Radiator: does this price sound fair? (2010, auto, spark plugs, engine)

[foilgirl]

Hi,

I have a 2005 Toyota Sienna LE w/ 108,818 miles, bought certified used in 11/2007 for $20k.

I had the sparkplugs in my car changed today. While looking at the car, the mechanic noticed that the radiator was leaking. He says it's a small leak that could be repaired, or we could just opt to change out the whole radiator.

He says he doesn't do radiators, but refers them to another shop. This shop would charge $343 to repair the leak in the radiator or $590 to replace it. They guarantee repair work for 90 days, don't know what the guarantee is for a replacement.

Do these prices sound fair? I don't want to complain, but I just replaced my car's spark plugs for $350, I need to replace the timing belt/water pump for $720 pretty soon, and I'll be shelling out $300 later this week for new tires. My husband and I are inclined to go with the repair, but I'm going to be upset if I end up having pay out another $600 on top of that.

We're a one-car family and I use this car to commute 90 miles/day. I need it to last another year or two, at least. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Meghan

[Nativechief]

I just got new one from auto zone for a honda and it cost me 80 bucks and I put it on in 30 minutes. Check first for the autozone price and then you will have an idea of how much the repair shop is making. By the way the one from auto zone is guaranteed much longer than 90 days...If you want to pay the dealer prices go ahead those prices seem very high

[bobman]

I don't know what sort of labour prices folks charge in the US, but $350 to change the plugs ?

That should be a half hour job !!

Are you sure it was just plugs ?

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by foilgirl

Do these prices sound fair? I don't want to complain, but I just replaced my car's spark plugs for $350,

I hope you accidentally added a zero here. If not you got played, scammed, hook, line and sinker. I recently replaced my spark plugs with top of the line Iridium plugs for $32.

[johnfrisco]

I thought plastic radiators couldn't be repaired?

Me thinks you need a new mechanic.

[Nativechief]

I agree the new radiators are plastic. Sometimes you can use a special plastic glue to fix a small crack on them if the crack is on the top but thats all you can do and the glue cost only a couple of bucks and this is only for a very minor crack. The OP is being "milked" .

[Grandpa Pipes]

Originally Posted by nativechief

i agree the new radiators are plastic. Sometimes you can use a special plastic glue to fix a small crack on them if the crack is on the top but thats all you can do and the glue cost only a couple of bucks and this is only for a very minor crack. The op is being "milked" .

+1

[jenkinsd]

You need to find somebody (your husband) that will work on your car.You are paying way to much for repairs.Spark plugs are easy to get to,if your motor sits sideways the front ones are right there and the ones against the fire wall you do from underneath.Your radiator is an easy installment.Your serpintine belt is very easy just follow the pattern diaghram under the hood.You said you will need a new water pump soon.Water pumps are good until they start to leak that is also an easy fix.All these items can be done with a manual from a parts store.Look at it this way you will be saving alot of money and get satisfaction of fixing your car yourself.Good luck

[foilgirl]

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

I hope you accidentally added a zero here. If not you got played, scammed, hook, line and sinker. I recently replaced my spark plugs with top of the line Iridium plugs for $32.

Actually, that was the cheapest quote. The highest was $500. What everyone told me (I called 6 mechanics plus the dealer) was that the spark plugs on my car are hard to access & you have to dismantle part of the engine to get to them. That was confirmed by the local Toyota dealer, who said it normally takes 3-4 hours to change them. The plugs themselves were $11 each per the invoice (6 iridium plugs total).

I guess I'll call around more on the radiator. Thanks!

-Meghan

[johnfrisco]

Originally Posted by foilgirl

Actually, that was the cheapest quote. The highest was $500. What everyone told me (I called 6 mechanics plus the dealer) was that the spark plugs on my car are hard to access & you have to dismantle part of the engine to get to them. That was confirmed by the local Toyota dealer, who said it normally takes 3-4 hours to change them. The plugs themselves were $11 each per the invoice (6 iridium plugs total).

I guess I'll call around more on the radiator. Thanks!

-Meghan

Okay if you have a V-6 it is more labor intensive to replace the spark plugs. If you have a 4 Cylinder it's an easy job. On V-6s you typically have to remove the intake manifold.

That is behind you now however. I would seek a cheaper place for your radiator replacement and under no circumstances would I accept a fix--that is only temporary. You need a new radiator. Check out Autozone and rockauto online to see what a new radiator actually costs.

Good luck! And let us know how it turns out