repair ripoff?

My wife took our 2000 Camry CE in for repair due to a "muffler noise" The dealer replace a front exhaust pipe assembly for $1200. Why so much?

Reply to
programmer
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What parts did the dealer put in?

How much were each of the parts?

How much for labor?

Who authorized the repairs?

Did you hear a sucking sound coming from your waller?

Jeff

Reply to
Jeff

snipped-for-privacy@att.net wrote in news:1189008929.646924.253950 @w3g2000hsg.googlegroups.com:

Did the repair include the catalytic converter? Then that's your reason.

I think the cat on that car is right up against the exhaust manifold.

Reply to
Tegger

The front exhaust pipe is usually stainless steel. The catalytic converter is probably bolted to it. Find out exactly what was replaced. If it was associated with the emissions control system (front pipe / cat) it is probably covered under warranty on a seven year old car.

Reply to
user

Have you looked at the repair invoice, or talked to the dealer's service manager? If not, why not?

Reply to
mack
2000 Camry CE in for repair due to a "muffler noise"

The part replaced was "pipe Assembly, 17410-03300"

Reply to
programmer

The part replaced was "pipe Assembly, 17410-03300"

Reply to
programmer

Go back to the dealership's parts department with that UPC number on a piece of paper, and do not show the receipt for the work on the car. Ask what that part number is, and get a price. You should be able to figure out the rest.

Reply to
JoeSpareBedroom
2000 Camry CE in for repair due to a "muffler noise"

Well I hope the dealer is being fair/honest here. What bothers me is that I am in the dark. It was a catalytic converter I would understand. Just a pipe?? that I do not understand.

Reply to
programmer

What exactly was the breakdown of parts vs labor? If they are shown separately on your bill (which they should be), please describe them here in detail.

Reply to
JoeSpareBedroom

I'm generally a fan of OEM parts but a $1700 catalytic converter seems like highway robbery to me. Lithia, the dealer in Medford, Oregon quoted me $1700 or so to replace the cat with an OEM one.

I thought that was high -- went to a local shop and got one after parts and labor was around $320. It's yet to let me down in over a year now and the car passes SMOG like a champ.

So, I would love to know what I am not getting by not going OEM on a cat but so far, I feel like I saved an arm and a leg and still got a quality part from what I see.

Reply to
mrsteveo

Pardon me, but why on Earth is your wife handling car repairs?

Reply to
Truckdude

The following is not a conclusive answer, but only a possible clue:

With older Toyotas, my independent mechanic has told me to go to the dealer for exhaust work because (at the time), they offered a lifetime warranty on that type of work. However, I don't recall it being 3 or 5 or 9 times the price of what my mechanic quoted. More, but not that much more.

Reply to
JoeSpareBedroom

RayO would be the man to know...

I know the cat is covered by certain state/federal regulations however I don't think the cat itself has a lifetime warranty.

I'm almost sure I have seen RayO say that mufflers for instance when done at the dealer and it's a Toyota OEM part, it has a lifetime warranty. Same with struts. I would imagine there are more parts but someone and/or RayO could go into more specifics for sure.

Even with a lifetime warranty, I don't think I would replace the cat with an OEM cat for $1700. Just my personal opinion.

Reply to
mrsteveo

My mother has a good friend who knows vehicles inside and out. She's not much into the computer aspect the mechanical aspect she knows quite well. She's done some rebuilds, some overhauls, replacements... engines, transmissions, etc. Very well rounded woman.

Also, the local Toyota dealer has a woman I went to school with. Krystal Morgan? I think that's her name. She's an outstanding technician there and knows her Toyota vehicles very well.

Not *all* women are car idiots...

Reply to
mrsteveo

Do you get the feeling that either of your examples apply to this poster's situation?

Reply to
Truckdude

Statistics and logic should be taught at gunpoint, ya know? Failure means a bullet in your head.

Reply to
JoeSpareBedroom

I would guess Nat will 'fwap' your sorry arse....

Reply to
Scott in Florida

I would guess you also have your wife take out the trash, mow the lawn, fix the sink, and clean the garage. It is not an issue of capability, but of roles. Next time you go out make sure that your wife comes around and opens your door for you, sweetie.

Reply to
Truckdude

Huh??? Why wouldn't/couldn't she?

Maybe he wasn't free for the day to take it in, & she was, etc.

Cathy

Reply to
Cathy F.

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