Gas tank replacement

[mrlooneytoon]

So, my dad went for an oil change at CT (why CT? Long story and not the point). Anyway, while they were doing their thing, they found a leak in the gas tank. I know CT isn't bs'ing because I can smell gasoline when the car is parked in the driveway. It's probably dangerous and guzzles a lot of gas as well, but CT makes it seem like it's a real big deal by saying it needs to be fixed immediately. They're charging $275 for labour and $600 for a new tank. The car is a '97 Toyota Paseo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Paseo) and has about a 11.9 gallon tank, with 250 clicks on the meter.

Now, my question is, do any of you have any experience with replacing fuel tanks? Is CT trying to rip me off? Does the $875 fee sound reasonable? I don't have a regular mechanic since I just moved to this city and my old garage is too far away. I'll check the auto mechanics thread for someone closer in case I need a second opinion.

Thanks!

[D-3vil]

let me start by saying... it's Canadian Tire! So the answer to your question is yes, they are on the expensive side.

Are you in Toronto now? there are 2 places I could recommend to you, one in Pickering (Brock & 401 -- my everyday mechanic) and one in North York (Leslie & York Mills area -- had body & mechanical work done there in the past). They've both been fair to me (neither cheap, nor expensive, but honest and reliable).

Also, I'm sure other RFD'ers will be more than happy to share.

[162]

You should be able to pick up a gas tank at local salvage for $150 - they're not hard to replace - usually held up by a couple of metal straps - 2 guys would take about an hour and a half.

[Spud72]

Depending where and how it's leaking, Permatex/Loctite and other companies make fuel tank patch kits.

[mrlooneytoon]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

So, I went to a local mechanic and they installed a $150 gas tank (used) but in very good condition and charged $75 for labour. So $225 + tax for everything.

That's approximately $650 than what CT would have charged me, and I know that the tank is a good one because I saw it. Who knows, maybe CT would have put a used one and overpriced it.

[dealhunting]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

So, I went to a local mechanic and they installed a $150 gas tank (used) but in very good condition and charged $75 for labour. So $225 + tax for everything.

That's approximately $650 than what CT would have charged me, and I know that the tank is a good one because I saw it. Who knows, maybe CT would have put a used one and overpriced it.

Just because CT charges a higher labour rate than your corner garage does, there's no need for this type of slander. Don't forget, it was CT that alerted you to this potentially dangerous problem to begin with.

[mrlooneytoon]

Just because CT charges a higher labour rate than your corner garage does, there's no need for this type of slander. Don't forget, it was CT that alerted you to this potentially dangerous problem to begin with.

My apologies. :)

Very ignorant of me.