UK motorists could be overpaying by almost 25 per cent for routine car repairs, according to new analysis by automotive diagnostics specialist, Carly.

Drawing on more than 2,800,000 diagnostic sessions from more than 550,000 UK drivers, the data suggests that inflated pricing on common repairs may be adding hundreds of pounds a year to household budgets already under strain.

Between January and October 2025, Carly analysed fault and repair data from hundreds of thousands of UK users using its Carly OBD2 Scanner App, which helps users identify, understand and solve car issues, and calculate their repair cost. which gives them back control of their car.

The findings indicate that drivers may be charged around 25 per cent more than necessary, particularly for engine, transmission and braking system issues - three key safety and performance systems.

Engine problems such as overheating or ignition faults were found to carry the highest mark-ups, with estimated overpayments of 19 to 23 per cent.

Transmission issues, including fluid leaks and gear slippage, followed closely at 15 to 20 per cent, while braking system repairs - from worn pads and discs to fluid leaks - averaged 12 to 16 per cent above expected costs.

In practical terms, a repair that should cost around £400 could be invoiced at as much as £480 to £500 - a premium that quickly adds up when combined with regular servicing, insurance and running costs, especially as living costs continue to rise.

Dali Ati, head of internationalisation at Carly, said: "Drivers deserve transparency when it comes to repair pricing. The difference between what a repair should cost and what people are actually being charged can be significant, and most motorists simply don't have the data to challenge it.

"Our analysis highlights just how important visibility is. With trusted, data-driven insights such as those provided by us [Carly], drivers can make more informed decisions, compare quotes with confidence and ultimately avoid paying more than they should."

Carly's analysis also applied its data to the UK's ten most popular used car models, as listed in registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), to identify where drivers could be most at risk of overpaying.

Using its real-world diagnostics and repair data, Carly found that vehicles such as the Ford Fiesta, Nissan Qashqai, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Golf often showed inflated pricing for routine work, with typical repairs ranging from around £320 for battery or alternator issues to more than £950 for engine or turbo faults.

Higher-end models, including the Audi A3 and BMW 3 Series, showed similar trends, with common engine or fuel system repairs regularly exceeding £1,000 - up to 20 to 23 per cent more than typical benchmark costs across the wider dataset.

The report suggests there is significant potential for UK motorists to save if they are equipped with transparent, data-led insights before booking repairs.

With inflation and household costs still squeezing households, the recent UK Budget also focused heavily on everyday affordability - yet many drivers could make immediate savings simply by understanding the fair cost of their repairs.

Carly's findings indicate that greater transparency in vehicle maintenance could deliver real financial relief, with UK motorists collectively saving hundreds of pounds each year by challenging inflated quotes and understanding what repairs should actually cost.