I have a 2002, and I have a check engine light and my radiator is leaking.
Brought it to my mechanic and this was the diagnosis

New radiator + install + Flush= $270

[SES light - got a P0171 lean code]
Intake gasket + install = $570
(3) o2 sensors = $500 (says its a cali spec so its more)

I left out installation for the o2 sensors, and another flush, but I was stunned as he was telling me the costs. The grand total for everything is $1600!


Does this sound right? I really pissed because I just spent about $1500 within the last month replacing the fuel pump, maf, rear calipers/rotors/brakes and a couple fluid changes when I just purchased the car.

Seems kind of on the steep side, but I can't believe how much this car is costing me. I bought it as a cheap car/low maintenance car to drive for a couple years. It really drove fine when I was buying it, and checked out... I guess I was wrong...

 

New radiator + Install + Flush for $270 doesn't sound unreasonable.

Not sure about intake gasket.

$500 for 3 O2 sensors without installation seem high. I thought CA Maximas have 4 O2 sensors.

 

Ask for justification. Why in God's name does it need a new radiator?

Get ALL the codes from him, then post back.

And @ 570 for an 'intake gasket' change.

 

My radiator is actually visibly leaking, which is one of the reasons I brought it in.

Only code I had was a P0171.

The gasket was 70 and for the part and the rest was for installation, which he said was difficult. Intake manifold gasket is what he said...

It's the gasket and the 02 sensors which are killing me.. a little over $1300 for both. I thought it sounded really high.

Anyways thanks for the input. More input would be appreciated.

 

That price is not high, it is INSANE

 

You could save some money and drive to Michigan and ill install it all for ya man. Intake gasket and all. Let me know. NO need to spend 1600.

 

Cool thanks for the offer, but I'm in NY and that would be a very long drive.

It does seem high, so how much do you think is reasonable for (3) o2 sensors and the gasket?

 

I talked to him again, and he said 1500 is the best he can do.

This is the cost borken down:
(2) front o2 sensors are 230 each
back o2 is 245
70 for the gasket and 540 for the install
270 for the radiator installed.

 

I mean think about it. 1500 here. You can take a trip, get your car fixed and save money while doing it. WHy not?

 

Thanks, and I'd probably take you up on it if you lived closer, but its more like a journey than a trip.

 

Get a new mechanic.

Bosch 02 Sensor's can be had for around $100 at auto parts stores and are VERY easy to install... you'd just need an open end wrench, and/or an 02 sensor wrench, spin them out... unplug, install the new one's.

I bought a plastic radiator on ebay for $60 about a year ago and it's held up completely fine since then and installed it myself, took about an hour.

The Intake Manifold GASKET price isn't horrible, and it is labor intensive to install... but the LABOR price he is charging is completely whack. Your local Nissan dealer would most likely do it cheaper than $540.

 

Why post in 2 forums?

 

to get a second opinion?

 

get the radiator replaced and clear out the codes.
drive for a bit (week or so) and if the CEL comes on again during that time, pull the code if it doesn't the check for codes anyways after the week has passed.

 

 

The price for what you need to have done certainly sounds high to me. Where in NY are you? I have a mechanic in Bklyn that I can refer you to if you want to get a second opinion and I am sure he will give you a fair price. Feel free to send me a PM and I will send over his contact info.