Front Suspension Shock/Strut
Cost, Ford F-150: $926
Cost, Toyota Highlander: $767
The problem: Suspension parts are regular wear items that, if in poor condition, could cause unsafe braking and handling. How long shocks and struts last depends primarily on the road surfaces you usually drive on. Rougher roads are harder on these parts. Their replacement is fairly straightforward, but make sure you ask the shop for the highest-quality parts (which tend to be more expensive) to ensure a good, long-lasting ride. Even name-brand aftermarket shocks often come in different grades, so ask for details about quality and price. Michael Crossen, a mechanic at CR’s Auto Test Center, says your car might need a wheel alignment after getting suspension parts replaced, which will add more than $200 to the repair invoice.
Head Gasket
Cost, Ford F-150: $2,372
Cost, Toyota Highlander: $3,003
The problem: A head gasket creates a seal between your car’s engine block and its cylinder head. Over time the gasket can start to leak, which can get progressively worse and lead to overheating and engine damage. For most head gaskets, replacement can be labor-intensive, but the job is usually relatively simple, so it makes sense to choose an independent shop, which typically charges a lower rate for labor than dealerships charge. “Loyalty to one shop is most often rewarded with technicians who know your particular vehicle, and with an honest appraisal of what’s needed,” says Ibbotson at Consumer Reports. “A good shop that you’ve developed a rapport with will be able to tell you whether they can handle a job, or if you should take it to the dealership or a specialist.”
Brake Pads
Cost, Ford F-150: $195
Cost, Toyota Highlander: $267
The problem: This fix is the most frequent on the list of common repairs, according to RepairPal data. Brake pads—a regular wear item, like tires and windshield wiper blades—need to be replaced every so often. The number of miles between replacements depends on the model, road conditions, and how you drive the vehicle. The repair is usually pretty standard from vehicle to vehicle, so we recommend an independent shop. To keep costs down, it will probably use lower-cost aftermarket parts, so it’s up to you to ask for the best ones possible, Ibbotson says. Good aftermarket parts may still be less expensive than factory parts. Brake rotors should usually be replaced to ensure smooth operation. The technician should also inspect the condition of related parts, such as wheel bearings and suspension components, that can affect braking safety and performance, Ibbotson says.
Spark Plugs
Cost, Ford F-150: $279
Cost, Toyota Highlander: $465
The problem: Spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture in your engine’s combustion chambers, which creates power to move the car. When they get dirty or worn out as miles accrue, it can affect fuel economy, drivability, and even emissions. Replacing spark plugs on some engines is easier than on others—a Toyota four-cylinder engine’s spark plugs are accessible from the top of the engine, whereas the spark plugs on a Subaru flat-four are in a tight spot on the side of the engine. Either way, independent shops work on a variety of cars and will have the tools and expertise to replace spark plugs and do other tuneup tasks.
Alternator Replacement
Cost, Ford F-150: $694
Cost, Toyota Highlander: $880
The problem: The alternator is a belt-driven part that converts engine power into electricity for charging the battery and powering the vehicle’s many onboard electronic components. Replacing one is another common repair that varies in complexity depending on the vehicle make and model. Some alternators are easily accessible. Others, not so much. But in general, disassembly of major components isn’t required to get to an alternator, so an independent shop is a good choice. Gas-electric hybrids and even mild hybrids, on the other hand, won’t have a traditional alternator, and they might need attention at the dealership if there is a problem.
