Hello,

I'm new here and am hoping those of you with some auto knowledge can help me.

My car, a little 2000 Toyota Corolla that gets driven maybe 6000 miles per year, has been slow to pick up when I accelerate. I took it to Toyota a month or two ago, and they couldn't find anything wrong.

The other day suddenly the noise toward the front of the car got MUCH louder when I accelerated. I took it back to Toyota, and this is what they told me is wrong and what I need:

There's an exhaust leak. The exhaust downstream gasket is completely blown.
The intake and exhaust valves are backed up. The manifold is backed up.

*It needs the exhaust leak/gasket fixed.
*Fuel injection cleaning.
*Throttle body service.
*Intake carbon flush.
*Oil supplement.
*Tuneup with double platinum tipped spark plugs.
90,000 mile service (car has about 86K miles).

All to the tune of about $600.

When I asked what is absolutely vital that I fix now, he said the starred things above, for about $511.

I called a male friend who knows a bit about cars, and he said that some of this sounds like "Toyota padding."

I am going to find a small mechanic that specializes in exhaust issues and see if they can do it for less.

In the meantime, what do you think of the above list? Which (if any) look like padding to you? Which besides getting the gasket replaced sound like vital things?

thanks much,

L

My Corolla is 2 and a half years old and done under 30k miles, I took it to the garage Licensed Toyota dealer) as it was making an odd noise - they told me it needed a new clutch and new front brake discs and pads costing around £900 (eek)and that this isn't covered by the warranty as its wear and tear. I drive it very gently and can't understand this - I'm taking it up with Toyota. Any advice???