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
44,805

jamnblues answered 9 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 9 years ago

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

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Shortcuts

Search Toyota Avalon Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Farmboy93
    Reputation
    2,330
  • #2
    MsAngie1968
    Reputation
    1,300
  • #3
    GuruDCW7P
    Reputation
    1,120
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Camry
43 Great Deals out of 1,133 listings starting at $4,795
Used Lexus ES
19 Great Deals out of 212 listings starting at $5,900
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 964 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Corolla
129 Great Deals out of 2,267 listings starting at $1,999
Used Toyota Highlander
44 Great Deals out of 791 listings starting at $5,900
Used Lexus LS
3 Great Deals out of 28 listings starting at $5,995
Used Toyota 4Runner
21 Great Deals out of 539 listings starting at $7,700
Used Toyota RAV4
128 Great Deals out of 3,036 listings starting at $4,999
Used Toyota Tacoma
43 Great Deals out of 730 listings starting at $9,975
Used Lexus IS
18 Great Deals out of 427 listings starting at $4,400
Used Lexus GS
3 Great Deals out of 22 listings starting at $9,999
Used Lexus RX
47 Great Deals out of 1,213 listings starting at $4,995
Used Honda Civic
187 Great Deals out of 3,999 listings starting at $440

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.