Rep Power: 0

I just bought a 2001 Civic LX, and the only unknown about it was the SRS light that was on. After calling a dealer and looking online, I saw that it was probably just an issue with a seatbelt sensor or something minor. Feeling confident, I bought it.

Today I took it to the Honda dealer and they told me that both the SRS unit as well as some steering wheel sensor need to be replaced. The total cost of repair is $866. The question is, how do I know that the dealer is telling the truth? Also, do I need to have the dealer do this service or can a regular mechanic do it since he already knows what's wrong with it? Over $800 is an insanely high repair cost, and I want to make sure that the dealer is not lying as well as find out if I have any other options.

Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 0

not sure about your steering wheel sensor issue, but i thought the SRS seatbelt issue was already recalled for all early 7th gen civics. i had mine ('02 2DR EX) taken care of for free from dealer. i'm sure there is a recall list somewhere you can check.

 
Rep Power: 0

I thought it was the seatbelt sensor but the dealer says it is the whole SRS unit

They want to charge me about $400 for the thing not including labor, but I saw one on eBay for $50. I'd like to save the money but how would I ever put that in? I'm not mechanically inclined haha.