Drivers are paying painfully high prices for common vehicle repairs and even regular maintenance. Consumer reporter John Matarese looks at what options you have to keep prices down -- so you don't waste your money.
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00:00 Drivers are paying painfully high prices for common vehicle repairs and even regular maintenance.
00:06 Consumer reporter John Matteries takes a look at what options you have to keep those prices down so you don't waste your money.
00:12 Next time your car breaks down, you might expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a fix.
00:16 But as drivers are keeping their vehicles longer, they're finding those car repair costs keep going up and up and up.
00:23 Lawrence Douglas was driving home recently when...
00:26 My car just died completely when I came off the highway. Zero, just nothing.
00:31 A local repair shop gave him the bad news. His Kia's alternator had failed.
00:35 Well, his actually alternated apart.
00:37 His bad day got even worse when they handed him the bill.
00:40 A new battery, $204. New alternator, $902. Total?
00:46 $1,846.14 for a battery and alternator and labor.
00:52 Almost two grand. July inflation data shows the cost of vehicle maintenance and servicing is up nearly 9% since last year.
01:00 Worse, vehicle repairs are up 19.5%, six times the rate of inflation.
01:06 Mark Duber owns an auto repair shop. He says his costs are up sharply, with the price of some parts doubling since the pandemic.
01:13 Plus, he has to pay more to get certified mechanics.
01:16 Hard to find technicians. And then with the shortage, of course, you've got to pay guys more.
01:20 Drivers are also trying to avoid new car prices.
01:23 So there is more pain on the repair and maintenance side, but not nearly as much as there is on the purchase side.
01:29 So what are your options for managing repair costs?
01:32 Consumer's Checkbook says if the work isn't covered by a warranty, try an independent shop over a dealer.
01:38 Get several estimates. Even if you're charged, you may save by finding a lower price.
01:43 And get repairs done quickly before damage gets worse.
01:47 Lawrence Douglas says he won't be able to afford the next $1,800 repair.
01:51 I just don't know what to do anymore.
01:53 As always, don't waste your money. I'm John Matariz.