1st gen FRS 3k miles outside warranty - possible thrown rod
 

So. Ive just passed my 5yr/60k mile manufacturers warranty period and So. Ive just passed my 5yr/60k mile manufacturers warranty period and word from the techs at the dealer is that its either a Valve or rod issue and one common in the first run 86's

My question is has anyone here had any luck getting a repair like this done slightly out of warranty?

If so what steps did you take to get it done? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Dam that's a tough place.
You could ask how much is the extrended warranty and compare how much the job would cost.

If that's not an option you could find a mechanic shop that has worked on thoese cars before and get a quote.

If you still want to save money, and have the room and tools you can take out the engine out yourself, and drop it off at a shop and have it worked on. Then just install it back yourself.

Talk to the Service Manager. If no then talk to Toyota Customer Service. They are in no way obligated to repair anything out of warranty but have been know to do goodwill work for some people. On the flip side they have also denied work to people still in warranty so it is a crap shoot. Did you mention any issues at all prior to the end of warranty? If they have a record of a complaint it helps.

Good advice. I'd try this first and make myself as ingratiating as possible to the decision makers.

Thanks for the replies, I'll try to contact Toyota Customer service today and I had planned to go in to talk to the service manager after work as well.

If I can't get a reduction on some of the cost through a goodwill repair my fear is that it will have to sit until I can afford the repairs and get a cheap daily driver.

Nightmare scenario is that my apartment complex won't let me park an inoperable car and I have to part it out or sell it. :(

Man. That bites. Good luck with the service folks.

If they won't do anything see if they would finance the repairs. It would cost you a bit in interest but would save you from having to buy a beater and loosing even more on the FRS.

can believe a beater would be cheaper than a tranny swap. they had a dude from cali a few weeks ago selling a used unit for about 500 bux.

He needs a new engine.

Man, my "problem immediately after warranty ends" (weeping taillights just past warranty) pales in comparison to this. @Dbjunk hope it works out for you!

oops.! terribly @ multitasking:bonk::bonk::bonk:

There's an alternative solution.... :bonk:

:slap: ....... pay attention ....... get your priorities straight!

:D


humfrz

The batteries FINALLY wore out on that damn thing ...... :sigh:


humfrz

If you had your car serviced there regularly, they may turn a blind eye and good will it for you based on loyalty.

If you only go for warranty work, they probably won't help you out.

But call Toyota Corporate and see if they are willing to good will a repair or help with the repair.

My co-worker called Toyota Corporate for her RAV4 that was making a clunking noise after a recall was made. Toyota Corporate ended up paying for four new shocks and struts because of good will. This car was over 10 years old too btw.... but she always serviced her car at the dealer.

Update: Ive contacted toyota care/customer service and I've had no luck with a goodwill repair. The plan is to go back to the dealer and see if I can finance the repair. I know its a longshot but I dont want to take out a personal loan for it.

If that doesn't work, I'm gonna get it towed home this weekend and go over my options with my family. (I've already received a decent offer for it As-Is that would make for a great down payment on something else....or another 86)

I've thought about it.

If I weren't in California and still back east I'd consider it strongly. I want to daily it and the paperwork/red tape doesn't seem worth it out here to be honest.

Probably not much difference between a loan from the dealer and a personal loan for a repair. You might want to see if a local credit union would refinance your current car loan to build in the repair, if you are going to go that route, assuming the repaired car has enough equity to cover the loan.

If the current value of the car (unrepaired) plus cost of the repair is greater than the value of the repaired car, it may not be worth doing the repair. May just want to cut your losses and move on, particularly if you a decent offer for as is.

Much better idea!

Thats exactly where I stand. Rock and a hard place.

As it stands, "running" but not safely driving I could get a little over 4k for it without a problem. More than enough to cover whats left on my current loan and leave me with a nice chunk for a down payment. The repairs could and probably will easily go over 10k. I've been quoted 2500 for a teardown to asses the full extent of the damage and more than likely another 8-9 in parts and labor afterwards. Add that to its current value and its nowhere near its value if it were repaired. After thinking it over a bit for the last few days, my best option is to cut my loses sell it for its current value and move on.

Problem is I love my 86. and these kinds of decisions are tough :(

That seems high. You can buy a used engine for about the cost they are quoting you to do a diagnosis. One quick search and I found a handful for between $2,500 and $3,500 depending on mileage.

Couldn't find a price for the full new engine, but I did find a new short block listed for about $1,800.

time to learn how to replace an engine, I bet if you turn your own wrenches you can get parts and tools for under 5k

Turns out it was very high


Update - Great news! well better than yesterday.

I called a few local shops gathered some info/quotes and called the dealer again. Turns out the service guy quoted me a "worse case scenario" price for a rebuild my first time in.

Turns out after letting my car sit there for a few days the techs and another service guy ran the numbers and feel like they can get it all done for roughly 6900.The difference in his initial quote and this one were 3+ grand apart :happyanim:

Granted it could climb a bit from there but 6900-7500 is much more manageable than the 9-11k I got on Tuesday.I'm also getting a pretty good warranty on it compared to what I would have gotten from the local shops in the area a year vs 6 months (both with unlimited mileage)

I can't pull a motor in my apartment complex. My lease doesn't allow me to make anything other than "minor" repairs in the lot.

If I were back home (1800 miles away) I'd be a lot more comfortable parking it and doing it myself with the help of some friends and family.

I get the picture ........ ;)

I'm glad your repair estimate is lower.


humfrz

^ pic is 75% accurate