I would like to get opinions from this newsgroup about an estimate I got to repair metal brake line tubing in my 1987 Toyota Camry.
I was told that the metal brake line tubing going to the rear wheels is heavily rusted and that the tubing should be replaced. I was given a ballpark estimate of $700. The cost of materials was given as around $50. The labor rate is $60 per hour. This works out to about ten hours of labor. I was told that this is strictly a ballpark estimate. As the repair progresses, complications may develop and the amount of labor could rapidly escalate. It might also be advisable to replace fuel lines, which would be another major repair. The estimate was given in October. No visual inspection was done in October. The mechanic was relying on his recollection of the annual state safety inspection which was done in July.
The car has only 55,000 miles. I am the original owner. Currently I drive about 2500 miles per year. The car is running well. If major repairs were not needed I would keep the car one or two more years. I reside in the Hudson River Valley region of New York State, about 70 miles north of NYC. Road salt is used here but many recent winters have had little snow.
I don't do any DIY auto repairs. I will probably take the car to another mechanic for a second opinion. Before doing that I would appreciate opinions from this newsgroup as to what is reasonable to expect.