Woman sat in her car eating lunch while mechanic worked, then discovered she overpaid 72% for a repair that should’ve taken eight minutes

A car owner recently found out she was badly overcharged for a simple spark plug replacement. She paid 72% more than she should have for the service. The woman, who goes by @bigcashmoneyash online, shared her frustration after learning she spent an “obscene amount” on the job. 

According to Motor1.com, while the mechanic was working, she was sitting in her car eating lunch, completely unaware of what was happening. “I just found out that I paid 72% more than what I should have,” she said in her TikTok video. “I overspent. I spent an obscene amount. Let’s just say that I was scammed.”

For many cars, replacing spark plugs is one of the easiest repairs you can do yourself. One commenter shared their experience: “Shop quoted me $650 for spark plugs and wires (marked up parts + labor). DIY parts only $150. DIY is the way!!” If you have a basic four-cylinder engine with easy access to the plugs, you shouldn’t be paying prices meant for large V-8 SUVs.

This common repair shouldn’t cost anywhere near what some shops charge

This experience completely changed how she handles car maintenance. She’s now committed to doing repairs herself. “I’m buying the tools today,” she said. “That’s an investment in my future. I am never overpaying that much again for spark plugs.”

She also warned others to be careful. “Do your research. Do your research.” She admitted she usually has a “bad mindset” about her car and just agrees to pay whatever the shop asks. She said the lesson is to not go to the first shop you see that “looks trustworthy.” Just like how dealership visits can go wrong, trusting appearances can cost you money.

The national average for professional spark plug replacement is between $260 and $390, with parts costing $80 to $120. However, industry groups say the total cost often ranges from $100 to $250 for most cars. The cost depends on two things: the parts and how hard the job is. 

Basic copper plugs cost about $2 to $5 each but only last around 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Premium iridium plugs cost $8 to $30 each but can last up to 100,000 miles. If your car only needs basic plugs but you’re charged for expensive iridium ones, you’re overpaying before the work even starts.

Labor costs can really add up. While a simple four-cylinder engine might take just minutes, some modern cars are built so tightly that mechanics have to remove major parts just to reach the plugs. What should be an easy job suddenly takes hours, and you’re paying $40 to $150 per hour for every minute. Understanding how your car handles maintenance is just as important as knowing its performance.

One person explained the choice simply: “Well it’s like if you going to a steakhouse, you’re paying for them to cook or you can buy your own steak and cook it What’s gonna taste better, or what’s going to work better.” 

Another added that “you can do all of your basic service stuff if you so choose.” The main lesson is to always know the rough price for your specific engine type before handing over your keys. Whether you choose to DIY or pay a professional, being informed protects you from overpaying.