cost to change O2 sensors

[techguy]

my local toyota dealer has quoted $621 to change the two O2 sensors in my 2006 I4 with 115K miles. an independent toyota repair shop quoted $500 with using Denso parts.
its my understanding is that its a 20 minute job per sensor so my question is how reasonable are these quotes and are there alternatives.
the CEL codes and symptoms indicate that changing the O2 sensors is the proper solution. I have not had either do in depth diagnostics at this time since the CEL code gives anyone an excuse to try and sell me a new ECM which is not really the issue per what I have read.

[drzsmum]

Check how much your cost would be for the Denso O2 sensors and figure out from that how reasonable it is for you. We all have different abilities and the value for someones labour can be different for everybody. Make sense?

[techguy]

I found one website that has the sensor with the proper harness so no soldering is needed. priced at $75 each.
I would like to understand if there is a valid reason to pay $350 to $450 for an hour or two of work ?
I can't do it myself

[WJBertrand]

Originally Posted by techguy

I found one website that has the sensor with the proper harness so no soldering is needed. priced at $75 each.
I would like to understand if there is a valid reason to pay $350 to $450 for an hour or two of work ?
I can't do it myself

Sounds high to me. Figure the shop would pay similar to your price for the parts and then probably double that for their mark up, so $300 parts and < 1hour to replace both at about $80/hr. I wouldn't think you should pay more than $400 for the job.

I replaced one on my Lexus for $75 (Amazon - OEM ND even) and about 15 minutes labor.

If you can't do it yourself do you have a handy fiend that might do it for some pizza and beer?

[drzsmum]

That does seem high, but sometimes they can be a real bugger to get out. Some places will install the parts if you supply them. Might save a few bucks this way if you look into it.

[studiculous]

Just had the front sensor changed on my 2006 I4 (109,000 mi) for $200 (Toyota Part) + $34 labor at my regular private garage. The front is pricey as it has a heater as part of the sensor core. I have seen the Toyota sensor on line for that price. Most blogs will tell you to stay OEM on Toyotas as they don't like Walker or Bosch. Shop around for a better price.

[ronbo1313]

Originally Posted by studiculous

Just had the front sensor changed on my 2006 I4 (109,000 mi) for $200 (Toyota Part) + $34 labor at my regular private garage. The front is pricey as it has a heater as part of the sensor core. I have seen the Toyota sensor on line for that price. Most blogs will tell you to stay OEM on Toyotas as they don't like Walker or Bosch. Shop around for a better price.

I got the same pricey OEM DENSO sensor for my 2004 on ebay $85 deliveried to my door. Installed myself.

[Shep426]

I have to ask this what is wrong with the old ones, CEL on ?

[studiculous]

If the front sensor is bad, it shuts off VSC and 4WD.

[WJBertrand]

Originally Posted by studiculous

Just had the front sensor changed on my 2006 I4 (109,000 mi) for $200 (Toyota Part) + $34 labor at my regular private garage. The front is pricey as it has a heater as part of the sensor core. I have seen the Toyota sensor on line for that price. Most blogs will tell you to stay OEM on Toyotas as they don't like Walker or Bosch. Shop around for a better price.

Not sure but I think all the sensors are heated. Anyway I found the OEM ND ~$79.00) one was actually cheaper than the Bosch replacement ~$100) on Amazon.

I wasn't too concerned about making sure I used the OEM sensor, just that it was cheaper was the main reason I used it. I replaced a bad OEM ND with Bosch in my Toyota Sienna and it worked just fine in there for more than 100,000 miles!