Hi Scotty,
I was recently given a 1998 Toyota Corolla automatic from my grandmother who isn’t able to drive anymore. This little car has about 150,000 miles and runs like a top. However, these Pennsylvania winters have done a number on the underside. The rear subframe is beyond repair and will need replaced. I bought a used replacement from a salvage yard. I have a feeling the shop cost for this type of job will be quite expensive due to the amount of rust on and around the subframe. Is it even worth fixing or should I scrap the car? Would hate to do that as it’s been in the family for about 20 years now and has been incredibly reliable, but I don’t feel like dumping a ton of money into a beater car.
Thanks in advance,
maplewoodmason
You guys got excellent value out of her. Time to send her off to the great auto race track in the sky.
I have had a rear subframe replaced before. If I remember correctly the job took a couple hours. The easiest way to estimate the cost is to ask the shop how many hours they think it will take them and find out what their labour rate is. Those were good cars and this one probably has sentimental value to you so it may be worth it to put some money into. If you decide to go ahead with the repair then afterwards, to make it last, I would undercoat it every year with an oil based undercoating such as Rust Check, Krown, or Fluid Film. I use Rust Check myself.
You are correct, you may get a welder to patch it, on the cheap but if it's a safety issue, kiss it off. It worth 600.00 but u must declare frame rust when selling it.
