[lunawire]

Hi All,

I have a 2003 Corolla that now has 135kmi on it. I have done regular oil changes and tire rotation and the occasional filter change, but nothing significant since the 60k tune-up. I'm told by some people I probably need struts, but one dealer I called said that is not the case unless I'm having a problem with them, and I'm not experiencing any problems I'm aware of.

I'm planning on bringing it in (late) for the 120k tune-up. Are there any other things I should be watching out for?

Also, in the NY/NJ area, I'm being quoted $500 for the 120k maintenance, and $1,400 to $1,500 for the struts. Are these reasonable prices?

Cheers!

Jason

 

[mikered30]

Hi All,

I have a 2003 Corolla that now has 135kmi on it. I have done regular oil changes and tire rotation and the occasional filter change, but nothing significant since the 60k tune-up. I'm told by some people I probably need struts, but one dealer I called said that is not the case unless I'm having a problem with them, and I'm not experiencing any problems I'm aware of.

I'm planning on bringing it in (late) for the 120k tune-up. Are there any other things I should be watching out for?

Also, in the NY/NJ area, I'm being quoted $500 for the 120k maintenance, and $1,400 to $1,500 for the struts. Are these reasonable prices?

Cheers!

Jason

If the spark plugs were not changed out at 60K I would get them done now (they are good for 100K mi). Also, transmission fluid/oil should be drained/refilled every 30K. Coolant should be changed every 50K miles or so. PCV valve should be checked and cleaned. How are your brakes?

The price for the struts is a rip off. I would not get them changed until they are bad, and I would take it to an independent mechanic and not the dealer to save $$$. Then get an alignment done.

 

[lunawire]

Thanks for the info - I'll shop around!

 

[AzN-BriaN]

u gonna drain and clean the tranny pan?
i recommend u do that too
makes the ride run smoother while accelerating

 

[shazaam17]

I'm going through the same situation with my 2003 Corolla S @ 107K. Don't pay Toyota...I'm having mine done at a Meineke (KYB or Monroe) for under $500 for the fronts. Also, you probably will need an alignment anytime you replace struts.

 

[REN69]

You said it yourself...

I'm not experiencing any problems I'm aware of.

That pretty much answers your question there, look at the struts in your car and look for any oil leakage, if they look like they're covered in oil that's coming out from the cartridge then yeah you need new ones.

Does the ride feel bumpier or do the wheels feel like they bounce a lot when you go over bumps?

Also perform the usual strut test, press down on the hood or the trunk so that the struts compress, if the car bounces up and down a lot after the struts depress then yeah you probably need new ones.