[DM0407]

First off, get a new mechanic. With the next one, ask for proof of why things need to be replaced before signing off on anything. Find a different mechanic if they are not willing to show you what is wrong, or give an explanation. Get a second opinion on anything major.


Did he give you a clear reason why you needed a new MAF and injectors? Were they cleaned before replacing? Most problems with a MAF can be solved by just cleaning it. MAF cleaner for about $10 bucks. It takes just a few minutes to pull and spray it. I'd like to know what he saw that lead him to replace it.

For 1400 bucks I'd expect each injector to have been cleaned and a report of their flow rates and why they all needed to be replaced, and then $700 in credit for the next issue. It's likely that at most only one failed / clogged.

For the price you paid in Exhaust leaks you could have bought a brand new ebay cat back. You replaced the headers and cat, so that would give you a brand new exhaust.

 

[dev]

I am curious about this.
Bee R rev limiter: $81

Who suggested this to you?

 

[FormInFunction]

I am curious about this.
Bee R rev limiter: $81

Who suggested this to you?

No brainer really, I mean how else does one shoot flames on a 138 crank hp engine in a parking lot? Gotta burn that new cat right out the tailpipe so you can give your hostage takers another $2100 for the next one asap [emoji95][emoji378][emoji95][emoji41]

 

[dev]

No brainer really, I mean how else does one shoot flames on a 138 crank hp engine in a parking lot? Gotta burn that new cat right out the tailpipe so you can give your hostage takers another $2100 for the next one asap [emoji95][emoji378][emoji95][emoji41]

When we find out who suggested it then we will have a good idea of the situation.

 

[MerryFrankster]

Wow, that's a phenomenal shop rate!

I don't know where you've been. Toyota/Lexus here is approaching $250 and BMW is near $300. That's USD not debased Canadian dollars. I took a client's 1 Series BMW in for a recall service and they wrote up one of those routine estimates for brakes and struts that came to about $3,500. The Lexus dealer wanted $1,700 to do a water pump.

 

[SpyderMaiz]

These replies are out of line. You may have slightly overpaid for the car but not by that much. Shops all charge $125+/hr now book time with marked up parts. There unfortunately is no way around high repair bills unless you do the work yourself. It's an old car my friend and all old cars have failures. All of them, even Toyotas. Fairly reliable platform overall but it appears you have had some bad luck, sorry. Hope it gets better. You have way more invested than you'll ever get back so may as well stick with it and enjoy it for several years.

 

[rmeller]

Rates really depend on where you are. They are high where the general cost of living is high, and vice versa.

 

[NottaMiata]

This is my seventh random post on the way to ten, so I can list my car for sale in the classifieds. I don't make the rules, ya know. Nothing to see here, don't mind me...

I will say, however, that when I do get to post my classified ad, I will only be asking a little more for The Frog than the cost of this one, but for a car that is in MUCH better shape.
OP, I'm sorry about your troubles. Not rubbing it in, just trying for those ten silly forum posts. I really am sorry about all that outlay.

 

[Aw11]

I hate to see people pay so much in repairs. It can be deflating for someone who is a new enthusiast. My suggestion is to watch YouTube repair videos and invest in tools. There are plenty of videos related to the 1zz on simple maintenance which will save you money and aid you in a new skill.

 

[carlbecker]

Getting the manual and some basic tools it's a great start.

 

[nelix]

This is my seventh random post on the way to ten, so I can list my car for sale in the classifieds. I don't make the rules, ya know. Nothing to see here, don't mind me...

I will say, however, that when I do get to post my classified ad, I will only be asking a little more for The Frog than the cost of this one, but for a car that is in MUCH better shape.
OP, I'm sorry about your troubles. Not rubbing it in, just trying for those ten silly forum posts. I really am sorry about all that outlay.

So you have joined the forum simply to sell your car, at zero cost to yourself, but are bitching about having to make 10 posts to do so?

 

[Freshtapcoke]

So you have joined the forum simply to sell your car, at zero cost to yourself, but are bitching about having to make 10 posts to do so?

If true, he sure waited a heck of a long time to post. 😉

 

[mini1071]

$1400 on injectors?????

Jeeebus!

 

[pwnzor]

 

[MerryFrankster]

...

Maybe he forgot which one of his multiple accounts he was trolling with. I would have thought you would have gotten good at spotting these by now. On the other hand, maybe the site admins are willing to tolerate troll posting if it leads to more page views.

 

[carlbecker]

Has the car been posted for sale yet? I remember the username. Possibly corrupted?

 

[carlbecker]

Has the post count incremented yet. It ought to be 176 by now or higher.

 

[beemer]

ya a douchbag thing to post...you could at least offer some helpful advise...sheez

 

[Noelellacy]

Bought my spyder for $12,900 at 55k miles. I’ve spent $7783 in maintenance costs in one year of owning the car. What am I doing wrong? Why is my car so unreliable?
This is what I’ve spent on the car:


-Initial Car Cost: $12,900

-New catalytic converter: $2,100
-Parking Brake: $400
-Antifreeze line leak: $300
-Ignition Coils: $227
-Fuel Injectors: $1,400
-Shocks and Struts: $834
-Indicator light wiring: $181
-Malian catless downpipe: $260
-Bee R rev limiter: $81
-Emissions: $300
-Mass Airflow Sensor: $434
-Exhaust fix: $336
-Exhaust fix 2: $133
-New Battery (12/22): $169
-Battery Terminals: $15
-Outlet Coolant Hose: $593
-Car door lights: $20

The previous owner blew the engine at 110k miles and replaced it with a factory 1zz engine with 55k miles. The precats were the reason it blew from my knowledge. The new engine had the precats removed.

The worst part is I’m not even done with repairs. I have an EVAP leak, peeling clear coat on my side mirrors, deep scratches on the front and rear bumpers, fluids need to be changed, and my headlights are fogged up.

I should also mention everything has been done at a autoshop. I have minimal mechanic ability and almost no tools.

Bought my spyder for $12,900 at 55k miles. I’ve spent $7783 in maintenance costs in one year of owning the car. What am I doing wrong? Why is my car so unreliable?
This is what I’ve spent on the car:


-Initial Car Cost: $12,900

-New catalytic converter: $2,100
-Parking Brake: $400
-Antifreeze line leak: $300
-Ignition Coils: $227
-Fuel Injectors: $1,400
-Shocks and Struts: $834
-Indicator light wiring: $181
-Malian catless downpipe: $260
-Bee R rev limiter: $81
-Emissions: $300
-Mass Airflow Sensor: $434
-Exhaust fix: $336
-Exhaust fix 2: $133
-New Battery (12/22): $169
-Battery Terminals: $15
-Outlet Coolant Hose: $593
-Car door lights: $20

The previous owner blew the engine at 110k miles and replaced it with a factory 1zz engine with 55k miles. The precats were the reason it blew from my knowledge. The new engine had the precats removed.

The worst part is I’m not even done with repairs. I have an EVAP leak, peeling clear coat on my side mirrors, deep scratches on the front and rear bumpers, fluids need to be changed, and my headlights are fogged up.

I should also mention everything has been done at a autoshop. I have minimal mechanic ability and almost no tools.

My heart goes out to you my friend.
Honestly this doesn't sound like outrageous prices for my area if your going to a repair shop or dealership. I work at a dealership. A lot of people are commenting that the prices are outrageous but they are doing the work themselves. I would have found 13k in this market with a 55k mile engine to be fair, assuming it was done correctly.... Anytime you buy a car, take it to a mechanic before closing the deal to make sure the car is mechanically sound. When your looking at 20 something year old cars (don't know your specific year), it should be expected to have major repairs and costs. If you can't (because of parents or skill level) do the work yourself it's going to be $$$$$$, and continue to be so. However, considering your already so much money in, I do recommend learning to do your own work. Buy some basic tools and keep them in your room. Work on the car in a parking lot. Luckily, your 18 and do live with your parents so you dont have to worry about rent on top of this. I definitely wouldn't move out with this vehicle. Maybe get a 2nd car for rialiablitiy. My suggestions:

1. Sell the car and get a newer reliable car 2020 or newer. Make payments. Not fun at 18,but it will build your credit and give you stability while you get economicaly setup. Think missing class, work, being stranded, having future rent due and car repairs. It's not an ideal situation for 18 starting life.

2. Buy a 2nd car that is reliable and keep this one and make the repairs as you can or learn to work on it yourself. Maybe find a friend who will let you use the garage or keep the tools in your room. I used to use parking lots.

You can absolutely work on your car if it's your desire. Mr2 are a car that is ripe for learning. They are a good entry level into auto mechanics. My Mr2 brought me into the automotive industry amd i knew nothing. I wish you the best!

 

[REVN MR2]

Wow I’ve owned my spyder over 8 years and it’s got 150k and all I’ve had to do to it in that time frame was replace the alternator brake pads/rotors, spray the maf with maf cleaner and fix the flex pipe on the aftermarket exhaust but now mine is turbocharged so there’s no flex pipe. I drive it more than my other cars too.