Multiple Problems in Avalon 2003

[manishkukreja]

Hello All

Just had 90k schedule maintenance on my 2003 avalon, after the visual inspectin and test drive the technician has recommended repairs as car pulls left, Steering Wheels Off and Noise over bumps, would like to have your views on them.

1. Timing Belts , Drive Belts, Rear Engine Mount and Bolt- 520$
2. Lower Control Arm Bushing have started to peel off- 900$
3. Rear Sway Arm Bushings-145$
4 Wheel Alignment-90$



MSK
Woburn,Mass

[new echo owner]

The timing belt you should probably have done at 90k, and maybe the belts too, since there would be additional labor.

What is the reason for the rear engine mount replacement? And the bolt?

Are you experiencing any of the symptoms that he was talking about? If not, I would suggest getting second opinion.

N.E.O.

[manishkukreja]

Hi N.E.O

I am expericing all the problems mentioned.


I would like to know if the mentioned problems can be seviced by a non toyota dealer ..like MIDAS or Meinke are they worth trying?

Or should i trya different toyota dealer even for a second opinion.

Thanks


MSK

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by manishkukreja

Hello All

Just had 90k schedule maintenance on my 2003 avalon, after the visual inspectin and test drive the technician has recommended repairs as car pulls left, Steering Wheels Off and Noise over bumps, would like to have your views on them.

1. Timing Belts , Drive Belts, Rear Engine Mount and Bolt- 520$
2. Lower Control Arm Bushing have started to peel off- 900$
3. Rear Sway Arm Bushings-145$
4 Wheel Alignment-90$



MSK
Woburn,Mass

It's not that the prices quoted are outrageously expensive, but there's room to scrutinize the potential bill. I'd ask for a breakdown on price for each repair, and then compare them to the Chilton manual. For a quick example, is the wheel alignment for the front axle only, or is that a four wheel alignment? Just food for thought...always be wary of ANY dealerships or local repair shop costs.

TrailDust

[new echo owner]

I personally wouldn't go to Midas or Meinke, for alignment or suspension work. If you are indeed having handling and noise concern, then by all means have the alignment and the sway-bar bushing repair done; however, I am still not sure about why the rear mount and bolt needs to be replaced, and also the control arm bushing. Those are the items I would suggest get more information on. At 90k, your Avalon is not new, but the mileage is not really high enough to experience control arm bushing problem, unless there were external damage or been in accident previously.

N.E.O.

[ChiTDI]

You could go to a frame/front end shop and get a second opinion. Those front end issues are not common in my experience. TB@90k for sure. Not necessarily at a dealer, though. Perhaps you could package the repairs, save some bucks.

[boblee]

Our Avalon 2002 (140K) has had to have two wheel alignments but would be seriously questioning most of the other stuff especially at only 90k unless you have been doing an awful lot of dirt road driving (which we do).
We have had no problems yet except tyres, wiper blades and a couple of windscreens.

[aznstylez]

Damn!!! $90 bucks for alignment? What kinda Toyota Dealership is it, performance? Our Toyota Dealership cost only $60. Thats a good deal to change the Timing Belts , Drive Belts, Rear Engine Mount and Bolt, make sure they check the timing afterwards though. That is very expansive to replace the Lower Control Arm Bushing have started to peel off. Should try out an independant mechanic.

[ChiTDI]

Did that TB job include a water pump? Might want to reconsider.

[TrailDust]

^^^

That's exactly why I recommend checking the Chilton guide first to get an idea on price for any repair. I had a dealership do that to me with an Acura Legend I once owned. They replaced the timing belt, but in the billing charged me for removing the water pump (among other bogus charges), which is a charge included in the timing belt repair. They didn't want to refund me the money, and all it took to get it back was to threaten to report them to the state attorney general's office...BAM!, instant refund. You got to keep an eye on repair facilities or you can get burned.

TrailDust

[iluvavalons]

I went to Meineke and the told me I needed struts etc, etc. I went to toyota dealer with the diagnosis sheets and I didn't need struts or any of the other things they said I needed. So beware.

[TedL]

The charge for the rear sway bushing change is crazy. The Toyota parts list for $12.75 each side, and I can do them in my driveway in about 15 min each side.

The bushings for the front list for about $50 per side, so $800 labor? Outrageous.