04-08-2004, 01:07 AM
Big question is whether the radiator is new and what the cost the shop has in providing one. I would expect a new "standard" radiator 3-4 core radiator to run $175-250. I don't know too much about newer Toyotas, but a new OEM radiator for a '98 Honda cost about $225 in '99. If that's the price, then 1.5-2 hours sounds about fair for installation (erring on the side of caution). Disposal fees associated with the old coolant that needs to be drained, new coolant\water, and new hoses\clamps all need to be factored in. They usually don't just toss the old coolant in the car when they replace the radiator. So I would expect the price to be "fair." Shopping around can probably save you a few bucks, but I wouldn't expect to save much more and actually trust the quality of work I was getting (like if they charged you $150 to give you a new radiator, yet new ones cost $200, I would be VERY suspect). As someone who has done the job on various other cars, it's a simple job provided the radiator is easy to get to as opposed to being mounted under half the motor near expensive sensors that fry if coolant touches them.