Mazda Repair: Toyota Camry O2 Sensors, o2 sensors, boynton beach florida

Question
Hello,

The lone Toyota expert is "Maxed Out" so I thought I'd ask my question here (I also own an MPV).  I know Mazda's can have the same problem.

The engine light has stayed on now for over a week in our '02 Camry (90,000 miles).  We tried taking off the gas cap and tightening it, to no avail.  We took it into our local GoodYear repair shop.  They said it needs 2 new O2 sensors, 1 they are charging $250, the other $150, plus $70 labor, for a total of >$470!  We said no thanks, for now, and they charged us $102.55 just to look at it.
Do you think it's worth it to get it done?  If we decide to, they may apply the $102.55 to the bill.

We are in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Thanks,
Jeff Omans

Answer
Well, the service fee is a little steep considering most shops will do it for free to entice you into using them to do the work. I would try taking it to another shop and tell them it needs two O2 sensors. The Goodyear shop should provide you with the information as to which sensors it was. If they refuse to give you the information you can ask them to refund your money for the service they performed. If you have a local high school with an auto tech program I would suggest that you take it to them as the kids will benefit from doing the uber difficult Toyota O2 sensors and you will benefit from the price break. Call ahead of time to see what the schedule will be. You can also see if they want to use it to do an inspection drill and you may get even more out of the experience than you bargained for. I would strike the Goodyear shop from your list of reputable shops. The $470 for the O2 sensors is right in the ballpark, but the $100 for diagnosing it is ludicrous considering it takes 20 min to run a diagnostic scan on a vehicle and another 10 to visually inspect and check all the fluids.

Regards,


John