Need some advice of major repairs....

I have an 1999 RX 300 with 175,000 miles and I brought it to the mechanic because warning light signal for engine went on. I have an RX350 and Id like to give the RX300 to my son but only if it is completely fixed and safe for him.

Heres the whole summary of his quote and I would welcome any suggestion on whether I should have hime fix the car.
All are original parts and cost below include his labor.

New Brakes (front & Rear) 795.00
Timing Belt & Fan belt 780.00
Struts and Shocks 2,750.00
New Battery 156.00
Total

He hasnt given me estimate for new front seat belts both of which dont work anymore.
Could anyone give me an idea is the above estimate is a fair price??? Need advice if I should have hime fix the car.

Thanks,

 

Overpriced. Does his price for brakes include rotors? Probably, but with rotors all brakes can be done for $500. Timing belt estimate is not bad, provided it includes the water pump, coolant, and cam seals. Struts (there are no separate 'shocks') is overpriced; parts are easily less than $1,000, and labor is not that difficult. Battery is maybe $25 overpriced.

PS - if you are having suspension work done, be sure to also get an alignment.

 

Brakes: The pads can be replaced for about $100.(see DIY)
Timing belt: When was the last time the belt was changed? If it has been replaced before around 100k, you can wait till 200k (there is some risk)
Struts and shocks: I cant say for sure, but most likely this can be postponed indefinitely. For that price, I would not do anything.
New battery: Shop around. $60 would be my target. You dont have to purchase the very best.
Seat belt: What's wrong? Retraction problem can be fixed by cleaning the pillar hook. Catch/release mechanism can be purchased for $60 (see DIY)

I would encourage your son to get involved and do the maint (brakes, belt, battery) and save.

Salim

 

Those are dealership prices. Given that you sound like you're not in a position to DIY, find a new mechanic. He must have been smoking something when he came up with the estimate for the shocks (the struts are the shocks)!

 

Absolutely agree. I bought struts and will be doing them myself as soon as the weather gets agreeable.
I just picked up the best Walmart battery they had rated at 750CCA and it was just at 100.00
Brakes are not that bad to do on this vehicle
Loads of money saved just with DIY

 

I asked the mechanic why the strut was expensive 2750 he said it included the stabilizer link, boosting/outer steering suspension
I also need two timing solanoids 275
Battery 156
Brakes 795
Seat belt fixed 325
Timing Fan Belt 780
Altogether 5081

It is worth keeing the car?

 

Try having a trusted independent mechanic look over the car and see what he/she recommends be done and how much it would cost. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the difference in cost. These are all normal maintenance items, many of which are doable by a reasonably competent DIYer. I'd hate to see you give up on the car for such simple repairs.

 

What is the 'boosting/outer steering' suspension?

 

Why are you replacing the struts?

 

Good point. The struts in my 1999 are tired but haven't failed. I don't feel I can justify replacing them on a car that's worth less than $5000 (on a good day). Regrettably, I need to replace both VC gaskets and the oil pan gasket. Like you, I'm not in a position to DIY so I'm taking it to the Toyota dealership - half the price of the Lexus dealer.

 

I see you are in NJ, if you would like the contact information of a trusted independent mechanic in Central NJ, send me a PM.

 

Oh yea, I have some oceanfront property in Arizona for sale real cheap..lmk

 

Yes I would very much appreciate the name of your mechanic in central jersey.

 

Car makes a loud sound everytime it hits a bump on the road.

 

Hypervish is a long-time and knowledgeable RX300 driver on this forum, so I would trust his judgement of independent mechanics. And if he steers you wrong, let me know - I have a cousin in Vernon who will pay him a visit!!!