Does this quote seem reasonable for the repairs listed?

Hi all. Just received this estimate for the repairs needed for my 2000 Tacoma after getting my first inspection. Just got it last January, and it has done well for me so fine. I guess it is about time for the big fixes to come with the age...but I am concerned whether this seems reasonable or not. thanks in advance.

 

Don't see a line for personal lubricant? Is that a freebie?

(You also don't say where you live and the hourly rate for the shop. Which does make 'some' difference)

I need to come out of retirement. And I wasn't even a mechanic.

 

Wow, a 2000. I’m no expert, but here are my thoughts which are worth about what they cost.

It’s unclear why you might need some of these, like the radiator or rear diff, unless problems were indicated.

serpentine belt seems steep. The part is likely $7-$25, and i don’t think it takes a pro more than 30 minutes to adjust. You could use the existing until it breaks, and leaves you stuck somewhere. unless there are other unusual problems like rust or can’t move adjustment bits.

anyways, pretty par for dealer pricing, probably would have less to do and better pricing at an independent mechanic.

 

I am in the OBX of NC. $150 per hour labor fee

 

Is that 449 for a single tire plus mount and balance?

 

The radiator has a coolant line leak they said, which I now know will end up with a transmission that goes bad if not fixed, according to this diagnosis that is. Serpentine belt of course I was told is frayed, and it is interesting that this is an independent mechanic shop down here and not a dealership. I went with them due to only having great reviews over anyone else all around.

 

It is for 2 front tires , balance mount, and an alignment.

 

You can for sure replace the radiator yourself, and drain and refill the back diff. That’s a freebie.

 

Too much money.

 

I'd guess that's a remote market with limited competition.

 

Yeah we dont even have a toyota dealership here or close by

 

They’re not even providing any for OP; that makes it even worse.

 

If you can turn a wrench, then save yourself some serious cash and do the work yourself. The Radiator is not that difficult to replace. Install a Transmission cooler while you're at it. Changing the front and rear differential gear oil is way simple to do. There are many videos on you tube showing you how to do any of these tasks. You can eve do a search here on TW for most of these and you'll learn about your truck in the process.

 

I had to look this up. North Carolina. Thought maybe it was Canadian.
Anyways, not totally insane, but the mechanics i go to charge around $60-$80 hour; often a better deal for cash if they like having you as a customer. $150 an hour seems like a dealership rate.

 

With some DIY of easier things and some shopping around I think you should be able to either save $500 or have the same work done with better components. But since you're asking these questions, I'm guess you're not used to wrenching on your own vehicle.
1. Those are crap tires but also fewer choices in a 14 inch wheel. You could get some Toyos or something for $100 each + $30 for mount and balance at any national chain
2. Strut assembly. I'm guessing that's the front shock with the coil spring? It's easiest for them to install and if you're moderately handy can do by yourself at home. But "Napa performer" is also a junk shock. You could get OEM style KYB's and reuse the coils for less and get new rear ones while you're at it for the same price.
3. Rear diff fluid is pretty easy to change and I'm making up numbers but $20 a quart and you probably need something like 3.5 quarts? It'll take you an hour or two to do but can be mess if it's your first time. Aside from tires, this is probably the easiest thing to do by yourself.
4. Automatic transmission is more work and for $120 I'd have somebody else do it if not for getting the cooler lines replaced. I don't know anything about 1st gen automatics. Are these metal lines or rubber lines? But it seems a bit expensive. Are you sure you need it?
5. The radiator. I think is an entire day of DIY labor and if you have to ask about it, should get somebody else to do it. I always feel this isn't a place to skimp. The factory radiator on-line is $200 so with hoses and coolant that's not a bad price. But if you're doing all that and your rig is 23 years old, I'd also look at paying more and seeing how much a new water pump will cost to go along with it. I'd also go to a dealer or a larger independent mechanic to get it done.

 

Overlapping labor for the tires and struts. The other things you can do in your driveway if you have the tools/time.

 

I’m insurance adj…25yrs in
Pardon me if I rip this quote apart

as far as labor rates
I got shops in Houston trying to get $239hr……for RV’s!
Just know post Covid labor prices are high. Yeah, $150hr is high, but whatever

obvious gouging:
-there is some serious labor overlap documented on the estimate
How many times will tech remove tires?
How many times will tech test drive?
Answer is once.
Estimate showing 3-4 times
-the transmission cooler is inside the radiator (unless you have a AM add on cooler). Therefore, the entire transmission ‘o-ring’ replacement is included labor for the radiator install
-again without seeing taco, I might be wrong here……but….there’s no o-rings on transmission lines to the radiator. There are hard lines to rubber lines with worm clamps. From what I’m reading……That $279 charge is for 2 rubber hoses…
-tranny fluid exchange? $116?
Per estimate, shop saying they will drain tranny pan, then add the 2qts of dextron that comes out. HUH?
Gasket? Filter?
Not to mention that a flush would take 2.5 gallons (-\+) of fluid.
IMO the $116 is just padding for their profit. How is an owner supposed ‘know’ if they even drained/added fluid?
-no break down of labor anywhere
-no break down of parts anywhere
(Now shops HAVE to make $ on parts…..so if a part is $100 at Napa, legit shops will charge a customer $130)

basically, shop could of just given you a post-it note with a hand written price on it

I’m sure others will chime in

 

1) Those are cheap tires I'd try to find something nicer like a Yokohama. Tire chain places are good for that kinda stuff.
2) I'd look for some nicer quality like a set of bilsteins. A labor time would be nice to see whats what for costs.
3) This is a stupid line. They have the line saying to replace the whole line but only parts for an oring. Not sure where they even go as the radiator side has a rubber hose. Maybe transmission side? I wouldn't buy this without more info. If its on the radiator side it should be replaced with the radiator.
4)Seems kinda pricey. Radiator is a pretty basic job so I'm not sure why they want so much. Again no price on labor or parts which is scary as you have no clue the upcharge on parts.
5) seems reasonable. The filter is a metal mesh so there is no reason to remove it so drain and fill is fine.
6) Depending on your truck there should be 3 belts. That labor time should include replacing all 3 not just 1.
7) Seems very pricey. I'd expect around $100 as labor time should be .5hrs as there's a drain and fill plug. It's very quick and easy. Idk if you are 4wd but if so you should do the diff and transfer case at the same time.

Overall I'd ask for a price break down and pictures for cause of concern.

 

Nothing looks too out of line to me, although I would do nearly all of it myself and end up with better parts as well. The reality is, all shops are going to mark up parts and quote labor based on book time. You may find a shop with lower labor rates or that uses even cheaper parts.

 

1000 dollars or less if ya do it yourself.
Go to walmart and get 2 tires nxt time your by one then good ole u tube can get you through everything else. Its all doable yourself except an alignment and it may not even need that !