Should I do the following repairs in my car? 90K, timing belt, replace struts, replace front brakes?

Question

I just brought my car to a AAA-certified mechanic (who also did my 60K). It is a Toyota Camry 99 with almost $100K miles on it. The recommendations were:

90K service: $495
Replace front and rear struts: $1065
- Right now the steering wheel squeaks on turns and the car leans in one direction
Replace front brake + rotors: $389
- My handbrake light is always on, mechanic said this is the cause
Replace timing belt + water pumps: $849

(As a reference, I live in Silicon Valley so prices are probably steeper than elsewhere)

Roughly, I would be looking for a $3000 repair on a $6000 car. Should I be doing all these repairs, or should I wait for a good deal on some of these ( i.e. timing belt)? Generally speaking, I am not that price sensitive, so if total savings are less than $500 I'd rather get it done now and not have to worry about it.

Also, any recommendations of good car sites would be helpful.

Answer 1

HOLY $HI^ where do you live, I charge a whole lot less for strut replacement
Do these in steps
1. brakes
2. timing belt, replace the water pump only if it is leaking. I suggest that while in there go ahead and change the pump but that is an option.
3. Struts
If you trust this guy then do it all in steps. If you think it is high shop around for another AAA/ASE guy. I'll never bash one unless I know personally he's crooked, The struts are way out of line. I get the strut for 59.00 and 1.5 hour labor each for install and I include an alignment.
You can negotiate the pricing. My customers know that if they think it is high I Spell it out for them and make them realize I am in itfor business but I am not a charity....Usually!

Answer 2

Hey, if you like the car, it's comfortable and reliable, have the repairs done. I think it's better than the nonsense associated with buying a new car plus the payments and higher insurance premiums. I do think some of the price quotes are a bit steep but, as you said, Silicon Valley. I don't personally know about that. I may be wrong but the timing belt on most Toyota engines is actually a chain. If you are speaking of the serpentine belt that drives accessories, then I think that price is definitely too high even with a water pump replacement.

Answer 3

Do at least the breaks and the timming belt. If the belt breaks, you will bend the valves and the engine will be very expensive to replace. The breaks....well...you need to be able to stop.