What has a MIL code cost you?

[orezok]

My wife has a 06 Avalon. MIL light came on and the car has 61,500 miles. Just over warranty. The code was P0025 "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2). Read the TSB and it didn't look good. Took it to the dealer to see if I could get it covered under warranty.

When I stopped to pick up the car, the service writer said without a prompt "I called the regional manager to see if we can cover this". I said great, but how much will it be if it isn't covered.

He handed me the an estimate, but said they wouldn't know the actual cost until they open it up.

The parts were $2,822.83, Labor $2,897.00 for a total of $5,719.83. Add shop supplies and tip and it's $6K! Can anyone beat this cost for a running car with a MIL light on?

[Tom in Tacoma]

I would reset the computer (disconnect the battery for a while) and then start it up. If the light doesn't come back on - use it as a trade-in on another car!

...no, I'm not trying to be funny. I did that when the head cracked on an older Ford Aerostar van. Got $6000 trade in even though it had over 130k miles on it.

[BadChicken]

resetting the light isn't going to do much as the light is going to come back when you drive it. It costs so much due to the fact that you have to drop the motor out of the vehicle and remove the timing cover to access the vvt-i actuators. if it is the exhaust vvt-i actuator that is throwing the code it can be replaced in the car in around an hour. So it might be worth a shot of having the exhaust actuator replaced first to see if it cures your issue. This is not a fun job, as I just performed this TSB last week at work. But the exhaust is easy

[orezok]

This vehicle will be on a dealers used car lot by monday, and it won't be a Toyota dealer!

[orezok]

Problem solved! There is no longer a Toyota parked in my garage. Toyota lost their quality Mojo a number of years ago and I doubt that I will ever own another one.

Roger wilco over and out! :

[boosted-fc3s]

What'd you end up getting?

[orezok]

2010 Hyundai Genesis 3.8. Got it for $3k under sticker, got $14K for the Avalon and COSTCO threw in a $500 store credit.

[boosted-fc3s]

My friend has an 09 genesis 4.6 w/ the tech pkg. Its a sweet ride.