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Radiator Cost


How Much Does a Radiator Cost?
 
average cost Range: $390-$520
 
high cost High: SUV: $480-$850
 



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A key part of a car's cooling system, a radiator keeps the engine from overheating. HowStuffWorks.com explains that the radiator transfers heat from the liquid coolant to the air blown through by the fan.You will most likely need to replace your radiator if there is a leak in the core.
 
Typical costs:
  • Replacing a radiator costs $390 to $516 for passenger cars; $483 to 854 for SUVs or mini-vans, depending on the type of coolant used and the age, make and model of the vehicle.
What should be included:
  • Quotes on replacing a radiator should include the actual part, fresh coolant, any replacement hoses needed, labor and tax.
Additional costs:
  • Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) parts generally cost more than after-market or off-brand parts. The New York Attorney General's office doesn't recommend non-OEM parts. When getting quotes, ask the repair shop which kind of part would be used.
Shopping for a radiator:
  • According to the Federal Citizen Information Center, shops that do only diagnostic work and do not sell parts or repairs may be able to objectively tell you if your radiator needs replacing.
  • While amateur mechanics may be able to replace a radiator by themselves at home with little risk of injury or serious damage to the vehicle, Cars.com rates replacing a radiator as a somewhat complex job. If you're not an experienced home mechanic, replacing the radiator might be best left to an expert.
  • You can find a reputable auto repair shop through groups like the National Institute for Auto Service Excellence or the International Automotive Technicians' Network.
  • When it comes to auto repair, labor charges can vary wildly, so get quotes from several shops to find a fair price for a radiator.
Article updated May 2007
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Recent Posts

Amount: $780.00 GMC Denali Radiator replacement
Posted by: sjh2k in newport news, VA.Purchased: May, 2007
Car Make: GMCCar Model: Denali
Auto Shop: B&L Auto
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Amount: $1,066.83 Over $1,000
Posted by: Dan in Charlotte, NC.Purchased: May, 2007
Car Make: NewmarCar Model: Diesel Motor Home
Auto Shop: Bullock's Radiator
When you feel bad about the three or four hundred you have to pay for a radiator in your car, remember it can always be worse :o)
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Amount: $812.00 Acura Integra GS-R OEM Radiator Replacement
Posted by: c.alegre@gmail.com in Oakland, CA.Purchased: November, 2007
Car Make: AcuraCar Model: Integra GS-R 1999
Auto Shop: Oakland Acura Dealer
Plus side, they had parts in the same day and finished same day.
Negative side, didn't shop around and spent way too much.
Dealer of course used OEM parts, called to make sure everything was ok. took off $70 as a courtesy, original bill was for $882. can we say "OUCH"
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Amount: $812.00 Radiator Replacement
Posted by: Rebecca in Greenville NC in Greenville, NC.Purchased: November, 2007
Car Make: InfinitiCar Model: Q45 sedan
Auto Shop: Plaza Auto Shop
Great service, finished work before promised. The staff is friendly and straight forward. SO much better than Colony Tire!
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Amount: $350.00 Haggled for best price
Posted by: Lilly in Lakeland Florida in Lakeland, FL.Purchased: April, 2008
Car Make: AcuraCar Model: 3.2 TL
Auto Shop: Watson's Radiator Repair
I was originally quoted $675 at a Goodyear Service Center. That price included a new radiator, thermostat, and labor. I told the manager I was not happy with the price and he immediately went back to the office and had reduced the price to $445. I told him that I was going to get a second opinion and took my car to a Radiator repair shop down the road. I ended up haggling back and forth between the two places and finally got the parts and labor for $350! Don't ever settle for the first price you are given.
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Amount: $95.00 Cost for replacement radiator
Posted by: Allen in Perris, CA.Purchased: April, 2008
Car Make: HondaCar Model: CRX
Auto Shop: NAPA Auto Parts
Ran into a concrete curb when the road ended suddenly. Stupid mistake. The car wasn't badly damaged but the radiator was busted. Got the replacement radiator for a little less than a hundred dollars at a local Napa With my pops discount. I'm going to attempt to put it on myself.
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Amount: $515.00 radiator for acura integra
Posted by: a user in seattle, WA.Purchased: May, 2008
Car Make: acuraCar Model: integra
Auto Shop: Budd & Co Inc
For a replacement radiator/thermostat plus the original cooling system test ($40) with a 1 year/12K warrenty on parts and labour. More than I was hoping to spend, but a suggested mechanic that doesn't rip you off.
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Amount: $517.00 Radiator, Thermostat and belt replacement
Posted by: Gwen and Gene in Stone Mountain, GA.Purchased: June, 2008
Car Make: 1991Car Model: chrysler Imperial
Auto Shop: Firestone
Had radiator, thermostat, and belt replacement price includes labor and taxes. Good job and great service!
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Amount: $645.63 Replaced radiator and two connector hoses
Posted by: CRV owner in Phoenix, AZ.Purchased: July, 2008
Car Make: HondaCar Model: CRV
Auto Shop: 25th Street Automotive
included new radiator, cap, new coolant,cooling system supplement, two hoses and clamp as well as shop supplies. I thought this was a high price, but given the comprables for an "SUV", I guess it is in the ballpark, though my last car, a Jeep Wrangler never ran me over $400.00.
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