How Critical Is This?

[LexuSY]

Hi everybody, i have a 98 lexus es300 with 75k miles. I brought my car to the dealer for regular 15k service and a problem with the car starting sometimes.

The problem was sometimes (maybe once a month) the car would start, then the rpm would lower and the car would shut off. The only way to start the car is to start it, then pump the gas before the rpm meter went down and try again until it stabilizes.

They call me and say they found a few problems. They need to replace the EGR Valve which will cost me $400 parts and labor. And they found that the front suspension bushing needs to be replaced because they are cracked/broken. And that will cost me $900.

My question is, are these critical to fix? Are the prices reasonable or can i get it done for a lot less? I don't have much car knowledge so i have no idea what these things do. Maybe getting the part from somewhere else then bringing them to the dealer would be cheaper? Any advice or references to a good mechanic in the LA area would be great!

adthanksvance

[ArmyofOne]

Hi everybody, i have a 98 lexus es300 with 75k miles.  I brought my car to the dealer for regular 15k service and a problem with the car starting sometimes. 

The problem was sometimes (maybe once a month) the car would start, then the rpm would lower and the car would shut off.  The only way to start the car is to start it, then pump the gas before the rpm meter went down and try again until it stabilizes. 

They call me and say they found a few problems.  They need to replace the EGR Valve which will cost me $400 parts and labor.  And they found that the front suspension bushing needs to be replaced because they are cracked/broken.  And that will cost me $900. 

My question is, are these critical to fix?  Are the prices reasonable or can i get it done for a lot less?  I don't have much car knowledge so i have no idea what these things do.  Maybe getting the part from somewhere else then bringing them to the dealer would be cheaper?  Any advice or references to a good mechanic in the LA area would be great! 

adthanksvance

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that can be done alot cheaper. IIRC, the EGR valve is right on top of the motor, easy to get to.

the strut mounts will be the kicker, since they have to be removed to fix...

[steviej]

when in doubt, always get a second opinion from a second source.

also ask them that if the EGR replacement doesn't solve the problem, will they credit you the money? The starting problem sounds more like a dirty or sluggish IACV or a dirty throttle body.

steviej

[ArmyofOne]

also ask them that if the EGR replacement doesn't solve the problem, will they credit you the money?  The starting problem sounds more like a dirty or sluggish IACV or a dirty throttle body.

steviej

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i concur B)

[monarch]

No need to rush the replacement of the front suspension bushings. You could wait for years before replacing them with no consequence other than ride and handling might not be as competent as when the car was new.

Your car is too new to need a new EGR valve. Very like the drivability problems are caused by the two items steviej mentioned which are easy and cheap to clean...and that may be why the shop would prefer to sell you an expensive new EGR valve!

[SKperformance]

Your throttle intkae and surroundings are filled with carbon, find a motorvac for your car for $100 it will solve the engien problems.

[LexuSY]

You guys are awesome! I'll look into those suggestions and let you guys know what happens. So, should i get my iacv replaced or clean out my throttle intake first? or is there a way for them (different dealer) or any mechanic to know what's causing the problem if i ask them to look at all three? (iacv, egr valve, throttle)

[SKperformance]

cleaned not replace.

the motorvac does it all