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2002 vs Calais. Quote from mechanic....

Eats shop

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Hi guys I've just recently purchased a vx Calais.
I've been so happy with it. It's comfortable and a nice drive.
I decided to take it in for a safety check being an older car.

The wheels need replacing and wheel alignment.
But when I got all the small problems I was really surprised.

I replaced the oil 5,000kms ago and it drinks next to non. He was surprised it didn't leak.

The car has done 176,000kms which I thought was kinda low for a v6.

The rear tyers are scrubbing so I believe I should do that and then new tyers.
But can anyone shed any information on the rest of these "problems"
I'm unsure weather to just scrap the car and get a newer car.


This is the list I was quoted.

Tail shaft bearing $560
Handbrake look at $130
Brake fluid flush $85
Rocket cover gasket $430
Water pump and cooling flush $440
Castor rod bushes $660
2x engine mount $400
Power steering raxk.and high pressure hose $1600
Diff mounts $500

Thanks guys!!
 

EYY

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**** that’s ridiculous. Halve all of those prices and those would be decent rates. Engine mount price is reasonable though - that’s not a fun job.
 

accentstencil

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Where did you get that quote? Sounds like someone is trying to get rich quick. I wouldn't be surprised if many of those things didn't even need replacing. You might want to get a second opinion.
 

figjam

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The wheels need replacing and wheel alignment. Why replace wheels ? unless it is a cosmetic upgrade of your own choice.
Handbrake look at $130, Interesting quote for unknown technical task.
Brake fluid flush $85, Fair enough, but make sure that your brake pads are OK before doing that.
Castor rod bushes $660, Recently replaced all bushes in front suspension, (strut bearings, radius rod bushes, control arm bushes, wheel alignment cost $960 (which included fitting) from suspension workshop.

Don't scrap it, get some other opinions first, ……….. from actual inspections, not just online.
 

Utel67

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Go get another quote because that is a absolute joke.
 

Juice3

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$430 for rocker cover gasket? thats ridiculous.
 

commodore665

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Might have missed a decimal point on the rocker cover gasket price
 

NeddyBear

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No way not for a 1000 dollar car. If you want to keep the car then anyone with a little mechanical knowledge, help from us and YouTube theirs nothing you can't repair yourself saving a bucket of money.
 
Last edited:

losh1971

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I think he under-quoted you on the engine mounts. $400 wouldn't really cover labour if he is charging you at the normal rate of $90 - $100 an hour.
 

Eats shop

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Thanks so much guys for all the replys!
I do have some mechanical skills. Have worked alot on 2 stroke outboard engines just not as familiar with cars.
I was thinking maybe a second opinion or just take out the work myself.
The wheels are extremely low on tread and the guy said it was because there cambering?
I haven't owned a car in a long time in Australia as I've been out travelling on and off for awhile.
It was $130 for the check which I thought was kinda reasonable.
The guy suggested the car was worth less then this and would make more sense to scrap.
I guess the company he works for is expensive.
But my mate has an old Commodore and he swears just keep oil and water in them and they just keep going. His has like 300,000kms+ so thought the 170,000km was low.
Thanks again guys!
 
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