No emotion attachment, not really. Just hate to see something go that had service us well. I know I still have some good miles out of it even though its been beaten pretty well. Pure economics for me. Just looking for option from this place because this is not the get rid of it because its not trendy type of place.

I am even thinking about a 05-08 4 Runnner as replacement. I like and know about the V8 option, but have not driven a little Toyota SUV since the late 80s. they are almost as big as the 80s LandCruiser. Must have 4 wheel drive, not all wheel drive, because our kids are getting bigger so skiing and a mountain cabin maybe in the future plans.

He is absolutely the best LC guy in town and the only place I would take my own LC. (On the rare occasion that I would use a shop). Completely honest and knows the trucks from top to bottom. Only works on TLCs. People send their LCs all the way from the PNW to this guy.

Premium work at premium pricing

K & H is much more reasonable than TLC in Van Nuys. I used to have them do the Birfields on my FJ62.

That's like saying your Bentley is less expensive than a Bugatti :D

I expect to pay normal shop rates to anyone who is operating a legitimate auto repair business with all of the attendant overhead. In the Los Angeles area, that's $100/hr. and up. Although I do have a friend with a great european car shop in Santa Clarita that is only @ $69/hr.

The one time that I used Richard at K&H, (for a running problem that absolutely nobody could seem to diagnose, including me), he found the true cause quickly and repaired it for a very fair price. FWIW, it was a broken fuel dampener that was intermittently cutting-off fuel pressure to the rail. A fuel dampener normally only dampens the pulses from the pump and has zero to do with fuel pressure. This one had broken internally and once in a while the broken piece was partially blocking flow.

He had seen everything when it comes to TLCs and is a skilled diagnostic guy. This is what will save you money, as well as your blood pressure, when it comes to auto repair. That and your wrench being honest. You can never beat using specialists in life, all other things being relatively equal. So many people do not understand this when it comes to auto repair.

I expect to pay normal shop rates to anyone who is operating a legitimate auto repair business with all of the attendant overhead. In the Los Angeles area, that's $100/hr. and up. Although I do have a friend with a great european car shop in Santa Clarita that is only @ $69/hr.

The one time that I used Richard at K&H, (for a running problem that absolutely nobody could seem to diagnose, including me), he found the true cause quickly and repaired it for a very fair price. FWIW, it was a broken fuel dampener that was intermittently cutting-off fuel pressure to the rail. A fuel dampener normally only dampens the pulses from the pump and has zero to do with fuel pressure. This one had broken internally and once in a while the broken piece was partially blocking flow.

He had seen everything when it comes to TLCs and is a skilled diagnostic guy. This is what will save you money, as well as your blood pressure, when it comes to auto repair. That and your wrench being honest. You can never beat using specialists in life, all other things being relatively equal. So many people do not understand this when it comes to auto repair.

I recall your issue. And that's where a specialist is the perfect choice.

Replacing a head gasket on one of these is not, however, specialist territory.

I don't need a microvascular neurosurgeon to prescribe me Motrin for my headache.....

However, if you have the money, take it to the best. If you don't have the money, or it's not worth the money, most any mechanic can do that job.

BTW, I am *not* saying anything negative about the two shops posted. They are likely the best of the best.

I'm only advocating making good financial decisons about how to keep a "driver" on the road

I agree in that I could do that HG job as well as anyone in the free world. I do meticulous work.

But if he is going to take it to a shop, K&H will do it for the same price as Willy's BBQ. Or close enough. And he won't guess on the head bolt torque.

On reflection to the owner of the Japanese land crab and the obvious sympathy to his plight, I will subject myself to being imprisoned in an old Lada with the doors welded shut and my fingers stapled to the steering wheel. My wife frequently gets after me....... for saying inappropriate things:eek: There is obvious reverance for older vehicles. As I get older I prefer the newer ones.
Cheers