2000 QX4 Body Ingegrity Problem

[msa46]

Hi, I have a 2000 QX4 with 85000 miles. Within the past two weeks, I have found that the intake manifold gasket was leaking, and while beginning to work on it, my mechanic called me and told me that I had a more serious problem. The driver side wheel well rusted so much that it split, and is rubbig against the steering column. I took it to a dealer and a body shop, and both told me that this was extremely rare, and the repair was about $2500.00, plus the original intake manifold gasket repair of about $500.00. The vehicle is in great shape otherwise, so I am looking to see if anyone else has had this problem, and if anyone has any ideas as to whether I should get rid of it, or fix it. for about $3000.00, I will have a vehicle which is still outstanding. Please post you opinion. Thanks in advance! Mark

[Innovazn]

Hi, I have a 2000 QX4 with 85000 miles. Within the past two weeks, I have found that the intake manifold gasket was leaking, and while beginning to work on it, my mechanic called me and told me that I had a more serious problem. The driver side wheel well rusted so much that it split, and is rubbig against the steering column. I took it to a dealer and a body shop, and both told me that this was extremely rare, and the repair was about $2500.00, plus the original intake manifold gasket repair of about $500.00. The vehicle is in great shape otherwise, so I am looking to see if anyone else has had this problem, and if anyone has any ideas as to whether I should get rid of it, or fix it. for about $3000.00, I will have a vehicle which is still outstanding. Please post you opinion. Thanks in advance! Mark

can you elaborate on "split" ? as in its caved in and is no longer rounded but looks as if someone stuck a mini explosive enough to blow it? or just a crack kinda deal?

[Empty V]

can you elaborate on "split" ? as in its caved in and is no longer rounded but looks as if someone stuck a mini explosive enough to blow it? or just a crack kinda deal?

He doesn't need to, his definition of split is completely trivial. He's already diagnosed the issue, re-explaining to you will not help him.

msa46, how much do you value the car? How long do you plan on keeping it for? I wouldn't go to the dealer for anything, go independent and you'll save serious $$$. I would start calling the junkyards and do the bodywork yourself. The intake manifold gasket can probably be done for cheaper as well. I doubt the gasket is that much and I'm sure you could get the labor down. Our trusting mod p'wnin obrien could probably give you an idea of how much time it would take, then you've got ground to negotiating.

Billy

[fleurys]

I agree with empty V... If you plan on keeping the truck, then 2 or 3000 (even if it could be alot less by doing some of the stuff yourself) is nothing if you consider the vehicle you will have at the end...

[Pwnin Obrien]

For the labor times on the intake manifold gasket, I could see a mechanic charging 4 - 5 hours for the job. It's not too labor-intensive and the bolts are all easy to remove. It just sucks because you have to remove the fuel rail and all the injectors. Also, if they were to order parts from the dealer than they are spending $80 just for the two intake manifold gaskets. If they do the job right and remove the old gasket material and replace the injector o-rings, then that could add another hour of labor. I would say $500 for the entire job isn't crazy high.

[msa46]

Thanks to all who responded. still have not decided on fixing or getting rid of, but I am leaning toward repair. I love this vehicle, and where could I buy one for thiat amount of money! Thanks again