Locked Brakes Update

[Kathy42]

I posted about a week ago about my daughter's 2008 Toyota Matrix. She ran off the road into a ditch to avoid a head on collision with a truck. A shop called me today with an estimate on the car. Everyone at work feels the estimate is way too high. I know nothing about what these things cost. Either way, too high are not, the car has to be fixed. I'm hoping that someone here can give their opinion. Here is what was found: Emergency brake & emergency brake cable needs to be replaced, rear brakes have parts missing so brake job will need to be done (I believe the car needed it anyway), front brakes are ok (they were done approximately a year ago-back did not need it at the time), broken strut from accident, wants to replace struts all around because they are needed(I thought back had shocks but I'm really not sure). Estimate is $1591.75. I would appreciate any input. Thank you, Kathy

[the_tow_guy]

The struts are damaged or "worn out"? Yes, you'll have struts all around and they generally have a long life span. I've owned Toyotas for 30 years and don't think I've ever replaced struts even though I routinely run the vehicles to 150,000+ miles. You didn't mention how many miles on the vehicle.

Basically it looks like what you would be getting would be a rear brake job, plus parking brake work, and new struts all around. The struts run $75-100 for aftermarket units; genuine Toyota would be more expen$ive which might account for the high estimate. The $1600 figure seems a bit high but hard to know without knowing all the nitty-gritty details like associated damaged parts, etc. To me it looks like about a $1000 job.

This is the vehicle you were arguing with the insurance company about repairs on?

[equinox]

I agree with The tow guy that Mac Struts on Corollas (Matrix is same platform) last almost forever. That said, without knowing the mileage, the driving history, etc. and seeing the vehicle nobody on this forum will tell you they don't require replacement. It seems unusual about 'parts missing' in the rear brakes also for example. What kind of repair place was the estimate received from? Dealer, or other. Flat rate labor on the struts are probably 2.0 hours each corner depending. Could be more even. Many dealer shops seem to work at near $100 per hour so that is half the estimate by itself. Does broken strut mean leaking, or bent? Bent can mean other suspension issues, including alignment for example which I am sure it will also need. Could you get by and have the car back on the road with only having the parking brake cable, rear brakes and one strut replaced. Probably. Could you save a few dollars by using a lower cost shop. Probably also. That combined would likely save half the repair estimate or more, but.....before just doing that, the best option is to have another shop look at it and have them quote what they see. This is a case where just guessing on a forum and only offering convincing opinion is probably not appropriate .

[the_tow_guy]

Thanks for adding those additional remarks, 'nox; I was a bit pressed for time yesterday. I really wanted to pursue the "missing parts" comment, too. Two hours per strut, you think? Will have to corner one of my shops and have them check AllData, that sounds a bit high. I noted Kathy's in Louisiana, so I was guessing the labor rate to be closer to what I see in my neck of the woods vice west coast or northeast. I'm also thinking there are some things that aren't listed that would add to the total, like a four wheel alignment and of course the usual "shop supplies", "hazardous material disposal", and other add-ons.

I definitely agree a second opinion is warranted.

[Kathy42]

Thank you for the input. Here is a little history on my daughter's car: It has approximately 110,000 miles on it and she is the only driver of the car. She travels out of town a lot with her job within the state of Louisiana and Mississippi so most of the miles are highway miles. The struts have never been replaced before. This estimate did not come from a dealer, it came from an independent show in the city where I live (Lafayette, LA). I will take it to another shop for an estimate and then compare prices. I appreciate the input. Thank you, Kathy