After researched local car repair shops and explain my issues the shops I called, I decided to I take my 95 Camry to CARS for issues with EGR flow check engine code and brake not working - move forward when brake pedal is down, which I thought maybe just air in the brake line. They are courteous on the phone and able to tell me what possible issues and causes might be and very rough estimate. Also the reviews are very good.
The EGR issue was fixed on the first try - vacuum switchover valve.
The brake they said was there is no fluid coming out the left side and suggested I replace the left (front/rear) calipers and hoses. After few days I called to ask the status of the repair and they said the break is still soft, so I figure at least it back to where it was before I noticed stopping issue.
But after I took the car back I noticed the break is even worse than before, now it will random stop working - pedal all the way down. You have to press it again to get it start stopping. Need less to said I was a bit terrified driving it, So I talked to my retire car mechanic friend and ask him what should I do. He said maybe bring it back for more break bleed as it is hard to bleed properly with old abs break system. CARS happily to give that try without charge as I explain the worsen break issue.
Few more days later, I gave them call to see what the status is, and they said it is likely the abs pump internal leak and need a new abs system and not master cylinder failure - another $700 plus on top what I already paid for first break "fix" which also $700 plus.
Not convinced this time, I called my friend again and described the breaking issue in more detail this time and he convinced that the issue the whole time is master cylinder and besides it is much cheaper to replace it than abs. So he had me order a new master cylinder from RockAuto and I brought it over to his house and he performed the replacement.
And he was right, my break worked perfectly with the new master cylinder! He also adjusted break pedal so there is less distance to engage the break (old car).
My friend told me, as mechanic he always go with cheaper option first if there are multiple possibilities to an issue. And also he said the symptoms (include the first diagnosis by CARS, fluid not flow in one side - piston failure) of my car almost always master cylinder issue. I wasted $700 and almost another $700 if I were to trust their 2nd recommendation.
Needless to said I am very disappointed with CARS on their diagnostic ability, and the fact they ruled out the master cylinder on a 2nd look!
So beware if you have a very old car, they might not be able to find the right cause and picking the more expensive options to try first.
Finally I would say their price is fair, so I am not complaining about the price. And I don't think they intentional to misdiagnose, maybe just lack of experience. But that still leave me out of $700 and not very happy with this experience. read more