One of the biggest factors in salvage car profitability is repair costs—and the biggest variable in repair costs is labor. Here's an honest look at what you can realistically DIY versus what needs a shop.
The Cost Difference
Shop labor rates vary by location but typically run:
- Body shop: $50-75/hour
- Mechanical: $80-150/hour
- Dealership: $120-200/hour
A repair that takes 10 hours could cost $500-2,000 in labor alone. DIY eliminates this, but requires time, tools, and skills.
Good DIY Projects
Easy (Beginner-Friendly)
- Bumper cover replacement
- Headlight/taillight replacement
- Mirror replacement
- Interior trim and panels
- Basic maintenance (oil, filters, brakes)
- Battery and electrical accessories
Moderate (Some Experience Needed)
- Fender replacement (bolted, not welded)
- Hood/trunk lid replacement
- Door replacement
- Suspension components (struts, control arms)
- Radiator and cooling system
- Starter, alternator, sensors
- Used airbag installation (with proper knowledge)
Advanced (Serious Skills Required)
- Engine swap
- Transmission replacement
- Welded panel replacement (quarter panels)
- Structural/frame rail repair
- Full electrical diagnosis
What to Leave to Shops
Body Work & Paint
Unless you have spray equipment and a paint booth, professional paint is almost always worth it. DIY paint jobs look DIY—and hurt resale value. Budget $1,500-4,000 for professional paint depending on the extent.
Frame/Structural Repair
Frame straightening requires specialized equipment. If the car needs frame work, take it to a shop with a frame rack. Improper frame repair creates safety issues and alignment problems.
Airbag Module Programming
While you can install used airbags yourself, the airbag control module often needs to be reset or programmed. Some cars require dealer-level tools for this.
AC System Work
Refrigerant handling requires EPA certification. If the AC system needs major work (compressor, lines), you'll need a shop to evacuate and recharge the system legally.
Hybrid Approach: Best of Both
The most cost-effective approach for many buyers:
- DIY disassembly: Remove damaged parts yourself (shops charge for this)
- Shop structural work: Let pros handle frame and welded panels
- DIY parts installation: Bolt on your own replacement parts
- Shop paint: Have everything painted professionally
- DIY reassembly: Install trim, lights, accessories yourself
This can save 40-60% compared to full shop service while ensuring quality on the hard parts.
Calculating Your Time Value
Your time has value. Before choosing DIY, consider:
- How many hours will this take?
- What's your hourly rate at your job?
- Do you have the tools? What will they cost?
- Is this eating into family/leisure time?
If a repair takes you 20 hours DIY but a shop could do it in 8 hours for $600, and your time is worth $40/hour... the shop might be the better deal.
Tools You'll Need
Basic salvage car repair toolkit:
- Socket set (metric and SAE)
- Wrench sets
- Screwdriver set
- Pliers and wire cutters
- Pry bar set (plastic and metal)
- Jack and jack stands
- Torque wrench
- OBD2 scanner
- Multimeter
- Work light
Budget $500-1,000 for a starter toolkit if you don't have one.
Our Calculator Settings
Our salvage calculator offers three repair cost levels:
- DIY (50% of estimated cost): You do all work, paying only for parts
- Hybrid (70%): Mix of DIY and shop work
- Paid (100%): Full shop repairs
Be honest with yourself about which category fits your situation. It's better to overestimate costs and be pleasantly surprised than to underbid and lose money.