123Auto reveals significant price gaps in Dutch garage repairs

Data from the Dutch comparison platform 123Auto reveals significant price discrepancies in the automotive repair market. For identical services on the same vehicle, some garages charge double or even nearly four times more than others. For example, replacing a timing belt on a Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan can range from €712 to €1,006.

Users of the platform report an average saving of 37 percent on maintenance and repairs by comparing quotes from multiple verified businesses rather than defaulting to a local garage. The platform functions as a marketplace connecting drivers with local garages without selling parts or performing repairs itself.

The lack of price transparency is a broader issue in the sector. Research from ANWB showed average repair bills reached a record €764 in 2025, while AMT reported hourly labor rates varying between €61 and €165. High costs have led nearly 60 percent of car owners to delay necessary maintenance, according to the DAT 2026 report.