Car Talk

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

An example on the news today:

‘I thought for sure the decimal was in the wrong place’: Ontario man shocked by $22,520 car sunroof repair

A Newmarket, Ont. man says his wife was driving the family car in October when she opened the panoramic sunroof, only to not be able to close it after.

www.cp24.com

 

[scotchandcigar]

An example on the news today:

‘I thought for sure the decimal was in the wrong place’: Ontario man shocked by $22,520 car sunroof repair

A Newmarket, Ont. man says his wife was driving the family car in October when she opened the panoramic sunroof, only to not be able to close it after.

www.cp24.com

I know that's a real story with real people, but I'm calling bullshit. The parts can't be more than like 2 or 3 K, and same with the labor. So even a fairly high estimate would be $5k.

I just did some casual research. This first one is from Reddit:



I notice 2 things about the Reddit story.
1) It sounds suspiciously too similar to the story you posted
2) Even the outrageous price listed here is one-third of the number in your story, and much closer to my guess.

This second example is the Google A.I. answer



Notice how close the figures these 2 sources are.

 

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

This particular vehicle has a whole roof sunroof assembly. Note they offered a lower cost alternative to seal the sunroof which the customers took ($500ish). From the article:

The panoramic glass on the 2020 Camry does take up most of the roof and a spokesperson for Toyota Canada told CTV News in a statement, “Upon inspection of this vehicle, it was determined that it suffered a deformation of the frame of the panoramic sunroof assembly caused by an external factor. This resulted in the need to replace the full sunroof assembly.”

“The cost of the replacement reflects the size of the unit and the complexity of the replacement procedure. We encourage the customer to get in touch with their dealership to further discuss this matter.”

 

[scotchandcigar]

This particular vehicle has a whole roof sunroof assembly. Note they offered a lower cost alternative to seal the sunroof which the customers took ($500ish). From the article:

The panoramic glass on the 2020 Camry does take up most of the roof and a spokesperson for Toyota Canada told CTV News in a statement, “Upon inspection of this vehicle, it was determined that it suffered a deformation of the frame of the panoramic sunroof assembly caused by an external factor. This resulted in the need to replace the full sunroof assembly.”

“The cost of the replacement reflects the size of the unit and the complexity of the replacement procedure. We encourage the customer to get in touch with their dealership to further discuss this matter.”

Yes, but the 2 examples I posted are for the same car. And the XV70 model designation was used in 2018 - 2022, so the 2019/2020 models are the same. Also, the exact same lower-cost alternative (with the same wording) is in the first thing I posted.

The wording in your article matches almost word-for-word with the Reddit story I posted, so that's one of the reasons I cited for my suspicion.

 

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

$8000 USD = $11,520 CAD is noted as the cost. It strikes me that does not include labour.

 

[scotchandcigar]

$8000 USD = $11,520 CAD is noted as the cost. It strikes me that does not include labour.

Both of the sources I posted include labor (just without the "u"). "Doing the job" or "doing the work" or "getting an estimate" includes labor. How else would it get done? Does it say anywhere that the price is just for parts?

I'm telling you (because I see this all the time), the story matches the ones I've seen posted, but the numbers got embellished in that story. And it doesn't matter if it's US or Canadian dollars. If you search for the same problem on the same car, and every article says between 6 and 8 K, then there's something wrong with the story you posted.

Let me come from another angle. If you go online and ask what the value of a 2020 Toyota Camry XLE is, you get almost exactly $22,500. How coincidental is it that the price quoted for repair happens to be the exact resale value of the car? And why would anyone suggest a repair that even approaches the value of the vehicle? It's a bogus figure. Yes, it's very expensive. Like $8,000 expensive. Not $22,500 expensive. Use your common sense.

 

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

The Toyota rep does not dispute the numbers. And this came from a reputable news source if there is such a thing.

 

[scotchandcigar]

The Toyota rep does not dispute the numbers. And this came from a reputable news source if there is such a thing.

And yet, those numbers are 3 times the price of every other story or estimate for the same repair on the same car. And the "Toyota rep" in the story did not see the article in question, printed with the wrong numbers. But perhaps you've spoken to him personally.

 

[JHDK]

How are the gas prices in all your areas?? We haven't done a gas price check in a while.

It's cheap down here. I paid $2.68 a few days ago.

I'm hoping you all are seeing the same.

And if it's $2.68/gallon here that means (if Gemini is right) its around $1.00 CAD/liter................Look at me!!!!! I'm able to not make a Canadian joke and give a real conversion rate!!!!!!!!!! This may be the one and only time it happens. You're welcome IdRather.

 

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

That is surprisingly accurate. I last gassed up my car @ $1.21.9/litre.

 

[Channel98]

The American Automobile Association maintains a continuously updated map of gasoline prices for each state and county. The national average for a gallon of regular is now $3.075. In California, its $4.691. In Los Angeles County, it's $4.866. At the Chevron here in Glendale, it's $5.00. The nearby Shell station is charging $5.20!

AAA Fuel Prices

 

[Madison]

How are the gas prices in all your areas?? We haven't done a gas price check in a while.

Kwik Trip East Madison Unleaded 88
$2.65/gallon

 

[scotchandcigar]

In California, its $4.691. In Los Angeles County, it's $4.866. At the Chevron here in Glendale, it's $5.00. The nearby Shell station is charging $5.20!

It's things like this that makes some of us wonder what's keeping you there? If you're retired, why put up with that, and the ridiculous sales tax? Do you own or rent?

 

[scotchandcigar]

We're at around $2.90/gal here. Keep in mind that they've probably switched to the winter mix of gas. And with increased heating demand, gas prices go up as well.

 

[Channel98]

Mister scotch, my mom owned the house where Teri and I lived. We paid rent to her. (I own it now.) Teri died in her sleep of heart failure in 2020. My mom died in 2022 on what would have been Teri's birthday. Once the house was in our name, we were planning to sell it and move to Washington state, probably Bellingham or Birch Bay, (Teri lived for many years in Bellingham.) With Teri gone, I have no reason to move. Despite the high taxes (including 10.5% sales tax in Glendale!), heat waves and crowded roads, here I stay. You can all feel sorry for me if you want – or, even better, send me lots of money.

 

[scotchandcigar]

Mister scotch, my mom owned the house where Teri and I lived. We paid rent to her. (I own it now.) Teri died in her sleep of heart failure in 2020. My mom died in 2022 on what would have been Teri's birthday. Once the house was in our name, we were planning to sell it and move to Washington state, probably Bellingham or Birch Bay, (Teri lived for many years in Bellingham.) With Teri gone, I have no reason to move. Despite the high taxes (including 10.5% sales tax in Glendale!), heat waves and crowded roads, here I stay. You can all feel sorry for me if you want – or, even better, send me lots of money.

Here's an idea. You can sell your house, buy a motorhome, and travel around the country, visiting each DRC member's home. You'd be like Carmen Sandiego.

 

[Channel98]

Then I would have to write a song, Where In The World Is Channel 98?

 

[Wolf]

Wrote your new hit song.


Where In The World Is Channel 98?

(Verse 1)
I’ve been searching high, I’ve been searching low,
I heard it was live, but where’d it go?
Could be in Koops' basement, locked up tight,
I’ll just call him later… maybe not tonight.

Playing on Hectic’s front yard,
But he yelled, “Get off my lawn!” so hard,
Now I’m on the run, just tryin’ to survive,
Where in the world is Channel 98 alive?

(Chorus)
Where in the world is Channel 98?
Is it hiding in the pantry or stuck in a crate?
Down in New Orleans with Aaron’s crew,
I’ll find that channel—don’t know how, but I’ll find you!

Where in the world is Channel 98?
Could it be in Glendale, California or Arizona’s state?
We’re searchin’ and searchin’, can’t hit rewind,
Channel 98, where are you this time?

(Verse 2)
I looked through Scotch’s pantry window,
Saw a box of snacks, but no TV show!
I asked him, “Hey, where’s Channel 98?”
He said, “Check the fridge, I don’t know the date!”

Then I ran through the desert, the dry heat’s real,
Rainbow sherbet in my hand, that’s the deal.
I think I saw it flicker on a cactus near,
But it vanished again, like a sneaky little deer!

(Chorus)
Where in the world is Channel 98?
I’m roaming the streets but I’m running late.
Maybe it's in Glendale, California or Arizona too,
But Channel 98, I’m coming for you!

(Bridge)
I’dRather gonna give you up,
I’dRather gonna let you down,
I’dRather gonna run around and desert you,
I’dRather gonna make you cry,
I’dRather gonna say goodbye,
I’dRather gonna tell a lie and hurt you!

(Verse 3)
It’s a mystery, I’m losing my mind,
Hectic’s lawn is a warzone, can’t rewind.
I might find it in Glendale, California or maybe in Arizona,
I just need a map, or a clue… or a diploma.

I’m trapped in Koops’ basement, can’t find the door,
And I’m starting to think I’ve seen this before.
Is Channel 98 hiding with the squirrels?
Or is it vacationing with the Caribbean pearls?

(Chorus)
Where in the world is Channel 98?
From the basement to the pantry, it’s a twisted fate.
I’m running through Glendale, California, maybe Arizona’s waitin’,
But Channel 98, you’re always frustratin’!

(Outro)
Maybe tomorrow, it’ll pop on screen,
But tonight, I’m lost in this crazy dream.
Where in the world is Channel 98?
Is it behind the couch or just running late?

Where in the world is Channel 98?
I’ll keep searching… oh, I’ll wait, I’ll wait!
But wherever you are, I know you’ll find me,
'Cause Channel 98, you're all I see!

 

[Channel98]

Wolf, I love that! I couldn't have written a better one. The bridge is unusual, though. It sounds almost like.......no, you wouldn't do that.

 

[goreds2]

Switching gears from these depressing car repairs. SiriusXM does have a car talk show on the Business Channel 132.
Cars and Culture with Jason Stein

Buckle up for an all-new show about all things automobiles on Business Radio

Take a joyride with auto experts and enthusiasts as they tell the story of America's fascination with cars.

www.siriusxm.com