Lower control arms
Personally, I would def get a 2nd opinion. To date, I have NEVER changed any lower control arms on an 02 Camry for wear; collision damage, yes, but not wear.... And, at 65K miles, I would think it rare for BOTH to fail at this stage in the life of the car. Lower control arms are easily checked. Try this: Take a passenger with you to a safe place, like a big parking lot. Have the passenger exit the vehicle and have him/her stand alongside of the vehicle. Back up 5-10 feet. Pull forward slow, have you passenger stare at the front wheel. Brake the car. Repeat. If the lower control arms are GOOD, the wheel will NOT look like they "move" backward when braking. The only thing that can go wrong with the lower arms is the bushings may wear, and, when braking, the car will move forward on the loose bushings, and give you the appearance that the front wheel(s) will move slightly. In any case, take the car to a professional. $1,500 dollars is a lot of cash for a vehicle that prob does NOT need lower arms. PLUS, the lower arms are roughly $250-$275 apiece (Toyota part numbers 48068-33030 & 48069-33030; call your dealer for the exact prices, just give him the previous 2 part numbers), and, your mechanic...he is going to charge you a thousand dollars for labour?????? For 2 flat rate hours per side to change? PLEASE...Kick this guy to the curb. Even if it DID need the arms, he is simply robbing you. My price, IF it needed them, would be 900.00 + tax.
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