I bought a lemon KJ - advice please

[Linc]

So, after snooping this and other forums for ages, deliberating the pros and cons of buying an old 4wd, I decided to pick up a KJ.
Essentially below is a list of this that need to be done and a quote from the mechanic. I had someone look at the car before hand and new about the rocker gasket and the tyres but in order to not have to go through the process of re-registering the car I was going to let the mechanic do it, now the list is longer.

Any advice of validity of pricing and suggestions of a cheaper mechanic would be appreciated.

RWC items
Front Brake pads and discs $514.80
Rear brake pads and discs $537.35
Radiator assembly and cooling system flush $1289.20
Rocker cover gaskets $896.50
Rear suspension upper bushes $785.40

Service
Engine oil
Oil filter
Air filter $329.90
Pollen filter $81.40
Rear diff oil $41.80
Front diff oil $41.80

[Linc]

should have said I'm in Melbourne as well.

[Nanook]

I wouldn't go as far as saying you bought a lemon, you just bought an older vehicle that needs a service.

What are you like on the tools? There is nothing there that you couldn't do at home.

[layback40]

I question how the radiator is a RWC item.
Those prices look like dealer prices.
How many KM has it done & what year is it?
I purchased a 2006 2.8 CRD a month ago & all it needed for a RWC was hand brake adjustment, parker globe & wiper blades. The total cost for the RWC including the work was $200. Please post who did the inspection so we all know to stay away.

[Rob.fer07]

What year is it? How many ks?
Is there any chance of doing some of this work yourself? Most of the stuff you mentioned isn't difficult to do.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[dhula]

Filters you can defo get cheaper for good quality non OEM. I personally like to use AC Delco filters (available at Holden dealers if you absolutely can't get them anywhere else) but you can't get a fuel filter in this brand so I usually use Ryco. Check SCA for prices and buy from them (shop on line, parts get free delivery from SCA I'm pretty sure). The pollen filter is a gauze screen, take it out and clean it, no need to replace it unless it's fucked and even then you can run without it if you really want to.

Oils, get them from your favorite auto store. Go onto your favorite oil website and use their oil selector to pick which oil you need to use and but it then do it yourself. The rear diff is a PITA because the cover needs to come off the drain it but apart from that it's an easy enough job.

The rear suspension arm bushes I'd bet are dealer prices. I just today priced a rear UCA ball joint as mine has started to make a bit of noise following a camping trip across the Nullarbor - Balljoint $503, complete rear UCA (arm, bushes and BJ) $1826. That is parts only.

I can see the rad or hoses being a RWC item if it's leaking badly and dropping crap all over the road but a coolant flush is not a RWC item - tell him he's dreaming

[Linc]

It's a 2004 and done 180k.

I could probably do it myself, if I had the time or I wanted to let the registry transfer pass (14 days which will be next Friday) and then re-register down the track.

I specifically questioned the radiator as I saw no indication of poor condition but they told me it leaks bad under pressure.