2002 Avalon 188K needs idle control replacement, quoted ~$590 for service

Asked by Tim May 05, 2014 at 10:08 AM about the 2002 Toyota Avalon XLS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I got a Toyota Avalon 2002 with ~188K miles on it. Yesterday, the car wouldn't start, it
was turning over and then immediately died. I took it to a Toyota dealership and they
want ~$500 for the idle control replacement and ~$90 for cleaning the carbon build-up.

Is it worth it?

The Toyota service lady said that the car may need additional repairs after this in order
for things to "work" correctly together. Last year I replaced my timing belt and a few
other major components that cost around $3000. My wife wants me to just trade in the
car and get another car, what should I do?

Kelley Blue Book says car is worth $2600 from dealer and $4000 from private party.
The car is in fair condition.

2 Answers
44,835

jamnblues answered 10 years ago

Well, you'll have to get the car running first- you could find an independent garage, someone with good mechanics who might do the work for less, and even better quality, and even give you a straight story, and advice on your next car- finding an "honest garage" is a zen exercise in itself, but it is a task you must take on, no matter what you're drivin'- finally, my opinion- any car that has been that unfaithful, to cost me thousands when it only hauls me down the road with very little style, MUST go- an even harder zen quest- find a car that has more style, and is more reliable, with fewer outrageously expensive electrical components to go wrong- good luck-

Best Answer Mark helpful

Tim answered 10 years ago

Thank you jamnblues, that was a very zenful answer! Finding a good mechanic seems like a daunting task.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

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