Do you know a good mechanic? (Durham, Cary: chapel, professionals, shops)

[abybaby]

I have a 2000 Camry which recently came up with a OBDII code of P0325 - Knock Sensor #1 - Circuit Malfunction.
Does anyone know a mechanic, preferably but not limited to the Cary area, who would not charge an astronomical amount to
look into the problem?
I am trying to find someone whom I could talk to in detail to understand any problem and look at what's being done to the car,
unlike the big name shops or the dealerships (not that I have anything against them, but they are not true repair shops. All they
can do is replace )

[gcretro]

A private/free lance mechanic is what you are looking for. I knew one, but he's no longer doing repairs .

There are tons of so called mobile mechanics in Craigslist, but can't experiment. Unless someone recommends one first hand.


On a side note, go to 3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums register and post your problem. The forums have good information and even DIY writeup. Also try search within the forum. If you are inclined to doing fixes yourself, it may be a simple thing to change the knock sensor.

[pfish923]

I typically do things like this if you are not opposed to trying a few things yourself


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2cFuheKBgQ

[abybaby]

Originally Posted by gcretro

A private/free lance mechanic is what you are looking for. I knew one, but he's no longer doing repairs .

There are tons of so called mobile mechanics in Craigslist, but can't experiment. Unless someone recommends one first hand.


On a side note, go to 3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums register and post your problem. The forums have good information and even DIY writeup. Also try search within the forum. If you are inclined to doing fixes yourself, it may be a simple thing to change the knock sensor.

Thank you. That's a great idea. I already have a toyotanation account and will try the post there

[abybaby]

Originally Posted by pfish923

I typically do things like this if you are not opposed to trying a few things yourself


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2cFuheKBgQ

The video is very informative, thanks. Unfortunately I'm a real greenhorn when it comes to doing it myself for a car fix. I'll try checking for the looseness of the sensor and the wire which seems like the first step. But would definitely have to seek help for any repairs/replacements.

[saturnfan]

Originally Posted by abybaby

The video is very informative, thanks. Unfortunately I'm a real greenhorn when it comes to doing it myself for a car fix. I'll try checking for the looseness of the sensor and the wire which seems like the first step. But would definitely have to seek help for any repairs/replacements.

Many times the OBD code explanation is not the root cause of the issue. A good mechanic will not throw parts at the problem at your expense.

Leith Toyota has a great service department.

[lancers]

Sullivan's Garage on Fletcher Chapel Road in Durham are very honest. Not the cheapest but they have saved me a few bucks on stuff Toyota and Nissan would have banged me hard on for sure.

[danielbmartin]

Originally Posted by abybaby

I have a 2000 Camry which recently came up with a OBDII code of P0325 - Knock Sensor #1 - Circuit Malfunction.
Does anyone know a mechanic, preferably but not limited to the Cary area, who would not charge an astronomical amount to look into the problem?

1) You may safely drive the car with a bad knock sensor, provided you fuel with premium grade gasoline.
2) I am a Do-It-Yourself mechanic so have scant experience with local shops. I have a close friend who prefers to let the professionals handle his car work. He has high praise for Gaston's Garage.
Home - Gaston's Garage

.

[abybaby]

Thank you for all the suggestions..will lookup the suggested places

[jill7930]

WASP auto is just off the intersection of 54/55. They are extremely reputable and honest. They have helped me over the phone with issues and prevented me from needing to come in at all. They have worked on our Toyotas (one's a Camry) for years and I have only the best things to say!! They specialize in Japanese brands.