A very newbie question.

A very newbie question.

Hello.

I am going to buy an 05 Corolls S. I like the way the XRS looks better, but the S is more my 'practical' style. And a bit cheaper...

However, I am curious about lowering the car and putting slightly larger wheels on it. I can do minor things...changed a muffler on my 91 S-10, changed the water pump on my 95 Dakota...however, reading a bit on this site about all the things going on with suspension...sounds like I could get very far over my head very fast.

So, my question is...I can have the dealer install 'TRD' lowering springs when I buy my Corolla? They'll take care of doing it right and making sure everything is kosher? Anyone have this done? Everyone in this forum seems very...hands on...how expensive is this? The springs themselves aren't that much, $240...but you need to buy new shocks too? And then they screw me on installation charges?

I feel like I am getting over my head just thinking about it...coilovers, sway bars, springs, struts, camber, tower bars...ugh, I am lost.

Thanks for any info anyone can provide a wet-behind-the-ears newbie...

G

if you get the TRD springs, your stock shocks will hold up for about a year or so (depends on haw you drive) It will give you time to save up for some shocks. I wouldnt recommend having the dealer install them... you 'll get raped!

yeah if u have a friend that can do the stuff better than u the nhave him do it cuz toyota will prolly charge u more for install than u payed for the actual part

yeah, if you know someone who really knows what they're doing or know a good reputable shop that won't charge an arm and a leg, then have them do it.

If you have lots and lots of money to spend, then have Toyota do. Then, you'll have peace of mind that the installation is done properly and if there is a problem (which is rare in regards to TRD springs installed by Toyota), they'll fix it right away because it is warrantied.

Hmm.

There aren't many mechanics around that I trust. One comes to mind, perhaps I'll ask how much he'd charge to do this.

Whats the likely-hood that I'd need the warranty work / are the warranty benefits really worth the high cost?

Thanks for the information,
Garrett

they might last even longer. my stechs have been on for almost a year and the stock struts are still good (even though stechs are over an inch lower than TRD) if you wanna have an easier install, you could buy aftermarket struts now and put springs on that and just swap out the strut assembly instead of worrying about spring compressors and what not.

How much does Toyota charge anyways for installing TRD springs?

Re: A very newbie question.

The S and the XRS are totally different cars. Exterior is the same. Interior is different, suspension is stiffer and lower, and you already get the strut bar. the engine is totally different(170 hp w/ lift vs. 130 hp). and yes it is more expensive.

I say the best way to go is to get the S and slap on an S/C. XRS is pricey, but its really really good for a stock car.

Re: A very newbie question.

I took the XRS for a test drive and really liked the enigne...but they seem to be selling at close to MSRP, and they all seem to be loaded with every option available to jack up the cost. The stiffer suspension I didn't mind, but I really dig the comfort of the regular S. But...I really like the look with the lower ride and larger tires. I am torn, for sure.

G

Having the TRD springs installed from the factory is not a bad idea. The TRD springs lower the car w/out changing the suspension geometry of the car. Also your struts will last longer than 1 year, the TRD drop isn't enough to cause that much extra wear. If you get them installed at the dealership ( I think the price is around $300 for labor) it will be covered under your warranty, and the price will be included into your financing.

So I went to the dealership to really get down to buisness.

They said they didn't know anything about TRD lowering springs.

Are they just pulling my leg? I found : http://www.trdsource.com/partssusprslts.php?model_detail_id=722&part_type_id=73&parts_id=121

Can I just give them that part number? I am stumped...

The price they wanted me to pay was about $500 over what I wanted to pay, so I suggested that they install lowering springs and I'd take their price. Maybe that is why they are playing dumb.

Any suggestions on getting them up to speed?

Thanks,
Garrett

go to a different dealership

Man, what retards! If you were in CA, I'd help you install these bad boys for like food or something. Definitely go to a different dealership!

As far as the TRD springs on stock struts go, we have around 20 thousand miles on our TRD and stock strut combo and they are still good. Given that, the rates must be good enough for some extended use.

They are offering me an 05 Corolla S with Extra Value Pkg 1 and Weather Guard for 15,200 before rebate. I would like to pay 14,800 before rebate, a decent price for them and myself, IMO, so I figured that I would offer that they make some money on the spring install.

So you guys think they are just playing games with my price? I walked out shortly after they wouldn't budge on that last $500, I'll let them stew for two or three days, call around a bit.

I've spent some time working on them to get this price...living out in the boondocks on Pennsylvania, I am pretty far from any large Toyota dealerships, about 60 miles or so from two other smaller dealerships. One, Aubrey Alexander, had no problem installing the springs but gave me a ballpark figure of $17,700 for an 05 S with Extra Value Pkg 1, Weather Guard and ABS. $17,700? Hundreds OVER MSRP??? I was so angry I don't care if I never talk to those guys again...



G

Can you believe that I was quoted $700 labor for installing springs at the dealer where I bought my car!? And that was not including the price of the TRD springs. I was like forget that and did everything myself. Dealers suck!

As for the S, does the dealer have a website? If so check around for internet specials. That is how I found mine. Or try to find an 04 at a dealer. I am sure they will give you a great price on the 04 to make room for the 05's.

When I bought my '03 in Feb. of '03, I had them install the springs, Front Strut Bar, and the TRD Exhaust. They too had no idea what the add ons were an I actually had to show them and have them call TRD on the spot. Here is the other junk I had on the car, I really don't know if it is the best price, but I believe it was a fair price for the dealer and me. They had to find it at another dealership about 100 miles away.

$17,749 - Super White and trim in Super White
Sun/Moon Roof
Power Doors
Power Locks
Keyless Entry
A/C
Power Package
Map Light
Fog Lights
15" Wheels
5 speed manual

Hindsight, I would have gotten a different exhaust. It is really easy to scrap the tip of the TRD Exhaust.