6 PRICES TRACKED
Diagnostics check
Plugging in to read a fault code. A small fee that some garages waive if you get the work done.
Every price we track (hover a dot)
The gap: advertised vs actually paid (medians)
People reported paying 64% more than the advertised list price for diagnostics.
List prices are advertised prices; paid figures are what people reported, often for different cases and from a small sample so far. Treat the gap as a signal, not a quote.
| Year | Region | Provider | What it was | List | Paid | Src |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | UK-wide | Main dealer | On-board diagnostics fault code checkKwik Fit Plus advertised price for a diagnostic fault code read | £40 | — | source |
| 2026 | UK unspecified | Unknown | Car diagnostic test, average booked priceAverage price booked through independent garage aggregator platforms | £57 | — | source |
| 2026 | UK unspecified | Independent | Standard diagnostic test, independent garageIndependent garage standard diagnostic; stated range £50-£100, midpoint used | £75 | — | source |
| 2026 | UK unspecified | Unknown | Car diagnostic test (UK average)Airtasker UK 2026 average; stated range £80-£120, midpoint used | £100 | — | source |
| 2026 | UK unspecified | Main dealer | Diagnostic test, main dealershipMain dealership diagnostic; stated range £80-£150+, midpoint used | £115 | — | source |
| 2022 | UK | Unknown | Diagnostic check, Mazda (2017), main dealerMain dealer diagnostic fee shortly after a service and MOT on a 2017 Mazda, February 2022 | — | £123 | source |
Common questions
How much does diagnostics cost in the UK?
Across 6 real UK prices, the median is £88, ranging from £40 to £123. These are published prices and bills people actually paid, not estimates.
Why do diagnostics prices vary so much?
Main dealers charge far more than independent garages for the same work, and labour rates vary a lot by area. The parts are often the small part of the bill.
How can I pay less for diagnostics?
Get quotes from an independent garage as well as the dealer, ask for the labour rate and hours, and supply your own parts where a garage allows it.
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Methodology: prices here are published prices and bills people reported paying. Each row says which it is, with a link to the source where one exists. We never estimate and no sponsor can touch a number. Spot an error? Tell us and we will fix or remove it fast.