The car is around 140k mi. Running great. This winter I noticed tiny red spots dropping from the very front end of the car. I toke the car for diagnosis. The lower front end was totally covered with transmission fluid; also there was an oil engine leak. It seemed like the oil was leaking from the oil sending unit, and the transmission fluid was leaking from the transmission lines. “Tuffy Auto Care” asked for a total $400. This price includes; replacing the sending unit, transmission lines and flashing and the transmission fluid.
I know this may sound legit, but after calling Auto Zone, I figured the price for a sending unit to be $11 and that of transmission line full kit to be only $21.
So, if it was you in this situation what will you do? Get the parts and find a local street mechanic to replace them or go with the Tuffy big bucks choice. Is anyone out there with such or similar experience?
2007-02-20 09:09:50 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
i would take it to a shadetree mech.he will fix it just as good and cheaper.if you got a hole in 1 of the lined,just get a compression fitting or a piece of gas hose and 2 clamps.thats what i did and mine doesnt leak anymore.also it only takes about 5 or 10 minutes to put a sending unit in.i think tuffy seen you coming and thought they would make some buck off you.dont go there.thats alot of money for all that.and just because you got a tranny leak,doesnt mean you need a tranny flushing.
2007-02-20 12:20:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look at it this way...
Labor runs about $75/hr depending on where you live.
A transmission flush and fill will run aabout $100. The parts you are suggesting are $30.
My estimation is that removing and installing the parts will take 2 to 3 hours including time for testing for leaks. Also, the areas will have to be cleaned to make sure no dirt is transfered inside when making the repairs. I'm including that time also.
Sounds like $400 is a good deal to me. But I would call around and get several estimates and then go from there.
Contrary to popular belief, mechanics have to make a living, too. And most mechanics are honest and want to do a good job for you in order to get repeat business. And their labor and know-how are well worth the $75 per hour they charge.
Now, if you still baulk at the $400, try doing some of the repair work yourself. Buy the $20 Chiltons or Haynes repair manual for your vehicle. Read the step-by-step instructions on how to do the work that is suggested and determine if you can do the work yourself.
If you feel like you can do the work, have at it. When you are done, get the flush done for $100 and you've saved yourslf about $225 in labor.
At any rate, good luck whichever route you chose.
2007-02-20 17:26:21 · answer #2 · answered by Lemar J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would find another "honest mechanic "to fix your vehicle, $400 sounds awful high, those are fairly easy fixes and shouldn't require 2 hours at the most to fix, mechanics usually charge $75 to $90 an hour, some my be cheaper than that, good luck!
2007-02-20 17:20:12 · answer #3 · answered by shefixescars 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GET A NEW CAR (I'LL FINANCE IT 4 YA!)
YOUR CAR IS AT THE MONEY PIT STAGE
2007-02-20 17:17:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋