- Home/
- Costs/
- Car Diagnostics/
- Car Diagnostic Test Cost Guide
Car diagnostic test cost: How much should you budget in Australia?
Get a free quote nowPost to find a price. It's free and only takes a minute.
Average cost of car diagnostics
$40 - $165
low
$40
median
$102
high
$165
Last Updated on
Key Facts
- Car diagnostic tests typically cost $40 to $165+, depending on the service provider, vehicle type, and location.
- Luxury and high-performance vehicles often have higher diagnostic fees due to specialised equipment and expertise.
- Preventive diagnostic tests can save money by identifying minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs.
Getting an automotive diagnostic service is never a bad idea, especially if you’re purchasing a used car. Typical car diagnostic tests start at $40. You can find places that offer $60 to $70, but be prepared to spend at least $110 to $165 for full car or engine diagnostics.
Since some mechanics or dealers charge by the hour, expect labour costs. Car diagnostic tests might involve minor repairs or maintenance measures. These could be as minor as tightening nuts and bolts, regassing your car's aircon, changing sparkplugs, and replacing filters.
What is a car diagnostic test?
Most modern automobiles rely on onboard sensors. If these detect issues, your check engine light turns on. A diagnostic test will then check and analyse your car’s onboard computer. This computerised test efficiently finds which part of your car needs a manual inspection and subsequent repair.
What does a full car diagnostic test involve?
A mechanic performing a computer-based car diagnostic test under the hood. (Source: iStock)
During a full car diagnosis test, your mechanic should be able to pull out a computerised report on the following:
Engine
Electrical system
Sensors
Transmission
Braking system
Exhaust system
Fuel injection system
Throttle
Ignition
Air conditioning
Airbags and safety system
Note that these tests don’t always pinpoint the exact problem but will help your mechanic isolate where the problem is and prevent further damage.
Car diagnostic test prices
How much do mechanics charge for diagnostics? Here’s a quick table for your reference. The car diagnostic costs listed below are only estimates. For more accurate figures, consult your mechanic.
|
Car diagnostic test |
Cost estimate |
|---|---|
Low-end |
$40 to $60 |
Mid-range |
$70 to $100 |
High-end |
$110 to $165 |
What affects car diagnostic test costs?
Here are some factors affecting the cost of diagnostic tests for cars:
Location
Car diagnostic prices depend on your location. More populated areas will usually have lower prices since mechanics and shops must keep their rates enticing in their respective markets. Isolated or less populated areas might have higher prices because there isn’t much competition.
Additional services can also influence the costs. For example, the price for getting car aircon regas in Victoria might be different when you're getting car aircon regas in Queensland, as an additional service during a car diagnostics test.
Your mechanic’s experience level
There isn’t a standard cost guide among mechanics and auto shops. This means mechanics can charge you for labour depending on their skill set and equipment. Experts might have higher labour fees, but the quality of their work will exceed that of less experienced mechanics.
Your vehicle’s make and model
A car diagnostic test will cost less for common or mass-market car models. Since not all mechanics are qualified to properly diagnose specialty cars, diagnosing supercars or heavily modified racing vehicles will be more tricky and expensive. If you have a luxury car, it might be wise to visit its manufacturer before finding a third-party mechanic.
When to consider getting a full car diagnostic test
A driver inspecting his car engine after noticing performance issues. (Source: iStock)
You should get a full car diagnostic test when:
- The check engine light comes on
- You’ve purchased a used car
- You have a preventive maintenance schedule
- You feel something’s wrong with your vehicle, even if the check engine light is off
Book a car diagnostic service on Airtasker
Vehicle owners rely on car diagnostic tests to determine underlying issues and how to fix them. If you book a car diagnostic test through Airtasker, you can find reliable mechanics within your budget. Just post a task and wait for offers from nearby Taskers.
Once you receive quotes from local mechanics, you can review their profiles and ratings. If you’re unsure how much a car diagnostic test costs in your area, indicate your price range. Make sure to include the following details when filling out the request form:
Vehicle make and model
Check engine light status
Noticeable car issues
Car condition
Whether you need to take your car to a nearby auto shop or book mobile car diagnostics, Airtasker can connect you to professionals for your convenience.
You might also be interested in booking additional services for your vehicle:
FAQs on car diagnostic costs
It’s a good idea to schedule a diagnostic test at least once a year as part of routine maintenance. You should also book one if your check engine light comes on or you notice performance issues.
A basic diagnostic test usually scans for error codes and identifies potential issues, while a full diagnostic test includes a detailed inspection of the engine, transmission, electrical system, and more to pinpoint exact problems.
Yes! A diagnostic test can identify minor issues before they become major problems, saving you money on costly repairs. It's especially useful if you're buying a used car or experiencing performance issues.
Find car diagnostic experts, fast
Post a task
Related price guides
How much does a mechanic cost?
Read more
Related articles
