Drivers overcharged for routine vehicle repairs, warns Carly
UK motorists are being overcharged for routine vehicle repairs by up to 500%, according to an undercover investigation by automotive diagnostics specialist Carly.
In a mystery shop investigation, it took the same Seat Ibiza to 10 UK workshops for a routine sensor repair which should cost £110.
All of the 10 repairers, which included both independent shops and main dealer networks, correctly identified the issue but quotes varied widely with one business in Leeds, which is part of a national chain, quoting £672 to replace both oxygen sensors, a main dealer in Stoke-on-Trent quoting £618 for oxygen sensor replacement and another main dealer in Sunderland quoting £328 for oxygen sensor replacement.
In addition to price inflation, the investigation revealed that four of the 10 workshops recommended additional repairs such as brake replacements, spark plugs and air conditioning servicing without explaining the urgency of the work or if there were safety implications of not having it done.
Repair bills
The findings of the investigation back up a survey of 2,000 UK motorists carried out by OnePoll which found that 52% either suspect or don’t know if they have been overcharged for repairs in the past five years and 45% saying they distrust garages and don’t know if quotes are fair.
Emma Brown, UK growth manager at Carly, said: “What this investigation highlights is a clear information gap between drivers and garages. Many motorists simply don’t have the tools to understand what’s wrong with their car or what a repair should realistically cost before agreeing to work.
“Carly is designed to close that gap; by identifying faults early, translating complex diagnostics into plain English, and giving drivers a clear idea of typical repair costs. It’s not about replacing mechanics, but about helping motorists walk into a garage informed, ask the right questions, and feel confident they’re paying a fair price.”
