So...anyways my car is in the shop to put on my catback and HFC. Shop owner tells me my 02 sensor was stripped and that i would have to get a OEM replacement for it. I have NEVER touched the 02 sensor and i know damn well the last owner didn't because she was a middle aged mom.

The question here is...did the shop screw me over?

 

What is the mileage on the car?

You could say that you talked to the previous owner and there has never been any exhaust work done and imply or state that if the sensor is stripped the only way that could be is if they did it. If they did do it they might feel like they're caught lying and cut you some slack on the labor cost.

From the perspective of someone that's done exhaust work... sometimes things just come apart hard because parts are rusted together and worn out. If a mechanic strips a bolt head and has to drill it out that isn't necessarily their fault if it was overtorqued by a previous mechanic then rusted in place...

So I think you are not getting screwed - even if this mechanic did strip it, that happens in the course of a job and it is perfectly reasonable to bill the customer

 

Ok so here's what both Fast Intentions and Z1 told me. Basically when they switched over to the HR motor they changed the 02 sensor as well. So it basically means that you have to be VERY careful when pulling it out or you'll strip it. The reason being that they didn't put any anti-seize onto the HR sensors, while the DE people just turn their wrist and pull it off. It's really no ones fault but the manufacturers, these guys are mainly Toyota and Lexus guys as well. They are good guys and i can vouch for them on that, but this just pisses me off due to manufacturer neglect. Worst thing is that i can't say anything to Nissan or Infiniti because i was not supposed to tamper with their cats to begin with.

Just ****ing pissed i have to fork out around 250 for a new 02 sensor

 

If you've got some time try ebay, I managed to score a pair bosch O2s for my 04 for $150

 

I'm pretty sure this is the one you need.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DENSO...Q5fAccessories

 

just cuz the prev owner was a mom doesnt mean she didnt have any work done to the car. got a service history on the car? unless you knew it was untouched, you dont have much proof...and it is very possible that they did it. it happens. UNLESS it is rusted and icky.....they should come off pretty normally (aka not too hard), so my guess is they messed it up somehow, not the right tools.....wasnt on the socket good and it stripped off when they tried to loosen it. it happens, sorry to hear....