What a repair quote should itemise before you agree

Most people accept a repair quote with barely a glance. They see a figure, assume it covers everything, and hand over their keys. Then the bill grows. Work wasn't included. Parts cost more than quoted. Labour hours stretched. You're stuck arguing about what you actually agreed to.

A good repair quote reads like a contract, not a vague promise. Before you commit, you need to see exactly what you're paying for — and what you're not.

Breaking down the line items

A proper quote separates labour, parts, and diagnostics. Each section should tell you something.

Labour is usually expressed as an hourly rate multiplied by estimated hours. A mechanic might quote "2.5 hours at R450/hour" rather than "R1,125 labour." Why does this matter? If the job takes longer, you'll see the cost climb predictably. You also need the *scope* of that labour: what specifically are they doing? "Remove and replace brake pads" is clear. "Brake work" is not.

Parts should list what they're installing — brake pads, filters, a thermostat, whatever — and ideally the brand or quality grade. If they're using an aftermarket part instead of an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) component, that should be stated. Price differences can be significant. Ask whether they're sourcing the part or whether you can supply one yourself; some workshops allow this, others don't.

Diagnostics is the time spent identifying what's wrong. Many quotes include a diagnostic fee upfront (say, R300–R500), which is then credited toward the repair cost if you proceed. Some workshops waive it if you book with them. Clarity here prevents surprise charges.

Anything else — disposal fees for old parts, fluids, sealant, rust treatment — should be itemised too. It's usually small, but it shouldn't be hidden in a round-number total.

What to ask before you sign off

A quote is only useful if you understand its limits. Most include a caveat: "subject to inspection" or "parts and labour as listed above; further issues discovered during work will be quoted separately."

That's fair, but you need to know how they'll handle surprises. Will they ring you immediately if they uncover rust or hidden damage? Will they send a photo or a fresh quote? Will they proceed without your go-ahead, or will they stop and wait? Ask this directly.

Also establish what's *excluded*. If the quote covers replacing the alternator, does it include new belts? New spark plugs? Topping up fluids? None of these are automatic. A workshop that doesn't remove old fluid or top up new fluid after a filter change is cutting corners, but a workshop that charges separately for every small step is being awkward. Reasonable practice is somewhere in between — ask what's standard in the quote you're looking at.

Check the validity period. Most quotes last 7–14 days. After that, parts prices may shift or the mechanic might have other bookings. If you're thinking it over, ask whether the quote holds for longer, and get their answer in writing — via WhatsApp, email, or on the actual quote document.

Finally, confirm payment terms. Is it cash upfront, on collection, or staged (deposit now, balance when ready)? Some workshops want half before they start, especially for bigger jobs. Make sure you're comfortable.

Using the quote to compare

Once you have an itemised quote, you can get a second opinion without starting from scratch. You'll see which workshops are genuinely expensive, which are cheap, and which are middle-ground. You'll spot if one mechanic is replacing parts unnecessarily or if another is under-quoting.

A clear, detailed quote also protects you. If the final bill differs significantly from what's written, you have something to reference. It's the foundation of trust — and it's the sign of a mechanic who's organised and confident in their work.

When you're ready to book, look for verified mechanics on Strove who can email or WhatsApp a proper breakdown. Reputable workshops don't rush this step.