2000 Toyota Echo Worn Struts

2000 TOYOTA ECHO
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PIANOJOHN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Love to get some advice here. I have a 2000 Toyota ECHO with 148,000 miles on it. I bought it used in 2003 when it had about 70K.

It has been great and very reliable with minimal problems and repairs.

After taking it in today for a tire roatation and oil change, I was informed that it needed new struts, shocks, and an alignment, which would run me about $750.

Is it worth it to get this repair, or should I look t trading it in on a newer and more reliable car? I am just not sure how much longer it will last, and I don't want to drop a bunch of money into it if in the long run I would be better off buying new.

Thanks to any ECHO owners or anyone else who may have an opinion on this
Jan 23, 2007 at 4:06 AM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 337 POSTS
Struts are a wear item and need to be replaced just as other maintenance items, in order to keep the car in safe and good working order. As far as is it worth it , my rule of thumb is the cost of the repair more than the car is worth. I don't know what you paid for the car , but I think you got your moneys worth and it is probably better to get a new car. You don't mention any other repairs done to the vehicle, so the other wear items ( alternator, water pump, starter, battery, timing belt etc, etc , etc you get the picture) will need to be replaced sooner or later. Good luck hope this helps. :)
P.S I personnally would buy another toyota.
Jan 23, 2007 at 6:07 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace worn struts and shocks and have an alignment if keeping the car, since they are safety-related wear items. Given the mileage and other upcoming wear items, the expert suggests a newer Toyota may be a better value than further repairs.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2000 Toyota Echo with 148,000 miles was quoted about $750 for struts, shocks, and an alignment and asked whether to repair it or trade it in. The expert said struts are wear items that should be replaced to keep the car safe, but noted that other components will also wear out and that a newer Toyota is likely the better choice.

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