Thanks for replies gents, its been a while since I've been on here, its a nice reminder of the 'community' vibe of this forum - enthusiasts helping eachother out.
To answer some questions:
DIY - Unfortunately I am not a DIY and don't have the time to learn (I'm flying out soon and need it fixed ASAP)
My location - I used to live out at Parramatta, now I'm based in the inner west (Drummoyne) - I would prefer something local, if anybody knows of good JDM mechanics around the inner west let me know.
Steam - The steam was coming from the front right hand side of my bonnest, presumably where the radiator is located.
Km's - I changed the rotors/pads at around the 51,000km mark........I am now at 66,000km. The orignal rotors/pads were good for at least 51,000km, not sure why the repalcements wore so quickly (unless they were never replaced i nthe first place!)
After letting my mechanic I know of another quote I got for the radiator replacent ($320 (radiator) + 220 (install) = $550), I received the following re-quote
Service oil + filter - $160
Read brake pads + disc machine - $240
Front pads + new front disc rotors - $360
Raditor replacement + collant service - $575
ABS solenoid and system reset - $325 (my park brake, slip and VDC lights are constantly on, hence the need for the system reset)
Total $1660
I am a reasonable guy and just want to pay market rate for what is being done
Do you think the above quote is reasonable? I am thinking of taking it somewhere else, but feel inclined to at least let them do the service as they did do the original diagnosis.
Cheers,
Danny