Whether you're a workshop owner setting prices or a car owner wondering what's fair, understanding service costs in New Zealand helps everyone. This guide breaks down what services actually cost in 2026, what affects pricing, and how to communicate value to customers.
For workshop owners, this is also a useful benchmark to ensure your pricing is competitive while remaining profitable.
Basic Service
$150-250
oil change + basic checks
Full Service
$300-600
comprehensive inspection
Major Service
$500-900+
all filters + spark plugs
↓ In this guide
🔧 Service Types and What They Cost
Car services in NZ generally fall into three categories. Here's what each includes and typical pricing:
Basic Service (Oil & Filter Service)
The most common service type, typically performed every 10,000km or 6 months.
What's Included:
- Engine oil drain and replacement
- Oil filter replacement
- Visual inspection of key components
- Fluid level checks and top-ups
- Tyre pressure check
- Basic safety inspection
| Vehicle Type | Basic Service Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese (Toyota, Honda, Mazda) | $150-220 | Most affordable, parts readily available |
| Korean (Hyundai, Kia) | $160-230 | Similar to Japanese |
| European (VW, BMW, Audi) | $220-350 | Higher oil capacity, specific oils required |
| Utes/4WD (Ranger, Hilux) | $180-280 | Larger oil capacity |
Full Service (Comprehensive Service)
A thorough service typically performed every 12 months or 15,000-20,000km. This is what most customers mean when they say "full service".
What's Included (in addition to basic service):
- Air filter inspection/replacement
- Cabin/pollen filter inspection
- Brake inspection (pads, rotors, fluid)
- Suspension and steering check
- Cooling system inspection
- Battery test
- All lights and wipers check
- Drive belt inspection
- Road test
| Vehicle Type | Full Service Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese/Korean | $280-420 | 2-3 hours |
| European | $400-650 | 3-4 hours |
| Utes/SUVs | $320-500 | 2-4 hours |
| Performance/Luxury | $500-900+ | 3-5 hours |
Major Service
A comprehensive service typically performed every 100,000km or as per manufacturer schedule. Includes all items in a full service plus:
Additional Items:
- Spark plug replacement
- Fuel filter replacement
- Transmission fluid check/change
- Coolant flush (if due)
- Brake fluid flush
- Detailed engine inspection
Cost: $500-900+ depending on vehicle and what's due
💡 Workshop Tip
Always provide a detailed quote before starting work, especially for major services. Use your parts markup calculator to ensure pricing is profitable while remaining competitive.
📍 Regional Pricing Variations
Service costs vary significantly by location in New Zealand. Urban centres with higher rent and wages charge more than regional areas.
| Region | Full Service Range | Hourly Labour Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | $320-450 | $100-140/hr |
| Wellington | $300-420 | $95-130/hr |
| Christchurch | $280-400 | $90-125/hr |
| Hamilton/Tauranga | $270-380 | $90-120/hr |
| Regional NZ | $240-350 | $80-110/hr |
| Dealerships (any region) | $400-700+ | $120-180/hr |
These variations reflect differences in:
- Commercial rent — Auckland workshop rent can be 2-3x regional areas
- Technician wages — higher in cities to match cost of living
- Competition — more options in cities can drive some prices down
- Customer expectations — urban customers often expect (and pay for) better facilities
🚗 What Affects Service Cost
Vehicle Make and Model
European vehicles typically cost 30-50% more to service than Japanese equivalents due to:
- Oil requirements — specific synthetic oils, larger capacity (some require 7-8 litres vs 4-5)
- Parts costs — OEM parts often more expensive
- Complexity — more sophisticated systems requiring specialist knowledge
- Access — components often harder to reach, requiring more labour time
Service History
Vehicles with poor service history often cost more because:
- More items need attention
- Fluids may need flushing rather than topping up
- Hidden issues discovered during inspection
Age and Mileage
Older vehicles and high-mileage vehicles require more attention:
- More components at or near replacement intervals
- Seals and gaskets more likely to need attention
- Suspension and steering wear
⚠️ Common Pricing Mistake
Many workshops undercharge for European vehicle services. A BMW 3 Series service should be priced 40-60% higher than an equivalent Toyota Corolla service due to oil costs, parts, and complexity. Check your labour rates are appropriate.
💰 Understanding Labour Rates
Labour typically makes up 40-60% of a service bill. Current NZ labour rates:
| Workshop Type | Hourly Rate | Typical For |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Independent | $80-100/hr | Basic repairs, older vehicles |
| Standard Independent | $100-130/hr | General mechanical work |
| Specialist Workshop | $120-160/hr | European, performance, diesel |
| Dealership | $140-180/hr | Manufacturer-specific work |
For guidance on setting your workshop's labour rate, see our detailed guide on mechanic labour rates in New Zealand.
✓ Other Common Service Costs
Beyond regular servicing, here are typical costs for common repairs and inspections:
| Service | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WoF Inspection | $70-95 | Required every 6-12 months |
| Brake Pad Replacement (front) | $200-400 | Parts + labour |
| Cambelt/Timing Belt | $600-1,200 | Every 100,000km typically |
| Battery Replacement | $180-350 | Depends on vehicle type |
| Wheel Alignment | $80-150 | 2-wheel or 4-wheel |
| Diagnostic Scan | $80-150 | Plus investigation time |
📋 Key Takeaways
For Workshop Owners
- Price European vehicles appropriately higher
- Offer tiered service packages (basic, full, major)
- Communicate what's included clearly
- Review pricing annually against costs
- Track profitability by service type
For Car Owners
- Ask what's included before booking
- Compare like-for-like service levels
- Cheapest isn't always best value
- Keep service records for resale value
- Regular servicing prevents costly repairs