Generally, it is cheaper to repair your car at an auto repair shop than a dealership shop. For the period your car has a warranty, it is definitely cheaper to take it to a dealership as it will be repaired for free. But afterwards, it will be cheaper to shift to an auto repair shop as long as you find a good one.

Engine and Cylinders – $7,000 to $10,000 It's practically kaput. And the worst, and most expensive, type of engine damage involves the vehicle's cylinders. If the cylinders at the core of the engine breakdown, then the car will not be driveable and you could be on the hook for a repair in the area of $7,000 to $10,000.

Step 1: Shop around. Don't accept the first quote you're handed. Get the initial diagnosis from a trusted dealership or a larger mechanic shop, but don't assume their price is the price. The majority of your cost is probably not parts, but labor. And it's almost always higher at larger, more established shops.