Is it worth keeping my Tacoma? /Mechanic in NC

Argh.

Love my '03 4x4, has 276,000 on the odo. However the throttle position sensor is busted (intermittently it won't do anything when the gas pedal is pressed), and it just got failed for leaking seals inside the steering rack (it does not leak power steering fluid externally but the boots were bulging and the dealership claims the seals can't be rebuilt- a whole rack is needed.

They are asking $2300 or so to fix these items. $1300 of it is the throttle assembly. 5This truck and I are joined at the hip, and the engine runs great (I have always done the proper service).

I do not want to buy another truck- I intend to have it fixed, but have to decide soon... hmm.

What do you guys think about that cost, and should I just let them "fail" it and hit up another mechanic? It's Toyota of North Charlotte (yes I know dealerships can be highway robbers but I'm new around these parts).

 

I would do some research to see if you can find the parts cheaper or used. Also, keep in mind that dealerships like to install assemblies even though only one part within a certain assembly actually needs replacing. That throttle position sensor might be able to be purchased and installed separately, same with the steering rack seals. I had the dealership tell me they couldn't replace LCA bushings, I'd need a whole new arm. A quick call later and I had another dealership send me the bushings and I installed them myself and saved a ton of money.

 

Dont go to the stealership for anything. Truck is worth doing repairs on and you could find the parts cheaper online.

 

Do some research....Cheaper to keep it. with that many miles it was probably time for these things to go south.