How much is an MRI?

Hi all, trying to get a ball-park number because I can't find any real numbers on Google, and when I do I have no idea if it's the right sort of scan. My brother needs an MRI of his lower back/lower spine to diagnose a herniated disc causing sciatica for months now. We're going to be paying out of pocket to get this sorted since medical aid won't classify this as an emergency (we have but it's basic, just slightly above hospital plan).

We're young and it's our first time doing/organizing this sort of thing (he's 22 I'm 24), we don't have older family to ask how to go about this. Talking to medical aid brokers is hellish because they can't give you a straight answer. Figuring out the process has been a nightmare. One GP says we need a referral to get an MRI, another says we can just get one, the specialist office says we need one to bring with already and they can refer us, but then how do they know what part of the body needs scanning? He is already experiencing advanced pain and numbness so we're quite sure our goal is a microdiscectomy. I am trying to budget the costs so I can take out a medical loan.

Any help or experienced would be appreciated, or even good neurosurgeon recommendations in Pretoria.