The Real Cost Of ‘Cheap Car Repairs’

“I can get it done cheaper elsewhere.”

We hear this at JustFix Automotive mechanics almost weekly. A customer gets our quote, sees it is $150 more than the “bargain” option down the road, and decides to save money.

Six months later, they are back.

The cheap brake pads are squealing. The rotors are scored. The calipers are seized because they weren’t lubricated.

The Result: What started as a $450 job at JustFix became a $280 cheap job that caused $1,200 in damage.

In this guide, we expose exactly how dodgy mechanics offer such low prices, what they are cutting out, and why the “cheapest quote” is often the most expensive one you will ever accept.

1. The Anatomy of a Quote: Where Does the Money Go?

When you see a mechanic advertising cheap car repair prices that seem too good to be true, there is always a reason. Let’s break down the real difference between a Professional Service and a “Budget” Job.

The $300 vs. $150 Brake Job

On paper, the cheap quote saved you $150.

In reality, you just bought a subscription to squealing brakes, ruined rotors, and a repeat visit in 6 months.

2. What Actually Gets Cut? (The Shortcuts)

To offer a “$99 Service” or a rock-bottom repair price, a mechanic must cut costs. They can’t buy parts cheaper than we can. So, they cut the only things left: Quality and Time.

Shortcut #1: The “Slap Pad” Special

A proper brake job involves cleaning the hub, lubricating the slide pins, and measuring the rotor thickness.

The Cheap Way: The mechanic pushes the old piston back, slaps new pads into a dirty caliper, and sends you on your way.

The Result: The caliper pins seize up. One brake pad drags constantly, overheating the wheel and destroying the rotor.

Shortcut #2: “White Box” Parts

We use brands like Bendix, Bosch, and Ryco. Cheap mechanics use “White Box” parts—generic imports with no brand name.

The Result:

• Cheap Pads: Squeal loudly and cover your wheels in black dust.

• Cheap Filters: Collapse internally, starving your engine of oil.

• Cheap Water Pumps: Impellers rust or snap within 12 months.

Shortcut #3: The “Upsell” Trap

This is the most common trick. They advertise a $140 Service to get you in the door. Once your car is on the hoist and taken apart, you get a phone call:

“Oh, we found a problem. You need X, Y, and Z. It will be $1,200.”

Because your car is already in pieces, you feel trapped.

3. The Resale Value Trap: Saving $100 to Lose $1,000

There is one hidden cost that most people forget until it is too late: Resale Value.

When the time comes to sell your car, a smart buyer (or a pre-purchase inspector) isn’t just looking at the paintwork; they are looking for evidence of care. Cheap repairs leave “scars”—rounded-off bolts, missing engine covers, non-genuine oil filters, and messy silicone sealant.

A logbook full of stamps from a reputable VACC Member workshop like JustFix Automotive proves the car was maintained to a high standard, allowing you to ask for a top-dollar price. Conversely, a history of budget “quick-fixes” screams neglect to a buyer. You might have saved $150 on servicing over the years, but it could knock $1,500+ off your final sale price because the car looks like a risky purchase.

4. Real Workshop Examples: Cheap Car Repairs Gone Wrong

These are real cases from our workshop in Sunshine North.

The “Bargain” Timing Belt

• The Quote: Customer chose a $600 timing belt quote over our $950 quote.

• The Shortcut: The cheap mechanic replaced the belt but didn’t replace the water pump or tensioners (which is standard practice).

• The Outcome: 5,000km later, the old tensioner bearing collapsed. The new belt snapped.

• The Cost: $4,500 for a cylinder head rebuild.

• Total Loss: $4,150.

The “Quick Lube” Oil Change

• The Quote: $150 “Express” Service.

• The Shortcut: They used the wrong viscosity oil (10W-40 mineral instead of 5W-30 synthetic) and a $4 oil filter.

• The Outcome: The thick oil starved the timing chain tensioner on cold mornings.

• The Cost: Timing chain stretch replacement ($2,200).

5. The “Pay Twice” Rule With Cheap Car Repairs

There is a fundamental truth in automotive repair:

“If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”

When you pay for a quality repair at JustFix Automotive, you are paying for:

1. Diagnosis: We find the root cause, not just the symptom.

2. Longevity: We use parts that last 40,000km+, not 10,000km.

3. Peace of Mind: If something goes wrong, we fix it. We don’t make excuses.

6. How to Spot a “Fair” Quote

Don’t look for the cheapest price; look for the best value. Ask these questions before you book:

1. “What brand of parts do you use?” (If they say “genuine quality” but won’t name the brand, run).

2. “Does this price include machining the rotors/flushing the fluid?” (Check the inclusions).

3. “Is there a warranty on parts AND labor?”

Conclusion: Value Wins Every Time

At JustFix Automotive, we will never be the “cheapest” mechanic in Melbourne. We refuse to be.

We refuse to put dangerous parts on your family car to save $50.

We refuse to rush a job that requires precision.

We offer Fair Pricing, Transparency, and 5-Star Quality.

Don’t pay twice. Do it right the first time.

📍 Address: 120 Munro Avenue, Sunshine North VIC 3020

📞 Phone: (03) 9917 7920

🌐 Book Online

Serving: Sunshine North, Sunshine West, Albion, St Albans, Deer Park, and Braybrook.