Spark Plug Replacement
Replace spark plugs. Improves fuel economy and engine performance.
Spark Plug Replacement costs $80–$600 AUD in Australia in 2026, parts and labour included. Independent mechanics typically charge 30-40% less than dealers for the same job.
🔧 What Mechanics Don't Tell You
- Labour is the real variable. The same repair can cost 30-50% more at a dealer than an independent, purely on labour rate. Always ask for a written quote with labour hours itemised — if they won't itemise, walk away.
- Aftermarket parts are fine for most jobs. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts carry a 30-60% premium. For non-safety-critical parts (pads, rotors, filters), reputable aftermarket brands (Bosch, Brembo, Sachs) perform identically for a fraction of the price.
- Get 3 quotes — the spread is real. We've seen the same job quoted from $400 to $1,800 across Brisbane shops. The cheapest quote is not always the best, but neither is the most expensive.
- If they won't itemise, walk away. A reputable mechanic will break down the quote into parts cost + labour hours + markup. If they give you a single round number, get a second opinion.
Cost by Brand (AUD)
| Brand | Total | Labour | Parts |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG | $80-$240 | $40-$120 | $0-$200 |
| Chery | $82-$246 | $40-$120 | $0-$206 |
| Haval | $83-$249 | $40-$120 | $0-$209 |
| BYD | $85-$255 | $40-$130 | $0-$215 |
| GWM | $85-$255 | $40-$130 | $0-$215 |
| LDV | $88-$264 | $40-$130 | $0-$224 |
| Suzuki | $90-$270 | $40-$140 | $0-$230 |
| Mitsubishi | $92-$276 | $50-$140 | $0-$226 |
| Kia | $93-$279 | $50-$140 | $0-$229 |
| Hyundai | $95-$285 | $50-$140 | $0-$235 |
| Nissan | $98-$294 | $50-$150 | $0-$244 |
| Toyota | $100-$300 | $50-$120 | $40-$150 |
| Honda | $102-$306 | $50-$150 | $0-$256 |
| Mazda | $105-$315 | $50-$160 | $0-$265 |
| isuzu | $105-$315 | $50-$160 | $0-$265 |
| Subaru | $108-$324 | $50-$160 | $0-$274 |
| Jeep | $112-$336 | $60-$170 | $0-$276 |
| Skoda | $115-$345 | $60-$170 | $0-$285 |
| Ford | $115-$345 | $60-$170 | $0-$285 |
| ram | $120-$360 | $60-$180 | $0-$300 |
| renault | $122-$366 | $60-$180 | $0-$306 |
| Volkswagen | $125-$375 | $60-$190 | $0-$315 |
| peugeot | $125-$375 | $60-$190 | $0-$315 |
| lexus | $135-$405 | $70-$200 | $0-$335 |
| volvo | $140-$420 | $70-$210 | $0-$350 |
| Audi | $150-$450 | $80-$220 | $0-$370 |
| BMW | $155-$465 | $80-$230 | $0-$385 |
| Mercedes-Benz | $160-$480 | $80-$240 | $0-$400 |
| land-rover | $170-$510 | $80-$260 | $0-$430 |
| porsche | $200-$600 | $100-$300 | $0-$500 |
Tips
- ✓Iridium plugs last 100,000km+
- ✓Check gap before installing
- ✓Don't overtighten - can strip threads
DIY Estimate
This repair can be done at home in approximately 1 hours. You'll save on labour costs ($40-120 in labour).
You'll still need to buy parts: approximately $0-200 for parts.
Tools You'll Need:
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AutoRepairCost is free, independently built, and updated with real Australian pricing data. Support it so it stays free.
What Our Data Shows
Spark plug replacement illustrates the hidden cost of modern engine design better than any other repair. On a traditional 4-cylinder with plugs accessible from the top of the engine, the job costs $180-$320 and takes 45 minutes. On a Subaru boxer engine (horizontally opposed, plugs on the sides), it costs $380-$580 because the intake manifold must be removed. On a V6 with rear-bank plugs under the intake plenum, it costs $480-$750. The plugs themselves cost $15-$45 each — the labour is the story. If your vehicle has iridium or platinum plugs (most post-2010 vehicles), the replacement interval is 100,000-120,000 km, not the traditional 40,000 km. Replacing them early is a waste of money unless you have a specific misfire diagnosis.
— Bo Qi, automotive data engineer. How we calculate.
Check Your Local Repair Cost
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