How Much Does It Cost to Replace Car Headliner: DIY vs Professional

Replacing a sagging or damaged car headliner can be a costly repair, but it doesn’t have to be. While having a professional replace your headliner can cost anywhere from $250 to $400 or more, depending on your vehicle, you can save a significant amount by doing it yourself for around $90. In this article, we’ll explore the costs of both professional and DIY headliner replacement, as well as the factors that influence the price.

Professional Headliner Replacement

When you take your car to a professional for headliner replacement, you’re paying for their expertise, labor, and materials. The cost can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the complexity of the job.

For example, replacing the headliner on a Mini Cooper can cost around $495, while a Honda Civic may be closer to $195. Larger vehicles like the Jeep Cherokee or Chevrolet Silverado can cost $470 and $370, respectively.

Additional factors that can increase the cost of professional headliner replacement include:

Older vehicles with “hung” headliners that require removing the front and back windscreens and weatherstripping
Luxury vehicles like BMWs that may require removing the rear windscreen to access the headliner
Vehicles with sunroofs, which require additional lubrication and cleaning to remove the headliner shell

On average, you can expect to pay around $400 or more for professional headliner replacement, with the cost potentially reaching $1,500 or more for larger or luxury vehicles.

DIY Headliner Replacement

If you’re comfortable with a bit of DIY work and want to save money, replacing your car’s headliner yourself can be a viable option. With the right materials and a little elbow grease, you can complete the project for around $90.

To replace the headliner yourself, you’ll need:

Replacement headliner material (around $50-$75)
3M 77 or 90 spray adhesive (around $15-$20)
Utility knife or sharp blade
Patience and attention to detail

The process involves removing the old headliner, cleaning the surface, and applying the new material with the spray adhesive. While it may take some time and effort, many car owners have successfully completed this project on their own.

By doing it yourself, you can save anywhere from $200 to $400 or more compared to professional replacement. However, it’s important to note that if you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it may be worth the extra cost to have a professional handle the job.

Factors Affecting Headliner Replacement Cost

Several factors can influence the cost of headliner replacement, both for professional and DIY projects:

Vehicle make and model: Luxury and larger vehicles generally cost more to replace the headliner
Headliner material: More expensive materials like Alcantara or Ultrasuede will increase the cost
Additional features: Vehicles with multiple moonroofs, speakers, or other ceiling-mounted accessories will require more labor and may cost more
Availability of replacement parts: If aftermarket kits are available for your vehicle, the cost will be lower than using dealer-supplied parts

When considering the cost of headliner replacement, it’s important to weigh the benefits of professional workmanship against the potential savings of doing it yourself. If you have the time, patience, and confidence in your DIY skills, replacing the headliner yourself can be a great way to save money. However, if you’re unsure or want the peace of mind of a professional job, the additional cost may be worth it.

Regardless of whether you choose to have a professional or do it yourself, addressing a sagging or damaged headliner is important for both the appearance and comfort of your vehicle. By understanding the costs involved and the factors that influence them, you can make an informed decision about the best approach for your needs and budget.