Repair vs. Sell

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What’s the work that “needs” to be done? Itemizing helps.

Replace the front exhaust pipe - $2600; replace the front strut - $1,100; and replace the front upper strut shock -$530. These are the three most expensive items. Several other items range from $50- $300.

I wouldn’t touch the pipe unless it made you fail the emissions inspection. And I would not worry about the struts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What’s the work that “needs” to be done? Itemizing helps.

Replace the front exhaust pipe - $2600; replace the front strut - $1,100; and replace the front upper strut shock -$530. These are the three most expensive items. Several other items range from $50- $300.

Does your exhaust pipe cause you to fail inspection or emissions?

I’d get a second opinion from a non-dealer mechanic. Dealers tend to replace things that may only need fixing. Plus their rates are higher.

Is your car in otherwise good shape? Body damaged or rust? AC work? How’s interior?

It's in good condition-- zero rust and dents, and the paint is pristine. The only issue that bugs me is the interior. The console is warping some, and the leather looks sun-warn.

Also, just me being nitpicky, but I see a noticeable difference in the "strength" of my Acura vs. the Camry. The Camry feels a bit flimsy, and I swear the strong wind today blew it around a bit on the beltway. I definitely have to adjust how I drive between the cars there is noticeable performance difference.

The "strength" may relate to how the vehicle is tuned. Your Acura is likely tuned to be sporty.

You may be reacting to tuning differences.

Lower end American cars are often said to have "floaty steering" as a characteristic. Look that up on Google and see if it matches.

Being blown around relates to the exterior styling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What’s the work that “needs” to be done? Itemizing helps.

Replace the front exhaust pipe - $2600; replace the front strut - $1,100; and replace the front upper strut shock -$530. These are the three most expensive items. Several other items range from $50- $300.

Does your exhaust pipe cause you to fail inspection or emissions?

I’d get a second opinion from a non-dealer mechanic. Dealers tend to replace things that may only need fixing. Plus their rates are higher.

Is your car in otherwise good shape? Body damaged or rust? AC work? How’s interior?

It's in good condition-- zero rust and dents, and the paint is pristine. The only issue that bugs me is the interior. The console is warping some, and the leather looks sun-warn.

Also, just me being nitpicky, but I see a noticeable difference in the "strength" of my Acura vs. the Camry. The Camry feels a bit flimsy, and I swear the strong wind today blew it around a bit on the beltway. I definitely have to adjust how I drive between the cars there is noticeable performance difference.

You car sounds like it’s in good condition cosmetically. It also sounds like repairs you might need are trivial. If the engine doesn’t leak oil, transmission ok and it doesn’t need major work, you might consider fixing (maintaining) it and keeping it. Definitely get another opinion from an independent mechanic, preferably one that specializes in Toyotas.

Your comparison of your Acura to your Camry isn’t really apples to apples. Acura is higher end. Accord compares to Camry.

[Anonymous]

If it doesn’t cause a problem driving and doesn’t cause you to fail inspection I would defer those items. Having said that, struts do need to be replaced periodically. How does it drive? I replaced my struts bc there was an obvious problem causing a weird ratttle. Felt like it was coming loose and I didn’t feel safe.

[Anonymous]

General rule of thumb:

60 percent of what the dealer says needs to be done does not. 40 percent is overpriced.

I’d say $1200.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would ask around (or tell us your local area) for a mechanic recommendation. It’s never the dealer. And I usually don’t let the mechanic who failed me on an inspection do the repair. I’ve had the same guy fail me twice and the guy down the road says there’s no issue (but makes suggestions for cost effective ways to repair).

I live in Rockville and def open to mechanic recommendations. If I can get a few more years out of an extra car, that is my preference rather than selling it.

I use Autocentro and would recommend them. They are by the Rockville metro.

[Anonymous]

Paul’s WW Motorwerkes, by the white flint metro. When the dealership quoted me $3500, he charged me $750 and explained all the things the dealership wanted to do that were t necessary.

[Anonymous]

The dealer factory front exhaust pipe part alone is $1,300. you could buy yourself and after market on on-line for like $350 and have a local guy install it.


mechanics who are small time will often let you bring your own parts or go to a junk yard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would ask around (or tell us your local area) for a mechanic recommendation. It’s never the dealer. And I usually don’t let the mechanic who failed me on an inspection do the repair. I’ve had the same guy fail me twice and the guy down the road says there’s no issue (but makes suggestions for cost effective ways to repair).

I live in Rockville and def open to mechanic recommendations. If I can get a few more years out of an extra car, that is my preference rather than selling it.

Try Mustache Mechanics in Kensington. He loves Toyotas!