Okay here it goes:

My car stalled on me and then I couldn't get her started ..unless I hit the gas. lots of white smoke coming out of the exhaust. Anyway I took my car to my mechanic whom first thought it was my gasket ..$1200 ..but the told me it was my turbo. He wants me pay $900 installed refurbished turbo. I live in Northern NJ and was wondering if anyone new if I can take my turbo to be refurbished...if so how much would it cost ? Also anyone know where I can get a refurb turbo at a lower cost ? a friend of mine told me ebay is a better source. Also if I do that..( found one for around $300) is there a place where I can send my old turbo and get money for it ?

Please help..I am desperate..I just don't have $900 to give the mechanic. He did say he would install the turbo i would get .

Regards to all for your help and assistance.

Echo 7

 

first of all it's very simple to take off and install a turbo. You'll need basic hand tools and some penetrating lubricant like WD40. The place I've sent my turbo for a rebuild is www.turbochargers.com, but blouch turbo in PA might be a faster option for you. Shouldn't cost more than 400 to rebuild.

Are you sure your mechanic diagnosed it correctly?

 

How would I know if he diagnosed it correctly??? He is the professional...anyhow I got a used turbo with 66k miles on it for $350..00

 

You know, in today's world you gotta know a little bit of everything. People are struggling for cash and more and more mechanics are "overdoing" their job. I'm not saying that your particular one is doing it, but you'd really be better off asking him to show you why he thinks it's that and not just go by the words. If there's a puddle of fluid on the cold side of the turbo he should have no trouble pointing you to it and explaining what happened. Usually all of it makes sense.

 

okay so in the end ..i bought a used turbo (60k miles) and had it put on for a $650. Almost half the cost of what he had originally priced me at.