# Spark plugs **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** engines\ **Created:** [June 10, 2014, 4:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379 "2014-06-10T16:10:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![2forsteve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/6f9a4e/32.png) [@2forsteve](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2forsteve)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2014, 4:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/1 "2014-06-10T16:10:37Z")
I have a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with about 130,000. miles. The dealership is telling me that I should replace the spark plugs. The cost will be over $600.00. Does this sound about right? ---
**Author:** ![jesmed1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jesmed1/32/2097_2.png) [@jesmed1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jesmed1)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2014, 4:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/2 "2014-06-10T16:14:27Z")
No way. [repairpal.com](http://repairpal.com) estimate is $175 to $230 for new spark plugs. Are you sure the dealership estimate was only for new plugs? If so, someone has a boat payment to make… > **[Free Car Repair Estimate - Get Auto Repair Costs | RepairPal](https://repairpal.com/estimator)** > > Get a free estimate for car repair prices and maintenance costs. Find fair, honest quotes from RepairPal Certified auto repair shops in your area. ---
**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2014, 5:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/3 "2014-06-10T17:23:15Z")
At that mileage the plugs definitely need replacing. The dealer price seems very high, unless they replace the wires and a number of other things as well. I would get a second estimate from an independent shop. ---
**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2014, 5:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/4 "2014-06-10T17:35:25Z")
It’s an 8 year old 'Yota. Spark plugs are a common maintenance item any shop can handle. I’d get a second opinion from an independent shop, but insist on Denso plugs. They are the OEM supplier, and work best in your truck. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2014, 5:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/5 "2014-06-10T17:39:36Z")
Denso or NGK are both OEM suppliers to Toyota. Either is fine. $600 is outrageous. It may have to be put on a lift to get to the back plugs, but it shouldn’t cost anywhere near $600 - even if they use iridium plugs. ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2014, 5:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/6 "2014-06-10T17:56:08Z")
Is it possible that the dealer is recommending the 120,000 mile service–including spark plug maintenance AND some other items? ---
**Author:** ![lion9car](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/59ef9b/32.png) [@lion9car](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lion9car)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2014, 6:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/7 "2014-06-10T18:44:32Z")
We don’t have your owner’s manual handy. Please tell us when it says the plugs should be replaced. ---
**Author:** ![Joe-Guy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joe-guy/32/124_2.png) [@Joe-Guy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joe-Guy)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2014, 9:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/8 "2014-06-10T21:50:40Z")
I found this - [here.](http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms/06ToyALLMS_MS0018/pdf/06omsour/2006/schedmai/61u3smt.pdf) It doesn’t look like it would cost $600.00. Note: Unless I missed it, it’s the first mention of changing spark plugs… **2006 Highlander Hybrid 120,000 Miles - 144 Months** Replace engine oil and oil filter Rotate tires Replace cabin air filter Replace engine air filter Replace spark plugs Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD) **Inspect the following:** \_\_ Automatic transmission fluid \_\_ Ball joints and dust covers \_\_ Brake lines and hoses \_\_ Brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs \_\_ Differential oil \_\_ Drive belts \_\_ Drive shaft boots \_\_ Engine and inverter coolant \_\_ Engine valve clearance \_\_ Exhaust pipes and mountings \_\_ Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses \_\_ Fuel tank cap gasket \_\_ Radiator, condenser and intercooler \_\_ Steering gear box \_\_ Steering linkage and boots ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2014, 9:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/9 "2014-06-10T21:54:33Z")
A dealership shop could easily parlay that list into a $600 work-order… ---
**Author:** ![Tutti57](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/edb3f5/32.png) [@Tutti57](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tutti57)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2019, 2:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/10 "2019-01-09T02:44:45Z")
I find it odd that people quickly recommend running from the dealerships. I used to be a technician at a dealership and now I’m at an independent shop. The labor rates are both $105/hr and both use the same software to calculate labor times. Both recommend manufacture maintenance items. Which one do you think is more experienced on the job? Which one do you think has better resources? Which do you think will have the parts in stock and get the job done quicker? Just go where you like the service, but don’t think for a second that an independent shop will be more trustworthy or knowledgeable. It all depends on the individuals you are working with, just like everything else on the planet. Stop the blanket statements and categorical thinking. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2019, 4:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/11 "2019-01-09T04:25:18Z")
I think most car owners would be more than happy to always use their local dealership shop for all their repairs and maintenance if their experience was consistent w/what you are saying @Tutti57 . ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2019, 2:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/12 "2019-01-09T14:51:45Z")
I’m with Tutti57, why? Because my dealer is honest and does not try to sell unneeded services, all at very competitive prices. But, as we see on this forum many dealers do engage in that behavior, but some independent shops do too. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2019, 10:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spark-plugs/85379/13 "2019-01-09T22:16:50Z")
> [@Purebred](#): > > But, as we see on this forum many dealers do engage in that behavior, but some independent shops do too. Every dealer I know of around here engage in that behavior. The national chains like Pep-Boys and Firestone also engage in that behavior. Very few independents that I know of does.