[Aviva]

Okie dokie frugal folks….car repair question. I took my car in for a small repair and they found 2 more repairs that will need to get fixed at some point.

Water pump (small leak at this point) and suspension arm.

Both totaling about 6k (2015 Toyota sienna).

What are the tricks for reducing the cost of auto repairs?

And how do you guys decide it is time to get a “new to me” car?

[Brian]

That seems pretty high. The water pump should be under a grand parts and labor and the suspension arm or control arm shouldn’t be that much. Honestly I would expect under $2k for both.

Actually closer to $1,500.

Are they doing the timing chain during the water pump replacement. That will add some money to the estimate.

I save money on car repairs by doing everything I possibly can myself (you tube videos) and going to a trusted local shop I know won’t rip me off.

Never a dealership once out of warranty.

[Terry]

If you went to a dealer they will squeeze every last dollar. A small local repair shop is much better.

If that’s the case, ask around for referrals and get a second opinion

[Rodelle]

Check around for prices and if work truly needs to be done.

[Caitlin]

That is way too high of a price. Shop around, get quotes.

[Author]

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