How much does a car service cost? [2024]
Index
How much does a car service cost in Australia?
Wondering how much to service a car? The average car service cost in Australia for a logbook service is about $385, while a minor service is around $245. The total price of a car service will depend on a few various factors, such as the make and model of your car and the type of service you need done.
Whether you have bought a brand new car or have an existing car that is a few years old, a service is essential to keep your wheels in good condition.
Avoiding a car service can cost you much more in the long run, if minor problems become big problems. It’s best to keep up to date with all your scheduled minor and major services to avoid costly repair work.
In this car service price guide, we explore:
- What affects servicing prices for cars?
- How much is a car service?
- What is capped or fixed price car servicing?
- How to keep car servicing prices down
- Getting car service quotes from a local mechanic, and more.
Want to find a mechanic in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?
What factors affect servicing prices for cars?
Wondering how much does a service cost? One of the biggest factors that affects a standard car service cost is the make and model. For instance, a sedan such as Ford, Holden or Mazda, could have car service prices starting from around $250. Whereas, a Mercedes or BMW with all the bells and whistles, could cost up to $750 to $1,000, or more.
Here are a few other considerations that affect servicing prices for cars:
- Mileage
- Location
- Age of your car
- The company you use
- Type of service
As your car ages, it can become more expensive to maintain. Car service prices often reflect the distance travelled in your vehicle. Generally, the services that cost the most are at 60,000, 120,000, 180,000, 240,000, 300,000, and 360,000 kilometres. You can check your logbook for an idea of the recommended service guidelines for your vehicle.
Different cars also require different spare part replacements, as well as different types of engine oils and fluids, and they have various prices.
Car service prices often depend on the mechanic or company you use and can fluctuate depending on the market, so it’s important to ask your mechanic or dealership for their latest car servicing pricing list before hiring them to work on your car.
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How much is a car service?
How much is servicing a car likely to cost? Generally, the price for a car service ranges between $150 and $550. On average, a minor service is about $245, while logbook service cost is around $385.
Here is a car service price list estimate by state and territory:
- QLD: $331
- NSW: $357
- VIC: $337
- WA: $320
- ACT: $363
- NT: $422
- SA: $304
- TAS: $272
These servicing prices for cars are based on state averages for both logbook and basic car services, in 2021. The data is supplied by AutoGuru.
If you don’t have a capped price service program for your maintenance schedule, ensure you ask your mechanic to give you a run-through of all the costs involved before they start work on your vehicle. It’s standard for your mechanic to call you before undertaking any extra car repairs that might be needed.
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What is capped price servicing?
Capped price servicing, also known as fixed price servicing, is a term referring to a program that many car manufacturers use to provide transparency for the scheduled maintenance of your vehicle.
Often used as a marketing feature for new and near-new vehicles, capped price servicing will ensure you’re aware of the service cost and when the services will be required.
The average cost of car service is often either a fixed car service price or proportionate. This means, you’ll know exactly what you need to budget for to maintain your vehicle. With the costs being outlined to you and capped before your service takes place, you won’t need to worry about hidden costs.
A capped price service is often only available to new car owners while your vehicle is under warranty or for a set time frame, so it’s important to read the find print when opting for this inclusion. You don’t want to get caught out on unexpected charges.
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What is included in a car service?
Your local car mechanic will be able to provide a rundown of the inclusions in your car servicing cost. As a starting point, servicing car price includes:
- Engine oil and filter change
- Checking of lights, exhaust, tyres, breaks and steering
- Check of hydraulic fluid
- Coolant check and refill
- Car tuning – to ensure it’s running correctly
- Visual inspection of the engine
- Washer fluid check
Many mechanics offer a 30+ component safety check during a service. More comprehensive services will add more steps. Ask your mechanic to provide a rundown on the covers and ensure they provide a detailed checklist once the service is complete.
If you would like a rundown of how much for a car service and what is covered ahead of hiring your mechanic, you can request an itemised quote.
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How to keep car servicing prices down
The best way to keep car servicing costs down is to maintain your regular servicing schedule. Not only will this maintain the safety and reliability of your vehicle, but it also prevents small issues with your car from turning into much larger and more expensive problems. Car service costs are unavoidable if you want to keep your car in good condition.
Get a car service quote
Looking for a “car service near me” and need car servicing quotes? With Yellow Pages, you can read online reviews for local mechanics and compare multiple car service quotes.
When getting an accurate car service quote, ensure you provide the mechanic with all the necessary details, such as:
- Car make and model
- How many kilometres your car has done, and
- Whether you require a basic or major service
If you want to know how much for a service on a car, getting a car service estimate in advance is essential to know what to expect before it’s time to pay.
Want to find a mechanic in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?
Car Service Cost FAQ
How much does an oil change cost?
An oil change will usually cost anywhere between $100 and $240. The cost of the service will depend on the make and model of the vehicle, they type of oil used and how many litres will be needed. Synthetic oil is more expensive, but lasts longer than conventional oil.
How much does servicing a car cost?
How much is a service on a car? The average car service costs about $150 to $550 for a basic or logbook service, with most starting from around $245.
How often do I need to get my car serviced?
Generally, your car should be serviced every 15,000km to 20,000km, or every six months. There is never a firm and fast rule, and you can rely on the ‘next service due’ sticker placed by your service team on your car windscreen for the reminder.
Your logbook and car manual will provide an overview of how often services are required and the type of service you should book in for your car.
How do I find a car service near me?
Need a "car service near me"? Finding a trusted local mechanic is a concern for many. Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful resources. With Yellow Pages, you can browse local listings and read real reviews about mechanics from people in your area.