My 2000 Toyota Echo makes squealing noises when I use the heater. It would squeal, then after a few seconds, eventually the squeal would stop, but it would happen intermittently whenever the heater was on. A few days ago, the squeal happened when I turned the ignition key, and the squeal continued far longer than it usually did before. When it happened this time, the heater was not on. The weather has been very cold and somewhat rainy over the last few weeks, so I thought that had something to do with this problem. I kept the car garaged during a week long frigid ( below 0 temps.) cold spell, but I would start the car and let it run in the garage for about- 10 minutes everyday. I'm relatively new to the small town I live in now. Unfortunately, the good and trusty mechanic I took my car to since I've been here, recently retired. Also, I didn't know what was going on with my car so I didn't think it was safe to drive it a long distance ( where the better reviewed mechanic shops are located). So, I took my car to a CarX shop in town and they looked at my car. They did hear the squeal when the car was on and they recommended that I replace the belts ( power steering and serpentine) and replace the AC Compressor. I am a poor older lady, so when they said it would cost a little over $1,600 parts+labor, I nearly dropped on the spot. My Echo has a little over 115,000 miles on it and it has never failed me in the 3 years I've owned it. I change the Semi Synthetic oil ( Castrol High Mileage) every 3,000 miles and I do my best to baby it. I need to have my car because my home is a long distance from the supermarket, so I decided to have them replace the belts and the AC Compressor next week. I got them down to a little over $1,300 for everything, but I'm overwhelmed by the cost. That's over one month of Soc. Security benefits for me, but I must have my car. I watch Scotty on Youtube a lot because I want to learn how to take care of my car, but this is the situation I always feared. When you have never been taught how to do auto repair-and you're a woman-and you're older, you are an easy target. I honestly don't know if the price for this repair is normal or not. I've looked online to see what the average price for these repairs are, but I see prices all over the place, and it says the price may be affected by where you live.
Could someone please let me know if $1,300+is over-priced for replacing an AC Compressor and belts on my 2000 Toyota Echo. I would truly appreciate it.
Dear Scotty: I would travel anywhere is the U.S. to attend auto maintenance classes if you were teaching them. I absolutely hate being so vulnerable when it comes to auto maintenance. It can literally bankrupt a person without a lot of money.
Thank You!
Could someone please let me know if $1,300+is over-priced for replacing an AC Compressor and belts on my 2000 Toyota Echo.
Not if the job is done properly. Due to the failed compressor contaminating the AC system, at a minimum the condenser, drier, and expansion valve need to be replaced and the rest of the system flushed out. Then of course there is a cost for the new refrigerant and oil and lots of labor. Hopefully this includes a brand-new AC compressor since the rebuilt units are usually garbage. This would also be a good time to replace those 25-year-old AC hoses while the system is apart and should not add too much to the bill.
Keeping the AC working in an old car can be challenging, and it is expensive especially if you cannot do the work yourself. The real question here is whether it is worth putting $1300 into a 25-year-old Echo. Kelley Blue Book pegs the value of that car in good condition at about $1600 (private party sale).
@chucktobias
Thanks for your honest opinion sir. A few years ago, I owned another 2000 Toyota Echo ( Green). I bought this 2000 Toyota Echo ( Red) when I saw it listed. Another person was sitting in the parking lot waiting to buy it if I didn't want it. The Green Echo had about 90,000 miles on it when I sold it for $4,950 approximately 2 yrs. ago. Now I only have the Red Echo, but I have a feeling that if I do sell it, I can get much better than the KBB price for it where I live. It's a small town and there just isn't much out here in terms of quality autos. P.S. The Red Echo I currently own was made in Japan. Scotty always says they make Toyotas better there. Thanks again!