15 Simple Examples: How Much Does It Cost To Get Rust Off A Car?

Car rust is a silent killer and will ruin your vehicle, given the chance.

It defaces your car and can damage the structural integrity of your car, making it dangerous to drive.

The good thing is that you can get the rust off your car, but it would cost you time, money, and effort.

Quick Answer

On average, it costs between $30 to $3,000 and more to get rust off a car, and it depends on the rust level, the inches of damage, the number of patches, the material, the labor cost, and the location you are in.

Of course, it costs less to remove surface rust because it hasn’t done much damage.

However, if it’s a major rust problem, prepare to spend hundreds of dollars to a few thousand.

Read through to learn more about how much it may cost to fix the rust on your car.

Table Of Contents

How Much Does It Cost To Get Rust Off A Car

Rust on cars is not pleasing, and fixing the rust on cars isn’t easy, depending on how bad it is.

It will cost money, time, and effort to permanently get the rust off cars, which may vary.

Quick Answer

Averagely, getting rust off a car will cost between $30 and $3,000 up to $4,000, and more, depending on labor, rust level, and the damage that was done.

However, fixing rust yourself is less expensive than hiring a pro.

After serious research, some responses were compiled and represented below:

Sources	How much it cost to get rust off a car
DingGo	Full rust removal can cost thousands, about $3,000 on average, while surface rust costs a few hundred dollars, up to an estimated $650.
Copilot Search	A DIY rust fix can cost about $30 for a rust treatment kit at the store for minor repairs, while an auto shop might charge between $50 to $100. For moderate rust problems, the treatment kit for minor rust might suffice; however, an auto shop may charge between $200 and $300. Major rust problems can cost between $400 to $2,000 minus repainting expenses, depending on how serious the rust problem is.
CostHack	To make small rust repairs on a car, you are likely to spend between $50 to $100. On the other hand, large rusty areas on cars can cost between $200 to $2,500 to repair, depending on the damage extent. Plus, you can do simple DIY repairs for minor rusts below $50.
Cash Cars Buyers	Minor rust repairs cost about $20 if you buy a Bondi repair kit, which you can use yourself. For rust a little bit more serious than minor ones, you may spend between $20 to $60 if you fix it yourself. However, you may spend more if you take it to a mechanic after they factor in labor costs. Major rust costs more and is relatively high, depending on the rust level. For example, getting a new quarter panel can cost between $400 to $1,000, while bumpers can cost up to $2,000. In addition to purchasing new parts, you have to factor in finishing work and labor costs.
Motor Verso	For small cosmetic-only rust spots and minor repairs, you will likely spend between $20 to $30 to fix them. If the rust has affected some structural parts of your car, it will cost hundreds of dollars, up to $2,000.
Andy Dickens on Quora	Fixing rust is more labor than material cost, especially if you take your car to an auto shop for repairs. Generally, labor cost depends on your location; therefore, prices may vary, as it could be costly in some states. On the other hand, the material cost can be around $100 to remove a rust spot.
Albert Powell on Quora	If the rust spot is big, it needs more than a patch job, costing up to $1,000 or more.
Claire Beaney on GetJerry	The cost of removing rust varies depending on the size and severity of the rust on the car. Minor rust patches will cost about $60 for repairs, while rust holes through door panels may cost between $500 to $800 or more.
The Pricer	The cost varies on the rust level, the professional you hire, and the vehicle you drive. However, on average, rust between 1 to 3 inches can cost between $50 to $100 to fix. Furthermore, major rust repairs bigger than 12 inches can cost from $200 to more than $2,500. 1 to 3 inches cost $60 to $150 per one to three area; 12 inches rust cost $150 to $350 depending on the number of rusty areas on the car and their sizes, and the price may vary depending on location. Then, you may spend between $200 to $2,000+ on substantial rust damage that exceeds 12 inches, depending on the required labor work and the rust size.
Phil Long Collision Center	Cost varies depending on whether the rust is surface, scale, or penetrating. For example, small surface rust costs between $20 and $200, medium surface rust costs between $40 and $400, and high surface rust costs between $60 and $1,000. Scale rust costs between $50 and $300 for small-level rust, while medium-scale rust costs $75 to $500, and large-scale rust costs $100 to $1,500. Small penetrating rust costs $100 and above, medium penetrating rust costs $200 and above depending on the parts needed, and large penetrating rust costs several hundreds of dollars depending on the parts needed to be replaced.
Espeed Post	On average, fixing the rust on cars costs between a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the damage. A small rust spot may cost you between $100 to $200, while major rust removal and repair may cost between $1,500 to $4,000 or more. The major factors determining the cost are the labor and rust damage.
Heather Bernhard on GetJerry	For simple rust that you can fix on your own, the cost of getting material can be around $60, or less or more, depending on the material you have available and have to purchase. For more serious rust damages that may require the help of a professional, you can pay between $200 to $2,000.
Howmuchisit	The size of the job influences the cost of rust removal. Minor rust between one to three inches costs between $60 to $150, while repairs up to 12 inches cost between $150 to $350, depending on rust spots and sizes. Lastly, major rust repairs cost between $200 to $2,000.
Lostinspace1205 on Quora	Fixing rust on cars can cost as little as $20 and as high as $2,000 or more, depending on the level of damage and how much repair you want done.
Neo on Quora	Getting new panels for rust repairs can cost around $60 each. Therefore, if you need to replace body panels with new ones, the cost will be between $200 to $2,000, and the cost of welding the new piece can increase the bill by adding $45 to $250 extra to the final cost.

Is Surface Rust Expensive To Repair?

The best time to detect rust is when it is at the surface level because then it’s cheaper to repair.

In addition, the cost of repair depends on whether you’re doing it the DIY style or you want to hire a professional.

Quick Answer

As a general rule, surface rust isn’t expensive to repair compared to other rust levels and may cost between $20 to $1,000 depending on the material, rust size, and labor.

Small surface rust is easier and cheaper to fix than serious ones, and DIY is less expensive.

After some research, some answers were collated and represented below:

Source	Is surface rust expensive to repair?
Copilot Search	Surface rust isn’t expensive to repair if you fix it on your own. It may cost about $30, while an auto shop may charge you between $50 to $100.
CostHack	Surface rust may cost between $50 to $100.
Motor Verso	Repairing surface rust isn’t expensive and may cost as little as $20 or $30.
Claire Beaney on GetJerry	Fixing surface rust doesn’t cost much, and repairs can start at $60.
Phil Long Collision Center	Repairing surface rust can be cheap or expensive, depending on the surface. It can start at $20 and up to $1,000.

Rust on cars can be problematic, and the best thing is to ensure you remove them at the surface level.

If your car’s rust is minor, you’ll only spend between $20 to $100 to fix it, but if it’s worse than that, then maybe between $150 to $4,000.

Conclusion

More importantly, you should protect your car against rust and check your car for early signs of rust, so you can save yourself repair costs.

Key Takeaways:

Surface rust is cheaper to fix.
Rust repairs can cost between $20 to $4,000, depending on rust size and labor.
Repair costs vary depending on location.
It’s best to fix rust on time before it becomes a problem.
Fix rust using DIY styles if possible to save cost.