Need advice on recommended repairs

FTOUR002

MEMBER
2009 TOYOTA CAMRY
2.4L
4 CYL
217,976 MILES

Current Mileage: 219518. The car listed above is an XLE model.

To all experts out there, I really need your advice for the problem. I had this car for almost 8 years and has been maintained by Firestone Complete Auto care since I own it. I don't know anything about cars. I know my car has high miles on it but never caused much issues.
Since Firestone has been my go-to place for any car's issues, I have noticed inconsistent diagnostics in different Firestone locations because one shop after oil change recommendations are most likely to not show up or be recommend after the next oil change in another Firestone location.
I am actually confused between two recent recommendations and the car state inspection is due. I will list the two recent recommendations made by two different Firestone shop.
The last recommendations are too costly for me now and I would like to have suggestions or different options I can go for.

This is the last recommendations done on May 7th 2022.
Status Description. Qty parts

1▪︎ Recmd. EXHAUST
NEEDED FOR VSI = Total $923.17
54737 DF CONVERTER ULTRA= $677
61459 EXH PIPE GASKET= $66
61598 EXH PIPE GSKT=
REMOVE & REPLACE CATALYTIC Converter Rear

2▪︎ RECMD. STEERING & SUSPENSION Total $201.99
RT FRONT BELLOW BOOT NEEDED FOR VSI
K150272 RACK AND PINION BELL 1 EA $58
REMOVE & REPLACE RACK & PINION BOOT -
ONE SIDE $144
Total of $1196

THIS WAS ON APRIL 7TH 2022
since 1926 Firestone Complete Auto care
MINI BULB REPLACEMENT
CABIN AIR FILTER
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
BATTERY CORROSION PACKAGE
RENU 500 FUEL SYSTEM CLEANER
TIRE ROTATION W/ BALANCE
TIE ROD ENDS (Right-Inner)
TIE ROD ENDS (Right-Outer)
With no $$ amount

Thanks for your Advises

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Hi,

The most interesting thing I see is this. The two recommendations indicate things being wrong that do not tie into each other whatsoever. Unless there are two incompetent people working on it or checking it, one has to be misleading you.

I have no interest in making money, so I have no reason to lie, but I do have questions for you.

First, is there an exhaust leak?

Next, are the front tires wearing evenly or does it appear there is an alignment issue?

Does the check engine light stay on when the engine is running?

Let me know as much as you can. One is hitting you for exhaust and the other says the problems are steering components.

I am in PA and suspect the VSI indicates Virginia state inspection. I can tell you if the exhaust is leaking, if the check engine light remains on while driving or running, or if there is excessive play in the tie rods, any of these can cause it to fail PA inspection. However, because there is no consistency between recommendations made by the two shops, at least one is not being honest.

Let me know.

Joe