Tune Up estimate?

Question

I am trying to get an honest estimate for tune up job for my 2004 Toyota RAV4. It has 91000 miles on it. Any suggestion on auto shop for tune up job?

Any help would be greatly appriciated.

Thank you ALL for your input.

At Toyota dealer they would charge me $99.95 for 1 hr. labor for changing spark plugs. Based on your input, I am guessing it is a good idea to replace PCV valve and Fuel filter.

I can change the sparkplugs myself, but for other items I would rather go to a technician, preferably Toyota dealer. Any suggestions?

Thank you.

Answer 1

If you are mechanically incline, you should be able to do it. But with 91000 miles a shop will tell you to change your plugs and wires and change all the fluids and hoses. Maybe even your 02 sensor. If your Rav4 is running fine, just change the plugs and wires @ $50. Radiator hoses @ $30. Fluids (coolant@$10) your oil and tranny/diff @$30 depending if you go synthetic. This is just a rough est. @ $130 but if you take it to a shop just add @ $85 per hour and it would take them @ 4 hrs.

Answer 2

Dear Happy-

This is always an interesting subject. Most people have different opinions as to what a Tune-Up really is.

Here is the basic Tune Up you should expect from any shop.

Lube Oil and Filter
Change Air Filter
Drain, flush and refill Coolant
Drain, refill transmission fluid
Change Spark Plugs
Change Plug Wires, (If Applicable)
Change PCV Valve
Change Fuel Filter
Check and change if necessary belts and hoses
Rotate Tires
Check Brakes
Check Power Steering Fluid, flush and refill if necessary
Check Brake Fluid, (Flush and refill if necessary)
Check all lights
Check Tire Pressure, (Adjust as necessary)
Clean Fuel Injectors, (Fuel Injector Service)

Yes some of these are simple checks and refills may not be necessary, but they can often be indicators of other underlying issues that could be potential problems.

Though I am no longer turning wrenches professionally, I still perform these functions and services on my own vehicles using good quality parts. This even includes parts from the dealership parts houses from time to time. In particular on the belts and hoses. Its very difficult to get the right hoses on the aftermarket, so I normally order these up from the dealer and get all of the parts together then get the service done.

Just a tip, keep an eye on the type of coolant that your vehicle is currently using. If the coolant is any other color than green I would recommend getting the coolant from your local dealership. This ensures that you are getting the proper coolant for your car.

Many of the manufacturers are using a "Long Life Coolant" such a Dex-Cool. Just be aware, these coolants are not compatible with the green coolant we are all used to.

If they are mixed, this creates a chemical reaction and turns the coolant into a gel and it will cause overheating issues and water pump/water jacket damage to your car.

So make sure you get the proper coolant for your car.

Personally, since your vehicle is a 2004, I would let Toyota do the work, and pay the extra money to save yourself the peace of mind.

I hope I helped you out!

Good Luck!

Answer 3

It is very hard to estimate a tune up simply because many things could be on the way of wearing out and need replacement.
If it is a normal tuneup I would think that it would be in the area of $75 to $100.

Answer 4

all depends on what you want done

Answer 5

http://www.autotap.com/Articles/Whats_A_Tune-Up_Today.html

http://pages.sssnet.com/alfsoftware/tech/tech5.html