{
  "meta": {
    "name": "Cars With Fares — Consumer Repair Range Card (GTA)",
    "description": "Typical installed price ranges for common car repairs in the Greater Toronto Area, published for context so nobody has to guess. Every Cars With Fares job gets ONE flat quote before any work begins — that number is the number. No hourly meter, no hidden fees.",
    "url": "https://carswithfares.ca/data/consumer-rate-card.json",
    "publisher": "Cars With Fares — mobile mechanic, Mississauga / Oakville / Milton",
    "contact": "647-450-0406",
    "license": "CC BY 4.0 — cite carswithfares.ca",
    "updated": "2026-07-19",
    "disclaimer": "Market context ranges, not quotes. Your exact flat quote depends on the car and the job — confirmed by Fares before any work, always."
  },
  "families": [
    {
      "slug": "brakes",
      "label": "Brakes — pads, rotors, calipers",
      "unit": "per axle, installed",
      "typical_gta_range": {
        "low": 200,
        "high": 700,
        "currency": "CAD"
      },
      "detail": [
        {
          "job": "Front OR rear pads only (per axle)",
          "includes": "Quality pads, hardware, caliper service, torque to spec",
          "range": "$200–$400"
        },
        {
          "job": "Front OR rear pads + rotors (per axle)",
          "includes": "Pads, coated rotors, hardware, hub cleanup",
          "range": "$350–$700"
        },
        {
          "job": "All four corners, pads + rotors",
          "includes": "Full brake refresh, both axles",
          "range": "$700–$1,400"
        },
        {
          "job": "European (BMW/Audi/Mercedes, per axle)",
          "includes": "Premium rotors, pads + wear sensor",
          "range": "$500–$950"
        }
      ],
      "source": "derived from carswithfares.ca/costs/ guides",
      "match": [
        "brake",
        "pads",
        "rotor",
        "caliper",
        "grinding when i stop",
        "squeal when stopping",
        "grind when brak"
      ],
      "combo_services": [
        "brake-repair"
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "suspension",
      "label": "Suspension — struts, control arms, wheel bearings, sway links",
      "unit": "per job scope, installed",
      "typical_gta_range": {
        "low": 350,
        "high": 1500,
        "currency": "CAD"
      },
      "detail": [
        {
          "job": "Front struts, pair (quick-strut assemblies)",
          "includes": "Complete assemblies — strut, spring, mount, bearing — installed",
          "range": "$700–$1,500"
        },
        {
          "job": "Rear shocks or struts, pair",
          "includes": "Rear dampers, hardware, torque to spec",
          "range": "$400–$900"
        },
        {
          "job": "All four corners",
          "includes": "Front struts plus rear shocks/struts together",
          "range": "$1,100–$2,300"
        },
        {
          "job": "European / adaptive suspension, pair",
          "includes": "Electronic or adaptive dampers (BMW/Audi/Mercedes)",
          "range": "$1,400–$3,000+"
        },
        {
          "job": "One lower control arm (arm + ball joint + bushings)",
          "includes": "Complete arm assembly, new hardware, torque to spec",
          "range": "$350–$800"
        },
        {
          "job": "Both front lower arms (pair)",
          "includes": "Left and right complete arms in one visit",
          "range": "$650–$1,400"
        },
        {
          "job": "European multi-link (per side)",
          "includes": "Multiple arms/links, new stretch bolts (BMW/Audi/Mercedes)",
          "range": "$600–$1,200"
        },
        {
          "job": "Hub-assembly bearing, per corner",
          "includes": "Bolt-on hub unit (quality brand), torque to spec",
          "range": "$350–$750"
        },
        {
          "job": "Pressed-in bearing, per corner",
          "includes": "Knuckle out, press work, new bearing and seals",
          "range": "$450–$900"
        },
        {
          "job": "Truck / AWD front hub, per corner",
          "includes": "Heavier 4x4 hub unit, axle-nut service",
          "range": "$450–$950"
        },
        {
          "job": "Both sides of one axle",
          "includes": "Two corners done in one visit",
          "range": "$650–$1,400"
        }
      ],
      "source": "derived from carswithfares.ca/costs/ guides",
      "match": [
        "strut",
        "shock",
        "control arm",
        "ball joint",
        "tie rod",
        "sway bar",
        "wheel bearing",
        "clunk",
        "bounc",
        "humming noise",
        "death wobble",
        "suspension"
      ],
      "combo_services": [
        "suspension-repair"
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "cv-axle",
      "label": "CV axles & driveshafts",
      "unit": "per axle, installed",
      "typical_gta_range": {
        "low": 350,
        "high": 750,
        "currency": "CAD"
      },
      "detail": [
        {
          "job": "One CV axle, quality aftermarket",
          "includes": "New shaft, both joints and boots, new axle nut, torque to spec",
          "range": "$350–$750"
        },
        {
          "job": "Both front axles together",
          "includes": "Left and right quality shafts in one visit",
          "range": "$650–$1,300"
        },
        {
          "job": "CV boot only (caught before it clicks)",
          "includes": "Boot kit, joint cleaned and repacked with fresh grease",
          "range": "$150–$400"
        },
        {
          "job": "Rear axle on AWD (per side)",
          "includes": "Rear shaft, quality aftermarket",
          "range": "$450–$950"
        }
      ],
      "source": "derived from carswithfares.ca/costs/ guides",
      "match": [
        "cv axle",
        "cv joint",
        "clicking when turning",
        "click when i turn",
        "axle"
      ],
      "combo_services": []
    },
    {
      "slug": "battery-charging",
      "label": "Battery, alternator & starter",
      "unit": "installed & tested",
      "typical_gta_range": {
        "low": 180,
        "high": 1100,
        "currency": "CAD"
      },
      "detail": [
        {
          "job": "Standard flooded battery, installed (shop)",
          "includes": "Quality battery, terminals cleaned, old battery taken for recycling",
          "range": "$180–$450"
        },
        {
          "job": "AGM / start-stop battery, installed",
          "includes": "The spec many 2015+ cars require — not an upgrade, a requirement",
          "range": "$350–$650"
        },
        {
          "job": "Reman alternator, common car (shop installed)",
          "includes": "Quality remanufactured unit, install, output test",
          "range": "$550–$800"
        },
        {
          "job": "New OEM-grade alternator (shop installed)",
          "includes": "New Denso/Bosch/Valeo-tier unit, install, output test",
          "range": "$700–$1,100"
        },
        {
          "job": "European or buried alternator",
          "includes": "BMW/Audi/Mercedes or tight packaging — extra teardown labour",
          "range": "$900–$1,800+"
        },
        {
          "job": "Charging system test (before any parts)",
          "includes": "Battery, alternator output under load, cable voltage drop",
          "range": "$50–$150"
        },
        {
          "job": "Accessible starter, common car (shop)",
          "includes": "Quality reman or new starter, install, crank and charge test",
          "range": "$450–$750"
        },
        {
          "job": "Accessible starter, new OEM-grade part",
          "includes": "New unit, or harder-access (but not buried) placements",
          "range": "$600–$950"
        },
        {
          "job": "Buried starter — under the intake",
          "includes": "Toyota/Lexus V6s and V8s, some Audis — intake off, new gaskets",
          "range": "$800–$1,400"
        },
        {
          "job": "No-start diagnosis (before parts)",
          "includes": "Battery, cables, relay, ignition signal, then the starter itself",
          "range": "$100–$190"
        }
      ],
      "source": "derived from carswithfares.ca/costs/ guides",
      "match": [
        "battery",
        "alternator",
        "starter",
        "wont start",
        "won't start",
        "no start",
        "not starting",
        "clicking sound when i start",
        "dead",
        "jump start",
        "charging",
        "stalls and dies"
      ],
      "combo_services": [
        "electrical-repair",
        "no-start-revival"
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "cooling",
      "label": "Cooling — thermostat, water pump, hoses",
      "unit": "installed, coolant included",
      "typical_gta_range": {
        "low": 250,
        "high": 900,
        "currency": "CAD"
      },
      "detail": [
        {
          "job": "Simple cartridge thermostat (many Toyota/Honda)",
          "includes": "Thermostat + gasket, fresh coolant, full bleed",
          "range": "$250–$450"
        },
        {
          "job": "Plastic housing assembly (common on GM/VW)",
          "includes": "Complete housing with built-in sensor, coolant, bleed",
          "range": "$400–$700"
        },
        {
          "job": "Buried thermostat (under intake / rear of engine)",
          "includes": "Extra teardown to reach it, then the same job",
          "range": "$450–$750"
        },
        {
          "job": "Electronic map-controlled unit (European)",
          "includes": "OEM heated thermostat, scan-tool bleed, codes cleared",
          "range": "$500–$800"
        },
        {
          "job": "Externally-mounted pump (many 4-cylinders)",
          "includes": "Pump, gasket/O-ring, fresh coolant, full bleed",
          "range": "$500–$900"
        },
        {
          "job": "Pump driven by the timing belt (buried)",
          "includes": "Pump replaced along with the belt and tensioners in front of it",
          "range": "$900–$1,800+"
        },
        {
          "job": "Electric water pump (common on BMW)",
          "includes": "Electric pump, usually with thermostat, scan-tool bleed",
          "range": "$900–$1,600"
        },
        {
          "job": "Coolant drain & fill alone",
          "includes": "Correct-spec coolant and a proper bleed — no pump",
          "range": "$150–$280"
        }
      ],
      "source": "derived from carswithfares.ca/costs/ guides",
      "match": [
        "overheat",
        "coolant",
        "water pump",
        "thermostat",
        "radiator",
        "temperature gauge",
        "steam"
      ],
      "combo_services": [
        "cooling-system"
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "oil-leak",
      "label": "Oil leaks — valve cover & gaskets",
      "unit": "installed",
      "typical_gta_range": {
        "low": 250,
        "high": 900,
        "currency": "CAD"
      },
      "detail": [
        {
          "job": "Inline-4 valve cover gasket",
          "includes": "Gasket + spark plug tube seals, surfaces cleaned, torqued in sequence",
          "range": "$250–$500"
        },
        {
          "job": "V6 — front (accessible) bank only",
          "includes": "Gasket + tube seals on the easy side",
          "range": "$300–$550"
        },
        {
          "job": "V6 — both banks, rear under the intake",
          "includes": "Intake manifold off, both gaskets, new intake gaskets",
          "range": "$500–$900"
        },
        {
          "job": "European (BMW/Audi) valve cover job",
          "includes": "Often a complete new cover with integrated gasket",
          "range": "$600–$1,100"
        }
      ],
      "source": "derived from carswithfares.ca/costs/ guides",
      "match": [
        "oil leak",
        "valve cover",
        "oil spot",
        "leaking oil",
        "burning oil smell",
        "drip"
      ],
      "combo_services": []
    },
    {
      "slug": "tune-up",
      "label": "Tune-up — spark plugs, coils, filters",
      "unit": "installed",
      "typical_gta_range": {
        "low": 250,
        "high": 700,
        "currency": "CAD"
      },
      "detail": [
        {
          "job": "Inline-4, iridium plugs",
          "includes": "4 quality iridium plugs, gap verified, torqued to spec",
          "range": "$250–$450"
        },
        {
          "job": "V6 with easy access",
          "includes": "6 iridium plugs, all reachable from the top",
          "range": "$300–$550"
        },
        {
          "job": "Transverse V6 — buried rear bank",
          "includes": "Intake or cowl removal to reach the back three",
          "range": "$400–$700"
        },
        {
          "job": "Turbo / direct-injection engines",
          "includes": "Specific heat-range plugs, exact gap, correct torque",
          "range": "$300–$600"
        }
      ],
      "source": "derived from carswithfares.ca/costs/ guides",
      "match": [
        "spark plug",
        "tune up",
        "tune-up",
        "misfire",
        "rough idle",
        "shaking at idle",
        "coil",
        "hesitat"
      ],
      "combo_services": [
        "engine-repair"
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "belts",
      "label": "Serpentine belt & tensioner",
      "unit": "installed",
      "typical_gta_range": {
        "low": 150,
        "high": 650,
        "currency": "CAD"
      },
      "detail": [
        {
          "job": "Serpentine belt only",
          "includes": "Quality belt, routing verified, tensioner checked",
          "range": "$150–$350"
        },
        {
          "job": "Belt + tensioner",
          "includes": "Belt plus complete tensioner assembly",
          "range": "$300–$550"
        },
        {
          "job": "Belt + tensioner + idler pulley",
          "includes": "Full accessory-drive refresh in one labour charge",
          "range": "$350–$650"
        }
      ],
      "source": "derived from carswithfares.ca/costs/ guides",
      "match": [
        "serpentine",
        "belt squeal",
        "squealing on startup",
        "belt"
      ],
      "combo_services": []
    },
    {
      "slug": "diagnostic",
      "label": "Diagnostic visit",
      "unit": "flat, at your location",
      "typical_gta_range": {
        "low": 100,
        "high": 250,
        "currency": "CAD"
      },
      "detail": [
        {
          "job": "Diagnostic, independent shop",
          "includes": "Scan, visual inspection, targeted testing, a written verdict",
          "range": "$120–$190"
        },
        {
          "job": "Deep electrical / intermittent diagnosis",
          "includes": "Wiring checks, data logging, chasing a ghost — billed by time",
          "range": "$200–$400+"
        },
        {
          "job": "Pre-purchase inspection",
          "includes": "Full mechanical once-over before you buy a used car",
          "range": "$120–$250"
        }
      ],
      "source": "derived from carswithfares.ca/costs/ guides",
      "match": [
        "check engine",
        "engine light",
        "warning light",
        "code",
        "diagnos",
        "not sure",
        "no idea"
      ],
      "combo_services": []
    },
    {
      "slug": "exhaust",
      "label": "Exhaust — flex pipes, resonators, mufflers",
      "unit": "installed",
      "typical_gta_range": {
        "low": 150,
        "high": 800,
        "currency": "CAD"
      },
      "note": "Catalytic converter replacement runs higher — quoted per car.",
      "source": "curated 2026-07-19",
      "match": [
        "exhaust",
        "muffler",
        "flex pipe",
        "loud",
        "rumbl",
        "droning"
      ],
      "combo_services": [
        "exhaust-repair"
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "ppi",
      "label": "Pre-purchase inspection",
      "unit": "flat, at the seller’s location",
      "typical_gta_range": {
        "low": 120,
        "high": 250,
        "currency": "CAD"
      },
      "note": "Full mechanical once-over before you buy — report included.",
      "source": "curated 2026-07-19",
      "match": [
        "pre-purchase",
        "pre purchase",
        "ppi",
        "buying a",
        "before i buy",
        "inspection before"
      ],
      "combo_services": [
        "pre-purchase-inspection"
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "clutch",
      "label": "Clutch replacement",
      "unit": "installed",
      "typical_gta_range": {
        "low": 1200,
        "high": 2500,
        "currency": "CAD"
      },
      "note": "Not every clutch is a driveway job — Fares gives you a straight answer on whether mobile makes sense for your car.",
      "source": "curated 2026-07-19",
      "match": [
        "clutch",
        "slipping",
        "grinding gears",
        "hard to shift"
      ],
      "combo_services": [
        "clutch-replacement"
      ]
    }
  ]
}