the Cost of Toyota Repair

I was having problems starting the car and the car was stalling. If I could get it running I would have to keep it idling very fast. I took my car in for diagnostics to a local mechanic that I have used before for routine maintenance. He hooked the car to the computer and got only one error code for the air filter. He did his on diagnostic and found out the problem was the throttle body was covered in carbon emissions. This problem had caused several other issues. The throttle sensor would need to be replaced due to the severity of the build up of carbon. The mechanic replaced the sensor and wiring, dismantled, cleaned and rebuilt the throttle body. He also replaced the spark plugs and wiring harness. He also cleaned out the air intake and checked all the belts and levels which he said was fine. As an added measure he added fuel additive and recommend I use premium gasoline in the car for the next few fill ups, to help prevent and clear out any additional build up in the engine. The repair took most of the day and did remedy the problem of rough idle and hard to run engine. Over all the price of the repair was mostly the lengthy labor time to clean the throttle body.

The repair shop I went to was very professional and personal at the same time. The mechanic was guiding me through the entire repair process. He took the time to accurately diagnose the problem and not relying on a computer to do the work. After the diagnostics he told me the problems in detail, even showing me the parts on the car and explaining the function of each part. I really felt that he told me all that he could about the problems and the possible solutions. I never felt pressured into a repair that I felt unnecessary. During the repair he telephoned me numerous times to update me on the progress, and advise me of any additional work needed on the car. When he was complete he drove the car to my office to save me the trip to the garage. I am glad to see that the personal service aspect of car repair is still alive and well. I feel that the mechanic went above and beyond for the repairs and is worth more than the almost 70 per hour labor cost. He kept me informed of all the repairs and explained them in depth which he did not have to do.

I would advise anyone that is having any car problems what so ever to go to a local mechanic that is recommended by others you know. The local mechanic is often better trained in auto repair that the dealers. I have found that they communicate with you better before and during the repair and rarely do unnecessary work. Also local mechanics often get parts cheaper than the dealers parts without compromising on the quality of the part. The hourly labor rates are also cheaper than the dealer or chain auto repair shops, sometimes saving hundreds of dollars on the repair. I also feel that since you are paying the mechanic directly the work tends to be better and with less repeat trips back to the garage. This also tends to result in much more personal service. I also recommend having local maintenance done by the local mechanic before you run into troubles. This way you can develop a rapport with the mechanic and find out how they treat their customers and the rapair process. This will allow you to choose whether or not to return for future work while you have the choice, instead of being stuck with the only mechanic you could find.