Looks like I might be retiring my 2007 Tundra EDIT: $7K for all needed repairs on the Tundra. Under 100k miles. Not all repairs must be done immediately, but all probably within a year.
I’m just starting the search. I want used, probably certified, good fuel economy, all weather handling ability, and decent cargo space. I like a lot of room in the cabin (I’ve been using Suburu station wagons recently, and they are very cramped). I also will not tolerate digital surveillance, or subscription-only access to physically installed hardware. And I too, come from the Tom Paris school of wanting physical buttons dials and switches for everything (the displays in the suburus are blinding at night, even the speedometer! (and I do NOT need to know my fuel economy from second to second, Suburu - How could you possibly thing flashing that in my face with a bright light is useful in any way?!)))
A lot of that is inflated.
Spark plugs are nothing to replace and just like removing and replacing 8 bolts. I haven’t worked on stuff in 10 years but $16 for a plug sounds like twice what they should be.
A leaf spring is 6 bolts per spring. With a lift, that takes way less than 1 hour
The time estimates are way off IMO, like triple the real world time. I bet the parts are similarly double to triple what they can be found for on the open market.
Thank goodness for the Internet and the fact that this guy probably has no idea that it exists. Judging by his website, my statement would be accurate.
If you get those parts from AutoZone or O’Reilly’s or something and take it to a decent mechanic you can probably save about $200 on each of those $400+ labor quotes.
Main issue is finding a decent mechanic or one that isn’t lazy and quotes you high because they don’t want to do the job.
Some of those seem like insane repairs. Leaf spring replacement? Steering rack replacement? Do you live in the rust belt by chance? If not, I don’t see why these would need any work unless they’ve been physically damaged in a crash or something.
Is your engine a 4.7L V8? If not, you have a timing chain that shouldn’t ever need to be replaced. The 4.7L was the only engine that had a timing belt on the Tundra in 2007, which do need to be replaced since they can easily wear out.
A lot of the other parts seem like reasonable items to repair, but their prices are crazy high.
$15 per spark plug plus labor? I just did my spark plugs and think I paid $5 each for OEM quality iridium plugs from RockAuto.
Front struts only need to be replaced if you notice that they’re leaking.
An alignment is needed only if replacing suspension components or you notice uneven tire wear or the vehicle pulling to the left/right.
Exhaust - $700 to clamp (!) a small section of pipe seems incredibly steep
Wheel bearing and struts: prices for these parts are about double what you can buy OEM quality parts for on your own.
Could I just take this to a muffler shop? I have to profess ignorance. I have never had an exhaust problem before.
Yeah you can absolutely just take it there to fix the exhaust issue. They’re more setup for that type of work so it’ll probably be cheaper too.
It’s the 4.7L V8. I lived in Anchorage for 3 years, he said the drivers side leaf spring was broken, and that if the saw it, it would not pass inspection, he said the strut was extremely corroded and would start to leak but who knows when, he was adamant that aftermarket plugs would be an utter disaster, he said the alignment would be not required, but highly recommended after replacing the leaf springs, The exhaust repair was gonna require a couple welds which I can’t do. I don’t know how to do that. Also, I don’t have a lift so some of this stuff is tough for me but I hear what you’re saying and I’m 100% with you.
If your underbody is all rusty then you very well may need all this stuff done, which is super unfortunate as these vehicles are otherwise some of the most reliable out there.
If you can take care of some of this on your own, you can find high quality OE or OE equivalent parts on RockAuto alongside the cheap stuff you’d find at Autozone (what they’re referring to). It’s nice as they break stuff out into “cheap” (economy) and “quality” (daily driver/premium) parts and all the prices are still excellent. I’ve bought numerous Motorcraft and Toyota branded parts for our vehicles from them.
I appreciate the recommendation! (I am assuming you are not receiving kickbacks 😂 )
No I wish with how often I buy from them. I just love to share good valued things with others since we’re typically inundated with companies trying to fleece us from all directions.
Preach, Internet-sibling!
I would defiantly take this somewhere for a second or third opinion before calling it dead.
I absolutely normally would, but I am honestly worn out from life right now and a new car is you know I mean a used car is in the cards. It’s doable. And I’m thinking that just might be a really nice refreshing change because this will take so much work.
That’s definitely an valid option. It’s a 2007? That car definitely got it years in. If you can do it, get yourself something new (to you), and treat yourself to the modern comfort of cars. If you do a lot of highway travel, a good adaptive cruise control more than makes up for the stupid tablet controls.
Us internet folks just don’t want you getting overcharged by whatever mechanic you’re at. If I had to drop 7k for repairs for a 17 year old car, I’d be looking for a new car too.