blazer LT 4WD |
| Hours of Labor: ? |
| They changed the spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor?, and did an oil change for $500. It was at D & D of Stevens Point, WI. They did not change the plug wires because it would have cost an additional $100. Did I get ripped off? |
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| Posted by: Vic in Lithia Springs, GA. | Posted: March 29th, 2011 04:03PM |
| Car Make: GMC | Car Model: Envoy |
| Hours of Labor: 3 |
| Plus oil change at Precision Tune |
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| Tune up for check engine light |
| Amount: $595.00 |
| Posted by: Lorna in Massapequa, NY. | Posted: April 5th, 2011 11:04AM |
| Car Make: Chevy | Car Model: Equinox |
| Hours of Labor: 4-6 |
| My check engine light was on so I had a guy do a diagnostic that revealed I had a Misfire on my #2 cylinder. He recommended a tune up. I took it to a shop in Massapequa, NY go that done. Driving down the street the light comes on again. Took it back, they replaces a coil. Driving down the street,"Ping", the light comes on again. Im outta there. $595.00 and counting. How much more am I ginna get soaked for. I wish some auto mechanics would comment on this. I would lilke to hear their opinion, since I really think so many of them are crrok. |
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| Full Tune Up |
| Amount: $685.00 |
| Posted by: Tim Hornyak in Franklin, TN. | Posted: April 25th, 2011 03:04PM |
| Car Make: Chevy | Car Model: Express LT Van |
| Hours of Labor: 4 |
| Replaced plugs, wires, distributor cap, PCV valve, fuel filter and air filter. Don't get me wrong, I think it's too high but with having to remove the doghouse on a full size van it gets expensive. It's also the 100,000 mile maintenance and it only uses platinum plugs. Had to have it done because it would barely run without it. |
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| Complete tune-up |
| Amount: $300.00 |
| Posted by: Nance in Grand Havn, MI. | Posted: May 12th, 2011 01:05PM |
| Car Make: 1998 | Car Model: Toyota Camry |
| Hours of Labor: 3hr |
| I think from reading about others I paid the standard amount. |
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| Tune up in a small town |
| Amount: $249.00 |
| Posted by: Family Van in Big Rapids, MI. | Posted: June 14th, 2011 08:06AM |
| Car Make: 05 Chrysler | Car Model: Town & Country |
| Hours of Labor: 3 |
Just paid $249 for a tune up on our van. Was having trouble with the van sounding like it was going to stall. Shop says we needed a tune up. He said it includes premium plugs/wires & cleaning the throttle body.
I hope we didn't get hosed. |
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| Minor Tune Up |
| Amount: $25.00 |
| Posted by: js3 in Artesia, CA. | Posted: August 20th, 2011 07:08AM |
| Car Make: 1990 Dodge | Car Model: Grand Caravan |
| Hours of Labor: 2 hrs. |
Bought 6 Champion Spark Plugs and wire set online from RockAuto.
Took about 15 minutes to do the front bank (Engine is transverse mounted) and about 90 minutes to do the back bank which required jacking up the Caravan and getting the plugs from underneath. I put anti-seize on the threads of the plugs so I won't have any worries about getting the plugs out next time. |
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| Minor Tune Up |
| Amount: $20.00 |
| Posted by: js3 in Artesia, CA. | Posted: August 20th, 2011 07:08AM |
| Car Make: Motorhome | Car Model: |
| Hours of Labor: 2 hrs. |
Bought Denso plugs ($.78 each) and plug wires from RockAuto. Same Denso plugs were between $2.98 - $3.66 each through Amazon.
Had bottle of anti-seize.
I don't remember getting the motorhome "Professionally" tuned but, but seeing the brand of the old plugs, I must have had a tune up before a smog check.
The "Professional" put the plugs in super tight so it was really fun to sit upright in the motorhome wheel wells with a breaker bar to get the plugs loose. :). Put a dab of anti-seize on the threads of the plugs and installed plugs and wires. Motorhome runs strong and like new. |
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| 1996 Jimmy 4.3l with 196K |
| Amount: $285.00 |
| Posted by: a user in Warren, OH. | Posted: August 21st, 2011 07:08AM |
| Car Make: GMC | Car Model: Jimmy |
| Hours of Labor: Unknown |
| Took my new (for me) Jimmy to a trusted mechanic (Rienzi's on Elm.) I was blown away by the cost. On top of the cost of the tuneup, there was $135 for a new o2 sensor and $215 for a new distributor (they found this after they had put it back together) Total bill was $677.00. What was included in the tuneup: plugs, wires, air & fuel filters, distributor cap, rotor, pcv valve. After seeing all the comments here, I know that the cost was reasonable. BTW, it runs AWESOME. |
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| 2000 Nissan Altima |
| Amount: $405.00 |
| Posted by: leema in Birmingham, AL. | Posted: September 22nd, 2011 11:09AM |
| Car Make: Nissan Altima | Car Model: Altima |
| Was quoted $405.00 which seems high from dealership. Includes only spark plugs, distributor cap, ignition wires and fuel filter. This dealership has done most of the maintenance and I'm always very satisfied. My car has 193,000 miles. Just trying to determine if this is a reasonable expense for a tune-up. |
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| Honda accord Tune up. Brooklyn new york |
| Amount: $210.00 |
| Posted by: AYO in Brooklyn, NY. | Posted: October 31st, 2011 09:10AM |
| Car Make: Honda | Car Model: Accord LX |
| Hours of Labor: 1-2hours |
| I don\'t know if this was a rip off or not but don\'t much about cars so I\'m at the mercy if my mechanic who I kinda trust relatively speaking. Just posting this to spread the word. |
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| Estimate from dealer for Tune up |
| Amount: $500.00 |
| Posted by: tamu in Gaithersburg, MD. | Posted: February 24th, 2012 06:02AM |
| Car Make: Chrysler | Car Model: Town & Country Van |
| Received this estimate from Chrysler dealer for tune up on 2007 Van. I\'m new to the area so I\'m going to check around for a mechanic that I can trust. |
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| 30k tune-up |
| Amount: $253.00 |
| Posted by: Tweebs in Salt Lake City, UT. | Posted: March 8th, 2012 01:03PM |
| Car Make: Suzuki | Car Model: SX4 |
| Hours of Labor: 4 |
| Oil change, transaxle lubricant, air filter, oil filter, radiator flushed and changed, 4 new spark plugs. Can\'t remember what else. |
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| sparks and wires |
| Amount: $293.24 |
| Posted by: Rural gal in Holton, KS. | Posted: March 8th, 2012 05:03PM |
| Car Make: 2009 Chevy | Car Model: Impala |
| Hours of Labor: 2.5 |
| Replaced with high end spark plugs and wires. Worth it if they don't misfire or help with the burning fuel more efficiently. At cost of $3.95 gal, extra 5 mpg or so is worth it. |
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