Can you recommend a trustworthy place to fix my car? (Phoenix: insurance, buy)

[NiceJohn]

My Toyota dealer told me that I need $1200 to fix power steering fluid leakage. I feel this is too much, I know they want replace the whole rack instead of fixing specific problem. Anyone good mechanic you know in East Valley? Thank you.

[LocoAZnative]

I always goto the Car Shop in Tempe Broadway and Hardy. They have never tried to rip me off.

The Car Shop Tempe, Arizona Auto Repair Facility

[NiceJohn]

THANK YOU. I will check them out.

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by NiceJohn

My Toyota dealer told me that I need $1200 to fix power steering fluid leakage. I feel this is too much, I know they want replace the whole rack instead of fixing specific problem. Anyone good mechanic you know in East Valley? Thank you.

That is absolutely ridiculous. I was a courier in Phoenix and always had good luck with backyard mechanics. I would not doubt you could probably get it fixed properly for a $100 or so. The reason is they have no overhead like a shop does, nor do they double or triple the price of the parts. Even if the shop is honest, they will still rip you off on the parts. Here is where you can find lots of honest backyard mechanics....

phoenix automotive services classifieds - craigslist

[NiceJohn]

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

That is absolutely ridiculous. I was a courier in Phoenix and always had good luck with backyard mechanics. I would not doubt you could probably get it fixed properly for a $100 or so. The reason is they have no overhead like a shop does, nor do they double or triple the price of the parts. Even if the shop is honest, they will still rip you off on the parts. Here is where you can find lots of honest backyard mechanics....

phoenix automotive services classifieds - craigslist

Good advice. But I couldn't identify who are good guys on craigslist.

[Rick Lee]

First mistake is going to a dealer for non-warranty work. Why? You may very well need a new or a rebuilt rack. But you can get them from a lot of other sources and have someone install it for you. Auto Zone sells rebuilt racks. Of course, that's assuming the rack is your issue. I'd rather throw bricks of cash into my fireplace than pay a dealer to work on my car.

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

First mistake is going to a dealer for non-warranty work. Why? You may very well need a new or a rebuilt rack. But you can get them from a lot of other sources and have someone install it for you. Auto Zone sells rebuilt racks. Of course, that's assuming the rack is your issue. I'd rather throw bricks of cash into my fireplace than pay a dealer to work on my car.

Oh, I thought it was a hose that was leaking. If it is the rack, it is going to be expensive no matter what. Still, it would way cheaper than $1,200, probably more like $500

[Rick Lee]

Well, racks often leak when seals go bad. They can usually be rebuilt. You buy a rebuilt one, pay a core charge and get that refunded when you bring them your old rack. The rebuild kits are pretty cheap, but it's just as much labor to remove a rack, whether you're replacing it or rebuilding it and then you probably need a front end alignment after that. I would be surprised if dealers install rebuilt racks, though they're really just as good as new. Dealers (aka stealers) will always, always be the most expensive way to do anything on a car. And they are certainly no better than any decent independent shop. If your car isn't under warranty or insurance isn't paying for it, you'll save 50% or more by going to a decent indep. shop.

[NiceJohn]

Than you for your suggestions. I will not take it to the dealer. I will check online reviews to get a good mechanic.

[clcrisler]

Originally Posted by NiceJohn

My Toyota dealer told me that I need $1200 to fix power steering fluid leakage. I feel this is too much, I know they want replace the whole rack instead of fixing specific problem. Anyone good mechanic you know in East Valley? Thank you.

My boss swears by these guys...

Toy Specialists
Service and Repair for TOYOTA and LEXUS
240 East Coury Avenue Suite 107
Mesa, Arizona 85210
480-969-3320

I would take my Camry there if it wasn't so far away from where I live.