Rear Axle Toyota Auris

[Foss62]

My wife’s old Toyota Auris (owned by us from new since 2009) has been diagnosed with a badly corroded rear axle that could be just a pothole away from breaking on either side according to the garage that just gave it an MOT pass.

The garage in good faith advised writing off the car as soon as reasonably possible. Their estimate for a replacement axle was at least £1500 fitted.

I have seen new axles advertised on line for around £150. Is it likely that any garage would take on the replacement job for less than £1000? The car has quite a lot of sentimental value and seems generally in reasonable condition apart from the aforementioned.

I am in the Cambridge area. Anyone any experience of a workshop that would take on this sort of ‘serious’ job?

[Super Sonic]

£1500 for a new axle is cheaper than buying a car with unknown issues.

[E-bmw]

Foss62 said:

My wife s old Toyota Auris has been diagnosed with a badly corroded rear axle that could be just a pothole away from breaking on either side according to the garage that just gave it an MOT pass.

The garage in good faith advised writing off the car as soon as reasonably possible.

Well TBH, I am quite shocked by that.

If the garage states it is that bad & advises writing it off why have they passed it for its MOT?

[Foss62]

E-bmw said:

Foss62 said:

My wife s old Toyota Auris has been diagnosed with a badly corroded rear axle that could be just a pothole away from breaking on either side according to the garage that just gave it an MOT pass.

The garage in good faith advised writing off the car as soon as reasonably possible.

Well TBH, I am quite shocked by that.

If the garage states it is that bad & advises writing it off why have they passed it for its MOT?

Yes - I was also surprised at that and questioned it. They are effectively saying that there is no mechanism for actually failing it although it is in poor condition. I assume they tried to put a screwdriver through it but couldn’t? They have put it on the certificate as an advisory, along with showing me pictures etc.

I genuinely don’t believe there is anything nefarious going on here - there is not anything in it for the garage anyway. Just a bit disappointed that they clearly weren’t interested in trying a repair, but I imagine routine work is more profitable on average for them and/or they think they are saving me from throwing good money after bad (which of course could be true for such an old car).

To be honest the main use of the car is short journeys when the other car is in use, and I would happily risk it for the period of the new MOT. However the kids also use the car when home from University and I wouldn’t take that risk…

[Foss62]

Super Sonic said:

£1500 for a new axle is cheaper than buying a car with unknown issues.

Yes I tend to agree - although I suppose it’s quite possible that such an old car also has its own unknown issues. The garage clearly didn’t want to do it though. I imagine these jobs can turn into nightmares - particularly for non marque specialists.

[DaveF-SkinnysAutos]

I have done one on a Fiat 500, it's a fairly common replacement on them. I don't have any experience of the Toyota Auris but imagine it's fairly similar.

It's not the hardest job in principle but the issue is any rusted bolts that cant be removed and the hours and hours that then adds to the job. If everything comes loose it's like half a day, but if not its one of those jobs you wish you never started all due to one stubborn seized and sheared component!

Basically it's either a satisfying way to keep your car on the road and a good moneysaver after being quoted loads by a garage, or its a job that makes you hate doing DIY on your own car!! Stick or twist!!!

[LivLL]

Foss62 said:

My wife s old Toyota Auris (owned by us from new since 2009) has been diagnosed with a badly corroded rear axle that could be just a pothole away from breaking on either side according to the garage that just gave it an MOT pass.

The garage in good faith advised writing off the car as soon as reasonably possible. Their estimate for a replacement axle was at least £1500 fitted.

I have seen new axles advertised on line for around £150. Is it likely that any garage would take on the replacement job for less than £1000? The car has quite a lot of sentimental value and seems generally in reasonable condition apart from the aforementioned.

I am in the Cambridge area. Anyone any experience of a workshop that would take on this sort of serious job?

Makes me wonder what we share the roads with sometimes. If it's one pothole away from breaking, it's not an MOT pass. They do like to rust, personally I wouldn't be driving it or letting any of my family drive it with that kind or report.

Of course, you could always go somewhere else and get a 2nd opinion. Also, was this corrosion mentioned on previous MOTs at all?