Aston Martin has been manufacturing vehicles since 1913, and has built a global reputation for prestige performance cars. However, being handmade and a British brand, they are not heralded for reliability or low repair costs. 

So, how much does it really cost to repair an Aston Martin? We’ll take a look at everything from general servicing, suspension and drivetrain repairs, to bodywork and panel replacement costs.

Approved dealer services on contemporary Aston Martin models (roughly 2005 - current day models) range from £800 to £1300, depending on the specific model. This price is for a basic service usually consisting of oil & filters, and spark plugs. 

Older cars, and new high-performance models, such as the DB12, may need specialist parts and personnel, and cost more to service.

Whilst inarguably expensive, Aston Martins tend to compete with the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Bentley, meaning these costs are quite comparable to cars of a similar type.

How much does it cost to repair Aston Martin engine issues?

Aston Martin engine repairs typically cost 2-3x that of a typical BMW or Mercedes, thanks to a combination of high-specification parts and tools needed, and there being a limited number of people with the skills and knowledge to work on them. 

However, much like the servicing costs, engine repair costs are generally comparable to those of similar vehicle brands, such as Bentley and Ferrari.

For a number of years now, Aston Martin has used Mercedes engines in their flagship cars, such as the 4.0L V8 M177 and the 6.2L V12 AE31. Despite these engines already being impressive, Aston Martin’s engineers rebuild and tune them, extracting even more power. 

This bespoke nature gives Aston owners something more than your average sports car, but it comes at a cost, severely limiting the number of garages that can undertake serious engine repairs on these vehicles due to limited knowledge and experience.

Another reason buyers chose Aston Martins over the competition is the beautiful bodywork and styling. Whilst replacement body panels are hard to come by, a well-skilled body shop should be able to repair minor damage for a little more than any other prestige car. 

One caveat is on vehicles that are made of or utilise carbon fibre. The Valkyrie is a good example of this, being entirely constructed of aerospace-grade carbon fibre. 

Damage to the tub (main body shell of the car) can be extremely costly to repair properly, as it cannot be cut and welded as simply as steel-bodied cars. 

Despite being hand-built and British, two things that aren’t usually bywords for reliability, Aston Martin ranks quite highly in the prestige sports car sector. 

It's said to be in part due to the dependable Mercedes engine and control system, as well as high build standards in the Warwickshire manufacturing plant.

Older cars, such as those built before the 2020 ownership and structure changes, can be known to suffer from longstanding electrical and gearbox issues. 

Cars made prior to the 2007 buyout are now nearing 20 years old, so are likely to start developing numerous issues unless well maintained.

Do Aston Martins cost more than other cars to repair?

When compared to all other car brands, Aston Martins are significantly more expensive to repair. When comparing similar car models made by mainstream manufacturers, such as high end Porsche, Mercedes and BMW models, they are still likely to present higher repair bills.

However, when comparing Aston Martin to other hand-built prestige cars, such as Ferraris, Bentleys and Lamborghinis, the repair, servicing and maintenance costs are reasonable. 

In some cases, if you are UK based, they can be cheaper due to the location of many specialists – especially when compared to the Italian marques.

Even owners of specialist cars such as Aston Martins can benefit from Bumper’s zero-percent interest financing. Choose from thousands of reliable repairers across the country.

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How much does it cost to repair and maintain an Aston Martin?

Aston Martin Repair Costs

Since its launch, the Vauxhall Astra has regularly been one of the most popular car models in the UK. Part of its popularity stems from its reasonable price to buy, maintain and repair. But how much does one of the most expensive repairs; a head gasket replacement, cost?

How much does head gasket replacement cost on a Vauxhall Astra?

Replacing a head gasket on most Astra models ranges from £700 to £1,100, depending on the year and specific engine, and the type of garage you take it to. 

Some garages may be able to do it cheaper by not skimming the head, but this will depend on what happened during and after the head gasket failed.

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The main casing of an engine is split into two parts, a block and a head. Between the two is a head gasket, a sealing layer that retains the high pressure gasses of the engine’s combustion, as well as allowing oil and coolant to flow between the head and block. 

During normal operation, this gasket prevents the mixing of oil, water and combustion gasses, and also ensures the high pressures involved in generating the engine's power are retained inside the cylinders. 

However, due to either time, manufacturing defects, or sometimes overheating issues, the head gasket can develop leaks. Once a small leak starts, the combustion pressures will force this open, causing a loss of power, and combustion of oil and/or coolant.

What affects the cost of a head gasket replacement?

Head gasket jobs are fairly long and involved, often taking around 10 or more hours of workshop time. 

Main dealer garages will charge more than independents, meaning the overall cost can vary greatly depending on where you take the car for work. 

Sometimes a head gasket can blow because of an overheating problem, or a head gasket can cause an overheating issue. Either way, if an engine gets too hot, the head can warp. 

To ensure proper sealing, the head needs to be perfectly flat, this means it will need to be skimmed – a machining process where a small amount of material is removed, making the mating surface perfectly flat. 

A more complex engine will take more time to take apart and rebuild, performance engines often have extra components like turbos to take off too.

In cars with V6 or V8 engines, both head gaskets should really be changed at once, effectively doubling the labour time. Thankfully no Astra models came with anything other than an inline configured engine!

One of the best ways to prevent head gasket issues is simply to properly maintain your car's engine, such as with regular oil servicing, and making sure the cooling system is working effectively.

This is because one of the most common causes for a blown head gasket is overheating, which can be caused by something as simple as a blown fuse in the radiator fan circuit, or a water pump failure.

What are the signs of a blown head gasket?

To reduce the cost of repairing, it is important to notice head gasket issues quickly, the following are symptoms of head gasket problems:

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How much does it cost to replace the head gasket on a Vauxhall Astra?

Vauxhall Astra Head Gasket Repair Cost

Anti roll bar links are a common but thankfully easy fix on most cars. In this article we’ll cover how much they generally cost to repair, how to tell if your car needs new ones, and what it is they actually do. 

How much does it cost to repair anti-roll bar links?

In general it should only cost around between £60 to £130 per pair to replace your car’s anti-roll bar links, depending on the type of car and how expensive the garage is.

Thankfully, the anti-roll bar usually only attaches with one or two bolts per side to the cars suspension system, meaning fitting new joints is relatively easy. Changing anti-roll bar joints typically only takes around half an hour per side for a mechanic.

Part costs range from £12 per side for common or small cars, to around £50 for high performance or luxury vehicles.

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How to tell if your anti-roll bar links are bad

When your anti-roll bar link is failing, it is very likely to make a distinctive knocking, usually best noticed at low speeds, when crossing bumpy or damaged roads.

They may also contribute to a looser feel in the steering or more body roll when cornering, but in most cars this will be very hard to notice.

How to tell if a knocking is anti-roll bar links or track rod ends

Broken anti-roll bar joints can make a similar noise to a number of other suspension faults, such as collapsed top mount bearings, or worn out track rod ends. 

One key test is to feel and hear for clunks when turning the wheel whilst stationary. A slight amount of play, accompanied by a knocking noise, is usually caused by the track rod ends. If no noise is present when doing this, but slight bumps whilst driving make a similar noise, inspect anti roll bar joints or drop links first.

Anti-roll bar joints, commonly known as drop-links are fitted to both ends of the anti-roll bar in most cars. They transmit force from the suspension during cornering into torsional force on the anti-roll bar, helping to keep the vehicle from rolling or leaning when cornering.

In some cases, the anti-roll bar bolts directly to or through a suspension arm, but in many cases, an additional link bar is needed, this has ball and socket type joints on each end, to allow the steering and suspension to move as needed. 

Why do anti-roll bar joints need replacing?

Over time, these joints wear down and become loose. The problem is exacerbated by poor roads, and damaged protective boots that let dirt or grime into the joint.

To work without knocking or excess play, these ball and socket joints need to be made with tight tolerances. Any amount of play or wear will translate to poor steering feel as well as the clunking noise we discussed earlier. 

Other suspension issues that sound or feel like anti-roll bar issues

Because of the complexity of modern car suspension systems, there are a couple of other things that could be mistaken for anti-roll bar issues. 

Whether your car just needs something minor like a drop link or track rod end, or a complete suspension overhaul, Bumper’s 

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How much does repairing an anti-roll bar cost?

Anti Roll Bar Link Repair Cost

Alfa Romeo have been manufacturing stylish and sporty automobiles since their beginnings in 1910, they have made everything from successful Formula one cars to city hatchbacks and everything in between. 

Whilst the general perception of Alfa Romeos is that of style and performance, they are also known for their tendency to be unreliable. However, more recent models such as the Giulia and Giulietta have shown similar reliability ratings to brands such as BMW or Audi.

In this article we’ll discuss some typical repair items you might encounter whilst owning any car, and compare the costs of repairing an Alfa Romeo, to the average car.

The repair costs of Alfa Romeos are generally higher than the average vehicle, in line with premium or luxury brands such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes. 

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Whilst modern models such as the Stelvio and Giulia are on par with many of their rivals such as cars made by BMW and Audi, overall Alfa Romeo places below average on most reliability charts.

However, this will be taking into account all the older models, such as the 159, 156 and Mito, so may not represent an accurate picture if you’re considering a newer car.

There are a number of common faults listed by reliability reviews and on online forums:

Most sources state the Giulia model, made after 2018 is the most reliable Alfa Romeo to buy. Its reliability scores are comparable to that of most other models in the same market segment.

This model is available with a 2.0L 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder 2.9L petrol engine, and is firmly in the luxury saloon category. Its competitors are the BMW 3 series, Mercedes C-Class and others.

Are Alfa Romeos more reliable than BMW or Audi?

Since 2020, the published reliability scores place Alfa Romeo incredibly close to BMW and Audi. This is due to the relatively high reliability scores of the later Guilia and Stelvio models, and the decline in reliability of many of the German brands.

In the past, most people would have said this was impossible, as BMW, Audi and other brands in the segment were well known for their high quality engineering, and Alfa purely for their style. 

But the increase in complexity in luxury brands, alongside the drive to compete with non-EU brands has meant many manufacturers have had to cut costs, which unfortunately reduces long term reliability. 

Whether you drive an Alfa, BMW, Audi or Ford, Bumper’s zero-percent interest 

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How much does it cost to repair an Alfa Romeo?

Alfa Romeo Repair Costs

As the name suggests, an exhaust backbox is mounted at the back of the car and is the last component in the system. Like all exhaust components, they are subject to lots of road salt, moisture and debris, so they often rust out over time. 

Read on for more information on how much they are likely to cost, and how to know if your car's exhaust backbox needs replacing.

How much is an exhaust backbox to repair?

The cost of an exhaust backbox repair will range from £150 to £1,500, depending on the type of car. Other factors, such as system configuration (some cars don’t have a separate back box) and parts availability, affect the cost.

Below are the prices across some ranges of vehicle types:

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The back box is generally the very last silencer in the exhaust system; its job is to quieten down the exhaust noise before it exits the vehicle at the back.

Exhaust silencers work by absorbing the energy of the pressure (sound) waves caused by the engine's combustion. They do this by forcing the gases through packing material such as metal or mineral wools. 

Another technique is to cause the sound waves to diffuse by routing them through chambers and perforated tubes that slow down and modify the pressure pulses, reducing the overall volume. 

How to tell if my backbox needs replacing

The first sign of any damaged exhaust component is likely to be the noise. If your car is suddenly much louder than normal, or you can hear a slight puffing or chugging noise when walking around it whilst idling, it’s likely your exhaust is leaking somewhere.

Without getting under the car, it’s going to be very difficult to tell where the leak is coming from exactly, but the most common places to go are the joints between the piping and a silencer, such as the back box. 

For a quick and simple check of your back box, have a peek under the rear of the car (with the engine off) and look for obvious signs of rust, which will show as a light or dark orange colour. 

Pay close attention to the front of the back box - which is likely to be roughly inline with the rear wheels. Note any damage or separation of the metal skin of the back box – these are all signs the part needs to be replaced. 

You should not drive with a leaking exhaust, regardless of where the leak is, it should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid more damage occurring.

Not only is the noise likely to be distracting and anti-social, the exhaust fumes could easily enter the vehicle, which can cause dizziness, nausea and loss of consciousness. It can also cause error messages from erroneous sensor readings. 

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How Much Does an Exhaust Backbox Repair Cost?

Exhaust black box repair cost

Airbags use electrical signals from various crash sensors around the car to trigger an explosive reaction that inflates the airbag. Therefore, any issues with the car's wiring to the airbags will cause them not to work when needed. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the potential costs of airbag wiring repairs and why they occur. 

Repairing airbag wiring can cost anywhere from £60 to £500+, depending on the cause of the problem. In some cases, a simple reset, fuse replacement or plug clean up can sort airbag wiring issues, but it could also be a much more extensive repair needed.

If wiring is severely damaged by water ingress, physical damage or a defect, large sections of wiring loom may need to be replaced, which can take multiple hours to diagnose and repair.

Another factor is the type of garage you take the car to; a main dealer is likely to charge far higher prices than an independent garage, but on more modern or specialised cars, the main dealer may be the only place with the software needed to diagnose the problem.

First invented in the 1970s, airbags use a textile sack that rapidly inflates in the event of an accident to protect the car's occupants. It does this by way of an explosive charge igniting inside the assembly. This charge is triggered by an electronic signal, typically sent from the airbag ECU.

Airbags inflate in around 10 milliseconds, but are not fully sealed; they have flaps to allow the air inside to escape upon impact with a driver or passenger. This helps to dissipate energy, reducing the deceleration the person experiences, thus reducing the likelihood of injury.

Modern cars have airbags not only in the dashboard and steering wheel, but in the seats, roof lining and even doors too. Any one of these airbags developing a fault will signal an airbag warning to the driver.

Wiring in a car is different to that in a house or building, it is under constant vibration when the car is being driven, and harsh heat cycling. Some wiring components also have to account for moving or rotating components, such as those going to the seats or steering wheel.

Common sources for airbag wiring related issues are:

The first indication of an airbag issue should be an error light or message on the dashboard. If you suspect an airbag issue, check that this light illuminates when starting the car, to ensure it has not been tampered with. 

Airbag systems are very highly tuned to detect electrical issues, the airbag ECU constantly scans the wiring for incorrect resistance values, which indicate a break, short circuit or bad component.

Airbags are a vital safety component of any car. They protect occupants from head on, side impact and rollover accidents, the car should not be driven if an airbag issue is detected or suspected. 

Get the car to an approved mechanic, with the correct software to diagnose and check the airbag systems fully. 

Warning lights on your dashboard should not be ignored, especially ones pertaining to vital safety features such as the airbags. If you are suspecting a large repair bill, consider taking your car to a garage that offers Bumper's 

How much does it cost to repair airbag wiring?

Airbag Wire Repair Cost

In order to run correctly, your car’s ECU needs to know exactly how much air is entering the engine at any given time. This is achieved by a special sensor, known as either a mass air flow meter (MAF) or simply the air flow meter.

Air flow meters can cause numerous engine running issues when they become old, clogged or worn out. This article will explore the likely costs to replace a MAF and what symptoms to look out for.

How much is a mass air flow meter (MAF) repair?

Repairing or replacing a mass air flow meter can cost between £170 and £350, depending on the make and model of the car. Main dealership labour rates could sometimes push this figure higher still.

Typically, car models that are more premium or performance-oriented will have costlier parts prices. Certain cars, such as those with V6 or V8 engines, may even have two MAF meters.

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A mass air flow meter is a device that measures how much air is entering the engine. This information is sent to the ECU, which then tells the injectors exactly how much fuel to spray into the cylinders.

MAF meters work by heating a wire with a small amount of electricity, then monitoring how much this wire cools as more air passes it. This gives an accurate reading, without needing any moving parts, something that is very good for reliability.

A faulty MAF can cause all sorts of issues, all related to how the engine runs. These can include:

Can you drive with a mass air flow meter issue?

Whilst your car may still run, it is highly recommended to have it repaired before making unnecessary trips. Not only will poor engine running use far more fuel and cause pollution, but it is also likely to foul up spark plugs and could even destroy your catalytic converter. 

What’s more, if the ECU decides the MAF is causing too severe running issues, it may put the car into limp mode, which can be potentially dangerous depending on where it happens. 

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How much does it cost to repair a mass air flow meter?

Mass Air Flow Meter Repair Cost

The air intake on your car’s engine is a finely tuned component designed to increase efficiency by both improving the amount of air that can flow into the engine and by precisely monitoring the air volume and speed. 

Any issues with this system, such as leaks in the intake components, can negatively affect the performance of the vehicle, as well as reduce fuel efficiency.

Repairing an air intake that’s leaking can cost between £60 and £350, depending on the cause of the problem and the type of car you drive. 

Basic rubber hoses that connect the air filter to the intake manifold are often available cheaply and don’t usually take long to repair.

If the leak is coming from a cracked or otherwise damaged air intake manifold, expect to pay nearer £300+, depending on the type of car. Simple city cars and family hatchbacks will be cheaper than performance or luxury cars with complex engine bays and expensive parts. 

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There are a number of components in the air intake system, including hoses, seals and connectors that can all develop leaks over time. Here are some of the common areas:

An engine's air intake typically consists of an intake duct, usually behind the grille in the bumper, a series of tubes or hoses, an air filter, sensors, and the intake manifold. Turbocharged cars also incorporate a turbo and an intercooler. 

An engine needs both fuel and air to run. In order to run efficiently, the incoming air flow’s volume and temperature are measured precisely by the MAF (Mass Air Flow meter) and IAT (Intake Air Temp sensor). Both of these sensors are built into the air intake system. 

In addition to this, engines run better when the air is cold, as it is more dense. Intake systems therefore channel air from the front of the engine bay, near to the bumper, to avoid it being warmed by the engine. 

Will a broken air intake damage the engine?

There are few circumstances where a damaged air intake can affect your engine, the main ones are if the air filter is being bypassed, or the MAF or IAT sensors are not able to read correctly. 

An air leak after the air filter, will allow unfiltered air into the engine, which could contain dust, debris or moisture. This can damage the engine over time. If the intake is allowing unmetered air into the engine, it’s likely there will be higher air flow than the ECU thinks, potentially damaging the engine.

Can I drive with a broken air intake hose?

You should avoid driving if your air intake is leaking after the air filter, MAF and IAT sensors, as it could cause damage to the engine. 

If other parts are damaged or missing, such as the intake duct that attaches on or near to the bumper, that isn’t as much of a problem, just make sure the parts aren’t likely to fall off whilst driving. 

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Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer