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RepairPal app review: get accurate information on auto repair costs

Reviews

Introduction

RepairPal app for iPhone is a fantastic auto repair cost app that is going to save you money the next time your car needs repairs.

You can use the Reapair Pal app for iPhone to ensure your mechanics are giving you the best price when your car needs some work. It also offers a couple other features you’ll appreciate. Check out our RepairPal review for more details. 

RepairPal: Auto Repair Expert

Free

What You Get

This app will prove to be absolutely essential to anyone who cares about their car and wants to save some money. There are four major sections to RepairPal: Find a Shop, Get Estimate, MyCar, and Roadside Help. You do have to join RepairPal to use the MyCar feature.

Probably the most valuable feature of this app is the Get Estimate section, which tells you how much your repair or service should cost and the types of questions to ask the mechanic. The MyCar section is like a journal for your vehicle. This is where you can track what repairs and services have been done, and which services are scheduled.

The RepairPal roadside service basically just gives you the ability to call for help at any time without looking up a number. I’m not sure if they offer deals to members or if it’s any cheaper than calling a local tow service for help.

The Get Estimate section seems pretty complete, with information on everything from ABS Control Module Replacement to Wheel Bearing Replacement and everything in between. It covers topics like Suspension and Steering, Scheduled Maintenance, Maintenance, Heating & Air Conditioning, Exhaust & Emissions, Engine, Electrical & Lights, Drive Train, Diagnosis, and Brakes. I don’t see any major repairs missing from here.

What You Get image

Great Features

When you first launch the app, it asks you for your car’s year, make, and model. The app also wants to use your location so it can give you accurate pricing. When you select a repair or diagnosis, the app figures out the cost in a range of prices so that you can have a good idea of what it should cost you.

For example, I input that I have a 2001 Dodge Intrepid that needed a brake caliper replacement on the front right side. RepairPal told me that it should cost between $114 and $187, depending on the cost of the parts. It says how much the part(s) should cost (in my case, $55 to $112), the exact parts needed (brake fluid pint and brake caliper), and how much the labor should cost ($59 to $75).

Additionally, the app tells me the best practices for this repair (that both sides should be done at once and that the brake hydraulic system should be flushed when the calipers are replaced) so I can ask questions about whether these things will be done. Finally, RepairPal tells me the common symptoms of when my car will need brake calipers replaced.

You need an Internet connection to use this app. To use the Find a Shop feature you must be in the United States. 

Great Features image

RepairPal: Auto Repair Expert

Free

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Awesome app with information that tells you how much a certain repair should cost so you don’t get ripped off at the garage
  • Access to keep track of your car’s repairs and maintenance
  • Immediate contact with Roadside Assistance if you need it
  • Can use it to find a local shop

Cons

  • Have to have Internet access for the app to work
  • The Find a Shop feature doesn’t work for people outside the U.S., which is a huge con

Pros and Cons image

Final Verdict

I think this is a great app to have, particularly if you don’t know a lot about how much repairs should cost. If you want to stop getting fleeced by your mechanic, then you should definitely get this app. Don’t give them any more money than you have to!

I like the fact that you can journal your car’s repairs and maintenance, and remind yourself of upcoming scheduled maintenance. The syncing with RepairPal.com is great (which is why you need to create an account to use the MyCar feature). 

RepairPal: Auto Repair Expert

Free
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rebecca

Rebecca, a former police officer, is an experienced writer and editor. She has used all kinds of different tech and prefers Apple products and apps. Her areas of expertise are in all things Apple, health and fitness, the Paleo lifestyle, and legal topics.