Search thousands of topics on CostHelper

BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children  cars  consumer electronics health & personal care home & garden personal finance  pets  schools small business sports weddings
CostHelper > Cars  > Tune-up

Tune-up Cost


How Much Does a Tune-up Cost?

 
low costMinimal Tune-Up: $40-$150+average costStandard Tune-Up: $200-$800+high costMajor Servicing & Tune-Up: $500-$1,200+

Typically done about once a year, a tune-up is regularly scheduled preventive maintenance on a vehicle. The procedures vary by the vehicle's make, model, age and mileage, but a tune-up typically involves replacing the air filter; running computer diagnostics; and checking the condition of (and possibly replacing) the fuel filter, spark plugs and wires, and other basic engine parts.

Typical costs:

  • Prices can start at $40-$150 or more for a minimal tune-up that includes replacing the spark plugs and inspecting the spark plug wires, but it typically costs $200-$800 or more for a standard tune-up that can include replacing the spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, fuel filter, PVC valve and air filter, as well as changing the oil, an inspection/computer diagnosis of the fuel, ignition and emission systems, and adjusting the dwell, timing and fuel mixture to specifications. Total costs generally depend on the parts needed as well as the hourly labor rate (typically $40-$90 in standard repair shops or $80-$150 at a dealership). From 2010 to 2012, CostHelper readers reported paying $138-$685 for a standard tune-up, at an average cost of $340.
  • For older vehicles, a 90,000-, 100,000- or 120,000-mile tune-up can cost $500-$1,200 or more, depending on the repairs and adjustments needed. Smith Specialty Automotive in Kansas lists what might be included in a 120,000-mile major servicing and tune-up[1] .
Related articles: Replacing a Timing Belt, Replacing a Timing Chain, Replacing a Water Pump, Replacing a CV Boot, Oil Change, Wheel Alignment

What should be included:
  • Check the owner's manual (or the mechanic will check the shop manual for the year, make and model of vehicle) for a list of exactly what maintenance is needed, and when. Every vehicle has a schedule of recommended and mandatory maintenance, based on the vehicle's age and mileage.
  • A tune-up typically takes about two to four hours of labor, depending on what is included. Autozone describes typical tune-up procedures[2] .
  • Most modern cars use platinum spark plugs, which typically last 30,000-100,000 miles, so they do not need replacing with every tune-up. Some newer cars have an electronic ignition system instead of a distributor, so a tune-up does not include a new distributor cap and rotor.
  • Symptoms that a car might need a tune-up include a drop in gas mileage, a noticeable loss of power, a "rough" engine or one that stalls at a stop, engine "knocking" or continuing to run after the ignition is off, or a "check engine" or "service engine" light staying on after the initial start. However, these symptoms might be caused by other problems with the computerized systems. Most repair shops will begin by performing a diagnostic test, to determine if a tune-up is the correct solution to the problem.
Discounts:
  • Running diagnostic tests on highly computerized car systems is typically beyond the skill level of most home mechanics, but many can handle the other steps in a basic engine tune-up[3] . Materials typically cost $25-$100, depending on whether it's necessary to buy specialized tools[4] . CostHelper readers report spending $25-$70 or an average of $56 on a do-it-yourself tune-up
  • Auto repair shops and gas stations often offer tune-up discount coupons for new customers. For example, the Speedee Oil Change & Tune-Up[5] chain provides coupons based on location, often for 10% off a tune-up or similar services.
Shopping for a tune-up:
  • When comparing prices, ask for a detailed explanation of what is included in the tune-up, because it can vary significantly.
  • The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a non-profit trade group for technicians and other automotive service professionals, has a searchable directory[6] of certified shops.
post Post   Comments (175)  
CostHelper News


7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013


7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013

‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts


What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Page 6 of 6   -   << Previous   1   2   3   4   5   6   

Tune up
Amount: $330.00
Posted by: Harambe in Lebanon, PA.Posted: June 4th, 2020 05:06AM
Car Make: DodgeCar Model: Dart
Hours of Labor: 1.5Shop: Monlo
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tune up
Amount: $12,000.00
Posted by: a user in Matteson, IL.Posted: September 27th, 2019 09:09AM
Car Make: DodgeCar Model: Durango
Hours of Labor: 3Shop: South oak Dodge
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Very high priced tune up in Kirkland WA
Amount: $1,615.00
Posted by: Mama Jo in Kirkland, WA.Posted: July 25th, 2019 04:07PM
Car Make: Lexus ToyotaCar Model: RX 300
Hours of Labor: 2Shop: Goodyear
This was ridiculously expensive, I think! They replaced the coils and cleaned the fuel and replaced the sparkplugs. My beloved car is not even valued at that price. I had a really hard swallow with this. I was planning on getting it done for $400.0 to $600.00 but the engine started sputtering and dying on my way home in traffic rush hour. It was a harrowing drive to the Goodyear dealership, and I did it on credit, but all I can say is JEEZ and CRACKERS I did not expect that much for a tune up.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tune Up
Amount: $2,500.00
Posted by: Pinoy4X in Salinas, CA.Posted: April 18th, 2019 12:04PM
Car Make: 93 FordCar Model: Bronco
Hours of Labor: No more than a weekShop: Ernie (personal side job)
Long story short, recovered my Bronco roughly 2years after it got stolen. It was all perfect timing for him, I had too much going on and at risk that's why I took his deal. But after $2,500 I'm still left with my truck not running the way I think a 2500 dollar job result should be. I could only wish I had the place and time to do it myself. Hope I hear back from him if needed like I was promised. Well have to wait and see.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
2002
Amount: $275.00
Posted by: Alero in El Paso, TX.Posted: March 12th, 2019 10:03AM
Car Make: OldsmobileCar Model: Alero
Hours of Labor: 4Shop: Rams Auto Repair
Tune up plus brakes basic tune up of changing all filters spark plugs plus my brakes where making whistle noise and the steering wheel was shaking and when I turn on the a/c the car makes a noise total cost $275
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
10 year old
Amount: $480.00
Posted by: dunnypop in Queens, NY.Posted: February 19th, 2019 07:02AM
Car Make: Honda FitCar Model: 2009
Hours of Labor: 3Shop: David's Auto Repair
Engine trouble, but it looks like all my spark plugs needed replacing. Air filter was replaced (though I think it was just recently replaced). Oil change was needed as well. Full tune up since not sure when it was ever done.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Complete Tune up
Amount: $2,400.00
Posted by: artcor in HOuston, TX.Posted: December 18th, 2018 11:12AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Highlander
Hours of Labor: 4Shop: AMCO
is the price for real?
please let me know if there are reputable shop that is reasonable.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tune up
Amount: $384.00
Posted by: Sam Wise in Oklahoma City, OK.Posted: October 2nd, 2018 04:10PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Accord V6
Hours of Labor: 2Shop: Beck's Garage
Feel ripped off.
Nearly $400 for a tune up. All that was done was a spark plug replacement and fuel induction service.
The breakdown was -
$77 for spark plugs (NGK Laser Iridium are $8 a piece at advanced auto parts, total $48 for my Honda Accord V6).
$101 for labor.
$80 for fuel system cleaner solvents. (Again, I question $80 worth of solvent being used for a cleaning....)
$101 for labor...again.
+Taxes and fees
Replacing spark plugs on a 2005 Honda Accord is barely a 30 minute job. Fuel induction service, another 20 minute job at most. So, got charged for 2hrs of labor, for a job that doesn't even take 1hr.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
tune up
Amount: $281.00
Posted by: Ted Arnette in Montgomery, AL.Posted: July 28th, 2018 10:07AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Corolla
Hours of Labor: 1Shop:
Daughters car started acting up 200 miles from home so had her go to a garage in that city that a friend referred me to and they replaced 4 spark plugs and one ignition coil. I was charged 20 bucks per plug and 68 bucks for ignition coil.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tune Up
Amount: $2,000.00
Posted by: Gia G in ny, NY.Posted: November 6th, 2017 01:11PM
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Astor
I am looking for a place to get a tune up. The car has 53,000 miles on it is a 2001, AWD. Also diver side window does not roll down. AC/Heater does not work.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
379k Tune Up for 94 Toyota Camry
Amount: $261.23
Posted by: TMC in San Francisco, CA.Posted: September 17th, 2017 07:09AM
Hours of Labor: 2-3 hoursShop: Excelsior Auto Care
Tune Up to replace parts: ignition wires, spark plugs, distributor cap,distributor rotor,air filter and pollution cont valve and check and adjust ignition timing.
While driving noticed shaking of steering, loss of power, rough idling and turning on ac had a noise.Took it the shop where I attended an event next door.They diagnosed parts were worn and engine missfire. I had to wait due to other cars before me but was able to service.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tune up at 126,000 miles
Amount: $588.00
Posted by: Herb G in Marshall, VA.Posted: September 12th, 2017 08:09AM
Car Make: 2010 DodgeCar Model: Grand Caravan
Hours of Labor: 5Shop: Marshall Automotive
First tune up in 60,000 miles. Oil and fluids changed every 5000 miles.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Cost of time up
Amount: $745.00
Posted by: Karin L Cordova in Springfield, MO.Posted: August 10th, 2017 01:08PM
Car Make: VolkswagenCar Model: Jetta
Hours of Labor: 2Shop: Big O
Requested time up. Assumed oil change was included.also purchased 2 all Weather tires for aprox 225.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Honda Pilot 100,000 mi Tune up $1500 with timing belt....
Amount: $1,500.00
Posted by: Zadar in Folsom, CA.Posted: May 10th, 2017 09:05PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Pilot
Hours of Labor: Shop: Folsom Lake Honda
I feel completely ripped off but this is the going rate for 100K tune up because they need to change the timing belt and since they change the timing belt they go ahead and change water pump. This is the major part of the tune up...Oil change, spark plugs, valve adj, timing belt and other belts replaced, replace water pump.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tune-up included plugs, wires and ignition coil
Amount: $289.00
Posted by: Dagger in Columbus, OH, OH.Posted: April 20th, 2017 10:04AM
Car Make: MercuryCar Model: Sable
Hours of Labor: 2Shop:
My Sable began missing on one or more cylinders after the "check engine" warning light came on. I was able to make it home and went to my local garage the next day. They said I needed a tune-up.
Now, my Sable runs like it did when new.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Repair costs
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: JAAuto in Moreno Valley, CA.Posted: November 8th, 2016 05:11PM
Hourly rates for service is ridiculous. I'm a mechanic and I charge by the job not by the hour. The high cost at shops is due to overhead costs for al supplies, etc. Passed to cust.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tune up Plugs and wires 6 cylinder
Amount: $220.00
Posted by: Linda From Lake Milton in Youngstown, OH.Posted: October 31st, 2016 06:10PM
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Equinox
Hours of Labor: a coupleShop: Patricks
Two Chevy Dealers estimated over 600 bucks for tune up, took it to Patricks in Youngstown, out the door for little over 200 bucks. Patricks is well known around Youngstown OH for quality work, at a great price, always packed. One plug had a miss, after tune up, different car, REALLY happy. You just have to be ready to leave car o-night. Plugs and wires, has that engine with three cylinders against the firewall.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tune up and A/C service
Amount: $97.00
Posted by: Joejohn in Colorado Springs, CO.Posted: June 4th, 2016 01:06AM
Hours of Labor: 4Shop: Myself
1998 Honda Civic EX. Replaced spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, oil change w/oil filter, fuel filter, air filter, drained and recharged A/C. I would've done the PCV valve but I discovered it's location (right above oil filter, only accessible from underneath the car) after I did the oil change and I wasn't about to waste new oil to replace a $5 part. My car is happy and I enjoy working on it. A long time ago after paying Firestone $90 to replace a fuel filter in a 1995 Civic, I located the fuel filter under the hood and felt taken advantage of. At that moment I realized I am more than capable of working on my own car and vowed to complete maintenance within my ability. Plus there's nothing more satisfying than knowing the work got done and I'm in only paying for parts. Now I replace oil coolant lines and transmission coolant lines on both of my trucks.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tune up
Amount: $85.00
Posted by: Sherelle Creasy in Riverdale, IL.Posted: April 10th, 2016 02:04PM
I have a 2003 ford focus SE I'm trying to see how much a tune up would be. Cheap as possible
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
100,000 mi tune up
Amount: $136.00
Posted by: JoBeth in Sebastian, FL.Posted: February 26th, 2016 08:02AM
Hours of Labor: 2Shop: Brake City Sebastian, FL
So happy both with the cost and the quality of work....Tom at Brake City is my hero!!!!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tune up. Coils and oxygen senior
Amount: $900.00
Posted by: a user in Arlington, TX.Posted: November 10th, 2015 03:11PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: 2011 f150
Hours of Labor: ?Shop:
Service engine light coming on. 150, ooo miles. Says need plug coils and oxy sensor. Another dealer told me kind of same??
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Low price honest mechanic
Amount: $251.00
Posted by: Happy guy in Glendora, CA.Posted: August 12th, 2015 03:08PM
Hours of Labor: 1Shop: sakos automotive
replaced sparks, air filter, cables, cleaned throttle body and much more, just bought vechile needed major tune up only 250, sako is the man you gotta see, got my vechile running like new in no time, estimated over 6 hr wait time, only took 1 hr of labor and 30 minutes of waiting for him to check it out when originally supposed to take 6 hrs till he could take a look, made sure I was able to go home that day, can't appreciate his customer service and dedication to his work more.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Why are shops wanting over 100 dollars an hour?!?
Amount: $325.00
Posted by: Nate lee in KALAMAZOO, MI.Posted: June 18th, 2015 08:06AM
Hours of Labor: ?Shop:
I went to a very trusted mechanic to get a quote and they want 325 for a standard tune up. I know they'd do a great job but asking for over 100 an hour is ridiculous! I'm making a little over 8 an hour and I'm supposed to pay a full check worth on something that'll take them a couple hours? I'll end up doing this with my dad because there is no reasonable way to justify this until I have a nice car and a career.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
power window
Amount: $318.78
Posted by: payfortraining in loveland, CO.Posted: June 8th, 2015 07:06PM
Hours of Labor: 6 daysShop: loveland ford
Passenger window would not go down. Tested circuit an found ground not switching. Took it to dealer who tore car apart an said i need master switch. 4 days waiting so they soldered a wire an got it working. Last time it goes to dealer.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tune Up
Amount: $120.00
Posted by: JJCK N MKE in Milwaukee, WI.Posted: May 18th, 2015 06:05PM
Car Make: BuickCar Model: Century Custom
Hours of Labor: ?Shop: Steel Auto repair
Requested a standard tune up. Received no paper work. Thought it should have cost $30 less. IMHO I feel ripped off. I don't even know it the tune up was done or just made to sound better. Received no parts back.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Replaed Front & Rear brakes, rotors, oil change & wash
Amount: $1,700.00
Posted by: Reco in Detroit, MI.Posted: May 10th, 2015 11:05PM
Car Make: DodgeCar Model: Caravan
Hours of Labor: 6Shop: Gator Tire @ Disney Car Care Center,F
WOW..quoted around $1000 for complete job. They did the work & handed me the bill. Feel completely ripped off! I guess you do pay more anywhere that's near disney. I guess they can pick on the northern's.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
tune up
Amount: $110.00
Posted by: bill burgess in Pickerington, OH.Posted: April 18th, 2015 01:04PM
Car Make: 1997Car Model: gm van
Hours of Labor: 4Shop:
did it my self plugs wires, cap rotor, #5 n #6 plugs were tuff to remove
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
spark plug change
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: romie in pensacola, FL.Posted: April 14th, 2015 08:04AM
Hours of Labor: 1.5Shop: pep boys
Hella expensive for just plugs
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
1994 Ford Aerostar Mini Van tune-up
Amount: $809.00
Posted by: Sherelle Griffin in Chicago, IL.Posted: April 12th, 2015 04:04PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Aerostar
Hours of Labor: Shop: Firestone
This is a quote I got from Firestone a couple days ago (April 10, 2015). I can't do that. That is about 3/4 of what I paid for the van about a year ago. I don't know if this included taxes. I was too blown away to think after hearing $809.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
spark plugs, spark plug wires
Amount: $50.00
Posted by: Chimp Chimp in Leesburg, VA.Posted: April 5th, 2015 10:04AM
Hours of Labor: 1/2 hrShop: Auto zone
Spent $50 @ auto zone and did it myself, sans ripoff artists like pep boys and midas.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tune up - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
Amount: $196.00
Posted by: Gnome in Houston, TX.Posted: February 20th, 2015 06:02AM
Hours of Labor: Shop: LT Transmission
Performed by my trusted mechanic. He had me go to the Toyota dealership myself and purchase the following:
-6 spark plugs
-air filter
-5 quarts transmission fluid
- spark plug wires
This all cost approx $116 at the dealership
Then he charged me only $80 for the labor.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Is $330 dollars ($212 in labor costs) reasonable for a "tune up"?
Amount: $330.00
Posted by: ElizabethB in New Orleans, LA.Posted: January 21st, 2015 08:01AM
Car Make: SubaruCar Model: Legacy
Hours of Labor: 2 hoursShop: Keith's Automotive
Spark plugs, fuel filter, spark plug wires - also, check compression, inspect ignition cables, adjust ignition timing and idle speed.
Car is a 2001, bought used from dealer in Bellingham WA in 2005. Has been mechanically well-maintained and has 143,000 miles
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam

Page 6 of 6   -   << Previous   1   2   3   4   5   6   



 

Comment On Your Experience With a Tune-up
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  *
Car Make: Car Model: 
Hours of Labor: Shop: 
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 



External Resources:
  1.  smithspecialty.com/auto-service-scheduled-maintenance/120k-auto-service-olathe.html
  2.  www.procarcare.com/icarumba/resourcecenter/encyclopedia/icar_resourcecenter_encycl...
  3.  www.automd.com/202/how-to-perform-a-basic-engine-tuneup/
  4.  automechanics.wordpress.com/2008/06/28/auto-tune-ups-diy-what-you-need-and-what-yo...
  5.  www.speedeeoil.com/specialoffers.aspx
  6.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop.aspx
More Cars Topics
Check Out All Costs for Cars How Much Does a Car Battery Cost? How Much Does Car Air Conditioning Cost? How Much Does an Oil Change Cost?

Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com

 
Today's Featured Cost Articles

About CostHelper
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community
UTI urgent care visit
Paid: 147.00
Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
-nervouschomper
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost
Spanish Medical Interpreter
Paid: 150.00
I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
-Gregory Richardson
Interpreter Cost
Dat
Paid: 495.00
This is how much I am paying... [more]
-Calista Christian
Dental Admission Test Cost
Shingrix
Paid: 48.00
... [more]
-Not that BB
Shingles Vaccine Cost
Skin prick allergy test
Paid: 573.00
Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]
-D’s mom
Allergy Testing Cost
Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat
Paid: 0.00
13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more]
-Terrimarie
Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost