Automotive news outlet Carscoops shared the story of a user who recently purchased a used Toyota Highlander for $5,000, only to be faced with a repair bill totaling nearly $9,000.

According to the report, a Reddit user bought the 2001 SUV last month for $5,000. However, they soon noticed something amiss around the driver’s seat and steering wheel, both audible and tangible while driving.

When the new owner took the Toyota Highlander to a service shop, they were presented with an extensive list of necessary repairs totaling $8,913.

The provided repair list indicated that the SUV required new shock absorbers and sway bars for all four wheels. Carscoops noted that replacing all four components simultaneously seemed excessive unless they were completely worn out.

The garage also suggested replacing several front-end parts, likely to address the strange noise the owner had noticed. In addition, the repair list included some items that Carscoops deemed unreasonable.

Specifically, the garage quoted over $212 for mounting and balancing the tires, on top of the $611 cost of the tires themselves, plus a $100 protection fee. Carscoops pointed out that most tire businesses would perform mounting and balancing for free if the tires were purchased from them.

The alignment cost was also listed twice. Additionally, the shop charged $89 for a battery replacement and electrical system check, and $1,158 for rear brake replacement, brake fluid flush, and a complete oil change after repairing an oil leak.

Commenters on the post suggested that the garage might be providing a preliminary list of potential work items for the SUV. Many recommended waiting for a second quote with more precise details and pricing.

The 2001 Toyota Highlander in question had already clocked 160,000 km when it was purchased by the new owner.

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