I'd start with a second opinion. Have a local smog check repair station
conduct a check engine light and smog check failure diagnosis on your Toyota
Corolla. It will cost you about 2 hours of labor to conduct the diagnosis
(probably around $150.00). Don't mention the dealership estimate. Have them
give you their honest diagnosis results. The dealership might very well be
telling the truth, but they may have added repairs which you could do
without at this point. Considering the average smog check repair in
California costs $450.00, $4200.00 is way out of the ballpark. Short of your
Toyota needing a new engine I can't image where the estimate is coming from.
I would recommend you apply for the state's consumer assistance program, but
since your registration renewal period has ended this program is no longer
available to you until the next registration renewal period when a smog
check is due. Your best bet at this point is to get a second expert
diagnosis.
posted by SmogTips Support
