Laptop, notebook and coffee on a wooden desk
Photo: Unsplash License. Illustration of the topic, not a service endorsement.
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Example cost breakdown (illustrative numbers only)

These numbers are made-up examples to show how an estimate is laid out. They are not real prices for your area or car.

Line item Example amount What to ask
Diagnostic fee $100 (example) Is it credited toward the repair?
Brake pads, front, aftermarket $80 (example) Which brand, and what warranty?
Rotors, front, pair $140 (example) Can they be resurfaced instead of replaced?
Labor, 2.0 book hours at $120/hr $240 (example) What book time are you using?
Shop supplies $15 (example) How is this fee calculated?
Sales tax Varies by state Is labor taxed here?
Example total before tax $575 (example) Does this match the written estimate?