A modern tune-up runs $200 to $800 at most shops. The old-school carb tune-up is gone - today, "tune-up" usually means spark plugs, sometimes coils, air filter, and possibly fuel system service. Here is what is actually worth paying for.
Most drivers pay $300 to $500 at an independent shop for spark plugs, air filter, and basic inspection on a typical sedan.
Iridium/platinum plugs cost more but last 60,000-100,000 miles.
V6/V8 engines have more plugs and often more labor.
Aging coils may be replaced at the same time - $30-$80 each.
Some V6/V8 engines have plugs under the intake manifold - 2-3 hours of extra labor.
Throttle body cleaning, fuel induction service, PCV valve - some valuable, some pure upsell.
Dealerships routinely 50%+ over independents on tune-up packages.
| Vehicle | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compact 4-cylinder | $200 - $350 | plugs + filter |
| Midsize 4-cylinder | $220 - $400 | plugs + filters |
| V6 sedan / SUV | $300 - $550 | V6 plug job |
| V8 truck | $400 - $700 | V8 plug job |
| Buried-plug V6/V8 | $500 - $1,000 | intake removal |
| Luxury / European | $500 - $900 | tight engine bay |
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Driven by spark plug life. Iridium plugs typically every 60,000-100,000 miles. Coil and air filter as needed in between.
Spark plugs, sometimes coils, air filter, cabin air filter, and a basic inspection. Older "tune-ups" included carb adjustments and points - none of that exists on modern cars.
Sometimes - on direct-injection engines with carbon buildup. Otherwise, often a profitable upsell with limited real benefit.
Sometimes - a misfire from worn plugs (P0300/P0301-P0306) is fixed by new plugs. But many CEL causes have nothing to do with plugs.
More plugs, often buried under the intake manifold, plus typically more coils. Some V8s require 2-3 hours of intake removal labor before plugs can even be reached.