Chapter 1: Automobile Insurance Average Auto Repair Cost Comparisons for Specific Parts-1996 vs. 2000
The parts prices quoted are the average for American manufactured four-door sedans. Totals include the labor cost of removing the old part and installing the new part, plus painting (assume labor and paint rates at $30 per hour). Each year's total is the cost to repair that model during the year noted.
Fluctuations in the price of vehicle replacement parts
Different factors come into play when pricing vehicle replacement parts. As body styles change from year to year, prices and the demand for vehicles and their parts fluctuate. For example, some of the replacement parts for a newer model year of a specific vehicle may actually be cheaper than replacement parts of the earlier model, even though they're basically the same vehicle. This could be due to the physical size and style of the part itself, or possibly the costs involved in shipping. Or, it could be that the manufacturer is overstocked and lowers the price to sell more of these parts.
	About 15% of all crash repair parts (hoods, fenders, etc.) are generic according to the National Association of Independent Insurers.