Who would spend $8K on a new engine for a 2001 Toyota Highlander? Me! Partially because I come from a generation that fixed things and kept them working. Mostly because I checked into trading my car in and spending my $8K on something else .... Something else was absolute crap compared to my car. I love my car! Yes, it's a 2001, it's also a Limited edition with all wheel drive, heated leather seats, a 6 cd changer .... and it's paid for! I was offered between $200. and $6800. for my car and the same carmax location was charging $25K for the same year and color of my highlander, but it wasn't a Limited edition, it didn't have all of the features my car had. The cars they had in my price range would have been huge step down from my car and would have taken every penny I have, and I would have ended up driving a piece of crap! Like a used Hyundai or some old KIA there was nothing decent in my price range. What I did was the right thing - more importantly - I went to the right mechanic. Saddleback Automotive has Mike and the very best mechanic crew there is. They didn't just replace my engine with a 3 yr warranty, they also replaced the seals, fluids, spark plugs, the radiator, and everything else in between. I might as well have a brand new car! Better - I have my car! With zero miles on it! I can't promise you that your car with all the same work will only cost you $8K. I have no idea what your car needs or has wrong. However, I can promise you that you won't find a better mechanic team, one that you can count on and trust. I have had decent mechanics, I had good mechanics. Now I can honestly say I am sticking with these guys at Saddleback Automotive in Lake Forest. Mike was honest with me - even when he had to give me bad news, he did what he could to bring down the price, and they did so much more than I paid for. They did work that was not added to the bill. I'm glad the mechanic I was going to refused to deal with my car this time. It was divine intervention that I found the right place. What a huge blessing. When Mike says "it purrs like a kitten" he wasn't kidding! The mechanic that did all of the work came out to meet me when it was time to go - he was so cute - he leaned over cupping his ear & said "I can't tell if it's running!" I asked him "so are you the guy that's put all of the blood, sweat and tears into my car?" He nodded yes with a big proud smile. he commented about "the bad sound" it had when I brought it in. It sounds like a brand new car now, mike washed it for me too, so it looked like a brand new car too. I've been out driving it around and it runs like a new car! I am so happy! I have tears in my eyes! So very happy! Why the hell would I trade this in for a piece of crap? When I can have my beautiful car like new? Now I have the very best mechanic! They will get my trust and my business forever! read more