Check engine story and questions

[Doug D]

My wife drives an 02 Avalon just at 100K. The check engine light kept going on and off so I told her to take it to our mechanic of some 20 years since I was out of town. The light was on when she took it in and they called and said it was the Mass Airflow Sensor and that was all. They quoted $475 to replace the sensor and put in an injector cleaner. That price didn't make sense to me and I looked up a Mass Airflow Sensor online and found a remanufactured OEM for $78 and a quick look showed it was a simple 2 screw and a connector replacement.

I've been going to this shop for years and never questioned their work or their honesty. Before I question them about this quote I want to know if I am missing something here.

BTW I replaced the sensor and the air filter myself.

[brainpause]

A few months ago, my MAF was replaced, fuel filter replaced, throttle body cleaned, fuel system cleaned, codes cleared.
$767.98

Maybe I got taken, too, but the quick service I got was great, not at a dealer. Drove in to a busy service center without an appointment, they drove me to my house, returned to pick me up same day.

2000 Avalon XLS

[bobflood]

Originally Posted by Doug D

My wife drives an 02 Avalon just at 100K. The check engine light kept going on and off so I told her to take it to our mechanic of some 20 years since I was out of town. The light was on when she took it in and they called and said it was the Mass Airflow Sensor and that was all. They quoted $475 to replace the sensor and put in an injector cleaner. That price didn't make sense to me and I looked up a Mass Airflow Sensor online and found a remanufactured OEM for $78 and a quick look showed it was a simple 2 screw and a connector replacement.

I've been going to this shop for years and never questioned their work or their honesty. Before I question them about this quote I want to know if I am missing something here.

BTW I replaced the sensor and the air filter myself.

Did you get taken? No more so than having any other diagnostic and associated repair job done by a trained mechanic in a well equipped shop with new parts. I do most of my own work, but I had a problem with my 2002 Avalon and no time to troubleshoot myself. I needed an Idle Air Control valve and the bill was $393. Probably could have done it myself with a reman part off the internet much cheaper, but did not have the time. That price for a MAF and injector cleaning in a shop does not seem out of line to me.

[brainpause]

Oh, I agree with you. The cost hurt a little, but it was fixed in one day. But there's another part to the story. I was in route to the emissions checking station for my yearly check, and the check engine light came on. I went to o'reilly auto parts and they checked the code. they recommended this particular place because they have a guy that specializes in emissions issues. they also happen to be right next door to the emissions checking station.

In other words, I don't feel like I got taken unless someone can legitimately come on here and tell me the price should have been 150 dollars.