Extremely high repair bill on 99 LX470. Does this look reasonable at all? (2 Viewers)

[madlivtypebeat]

Brought my 1999 LX470 into the dealership for what I thought would be minor to moderate repairs. I had moderate shake in the engine when stopped, some overheating issues when climbing high elevation, and clunky steering. The bill ended up being $9000 for a multitude of issues. I brought it in for inspection at another dealership 3 months ago for a coolant flush inspection among other minor wellness check, and they sent me off with no large issues. I know 301,000 miles is a lot, but 'm very confused how all these issues could appear now. I have been driving it in rougher areas, but nothing too ridiculous. The dealer is preparing to make an offer for it, because I can't afford the bill even if it was half the price. I'm linking the bill as well. Are any of these issues something I could ignore? Should I take it somewhere else for a second opinion?

 

[TexLexican]

I started in cruisers as a young guy knowing very little about how to work on vehicles. Armed with some good quality hand tools (you really don't need power/air tools although they are nice to have in some instances) and an FSM, there's very little you can't do if you can follow instructions.

10 years down the track, I'd rather work on my own vehicles than take somewhere, it costs much less $$$, I know that quality parts got fitted, bolts got torqued correctly and the proper procedure was followed.

Ditto. I still don’t consider myself mechanically inclined at all, but we can all watch a video and read instructions. The less you know also allows you to be more careful with each step.

From cv’s, ball joints, and timing belt, I did not come across any curveballs. A lot of cuss words and stepping away for an hour to gather your thoughts were crucial.

If you know an honest mechanic to do it, that’s totally cool too.

 

[madlivtypebeat]

Yeah I really appreciate all the help. I called the dealer and asked for the car back. Gonna try to do most or what I can myself. Because the 4runner loaner I had (very dangerously) broke down, they ripped up my diag and rental bill. I know for sure i’ll take it in to a local mechanic for a second opinion on the bent steering shaft. Still confused how that’s even possible.

You ain't got nothing to prove man. We are here to help a fellow Cruiser head, in any way we can. That 2005 date on the first pic you posted, made it look suspicious, that's all.

You have gotten pretty good advice on this thread so far, I am looking forward to see what you end up choosing to do.

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Nothing to prove just a strange estimate. Perhaps an indication to get another opinion at the very least. For instance some lines had no tax on labor and others did ie 49.95 for tire balance then the total is 52? but no tax on diag? Maybe the guy was trying to be helpful putting it in excel? In terms of what to do: I don't know how you would have a bent steering shaft and not other parts broken along the line - the shaft alone shouldn't cause a vibration under braking. The price for pads and rotors at $800 honestly isn't bad at Toyota - if you need brakes I'd take them up on it and have them flush the brake fluid (repack front bearings is a good while you're in there) A 99 cruiser is a great vehicle to learn on/tinker with if you are able to do the work yourself and have the interest. If you have the service notes for why it needs 3 coils that would be helpful too. Same for the ABS module.. Good luck and I didn't mean to discourage

Dealerships are expensive. Whats your issue with the abs?

I'm pretty comfortable ignoring the ABS issue. The light has come on 3 times since i've owned it, and they didn't seem confident it was an issue. It just flashed on while they inspected it. My dad's 97 LC had a similar issue where it would come on sparingly and its made its way to 470k.

 

[CJF]

I’m wondering which of these fixes have to be done.

Probably none of them.

 

[LX470 Cruiser]

For what it's worth, I had some "clunky" steering issues when I first got my 2001 LX and had a Lexus dealer take a look when I was in to get an extra set of keys made. Big mistake. They told me that I needed a whole new steering column as there were "parts missing" but could never tell me clearly exactly what was missing. Quoted me $7k. I took it to a Toyota specialist who instantly told me I just needed new steering rack bushings. (He told me that in his 30+ years as a Toyota master mechanic, including working with tons of high mileage LCs, he had never once "replaced" a steering column.) In the end, the cost with labor was like $175 and it solved everything.

 

[alane24]

These labor rates seem very excessive. Not to mention, $600 for parts on a brake service? Nah, you can order front and rear rotors for $69 and $88, and pads for $78 and $83, respectively. That's no more than $350 after tax. Even with some miscellaneous "stuff" I don't see how it could possibly hit $600 in parts. Brake job is EASY, do that yourself and save $500 off the quoted price. Which is a total joke.

Do yourself a favor, do a google search for mechanics in your area and call the top 3 shops. Ask them if they Toyotas/Lexus and what their familiarity is with the older UZJ100 platform. That's a good place to start.

 

[Loaf]

For what it's worth, I had some "clunky" steering issues when I first got my 2001 LX and had a Lexus dealer take a look when I was in to get an extra set of keys made. Big mistake. They told me that I needed a whole new steering column as there were "parts missing" but could never tell me clearly exactly what was missing. Quoted me $7k. I took it to a Toyota specialist who instantly told me I just needed new steering rack bushings. (He told me that in his 30+ years as a Toyota master mechanic, including working with tons of high mileage LCs, he had never once "replaced" a steering column.) In the end, the cost with labor was like $175 and it solved everything.

The local dealership did this with my 99 when I took it in for an oil change. Just messes with your service history in the Toyota Service Portal. lol. Shows a bunch of BS declined work that wasn't necessary. I think it is for notes on what to hit you up for the next time you come in. Depends on the service writer I suppose.

 

[Eyedaho]

There is at least one Mud member with a 100 series over in the Driggs area who I have seen posting on here periodically. Someone must know of a competent independent LC mechanic around Jackson/Driggs/Idaho Falls. Maybe @SNLC knows of someone out that way?