Asked my dealer can they do one or two things
1. Can I stand there and watch the tech....answer = no
2. Can you give me oil and a filter.....answer = no and asked why?
I said because most your oil change work goes to the new gen idiots and I don't trust them with my vehicle.
Multiple manuafures and multiple dealers, I have horror stories from all!
One reason I went 4runner is its easy to work on

I look at it the same way.

Also don't trust the competence of the dealer techs. I am very OCD with the way I keep my truck.

I don't trust them to take the care that I myself would. Too many negative stories. Bought a 10 pack of Toyota filters and drain plug washers, the special funnel and the oil filter wrench/tool. I'll do it all myself. Fortunate to have a lift.

Brother bought a new Tacoma in 2016. Takes it to the dealer for everything. We just fluid filmed it a month ago and found some skid plate screws were cross threaded and of the 6 the little clips that hold each hubcap on, 2 or 3 were broken off every cap.

On another note, I bought my Tacoma new in 07. Never once took it back to Toyota until the frame needed replacement. In their defense, the techs did a great job. I had zero problems even though I expected they would miss something. The fact that they replaced my frame at no cost to me was a big reason why we bought the new 4Runner. Toyota did right by me and because of that, I felt they certainly deserved my business again.

"Fortunate to have a lift."

That's about the only thing I don't have. Three bays, floor jack and stands, engine hoist, engine stand, compressors and tools, steel ramps, etc. I also have things I maintain; a trailered boat with outboard, a trash trailer, a Toro 50" ztr with 2 2800 Hydro Gear drives & a 24 hp Kohler, a 48" Deere X380 with a 22 hp Kawa, a second hand Lowe's 21" push mower, some chain saws and some other junk that always needs attention.

I'm not turning down 4 years of free service on 2 vehicles. Nope. Supervising their work takes almost no time at all.

I've had zero issues with the dealer I go to, but then again...they're one of the premier Toyota dealers with one of the best offroad shops.

To all the DIY maintenance guys...What do you do about keeping all the "service records" in case of selling it someday? You might be meticulous about maintaining your truck but the dealership can document it all, put it on carfax, etc.

Its very basic work they are doing and so many people take advantage of it why shouldn't I. Sure there are some bad dealerships, but i wouldn't have bought my 4R from them if they were and i would do it my self if i felt there would be an issue. I also check there work before i leave, so far so good.

I also run a dash cam to be sure they don't beat on my 4R.

However my next oil change is my last free one so ill be doing many my self from that point forward. I keep all my receipts of oil and filter purchases if i decide to sell in about 300k. lol

I prefer to do things myself. I have access to a lift, so that makes certain things less painful to accomplish.

BUT...


My '18 ORP is the first vehicle Ive purchased for myself brand new. So for record reasons, I have taken it in for all scheduled services for the first 18 months. My Dealer has taken care of me extremely well. 30 minutes and im gone.

I havent been able to go in the service dept and watch, but Ive been able to meet all the techs personally and "Tip" the Lube guys in order to get that extra bit of care. I have no complaints.


*My Dealership takes photos of my 4Runner before taking it back. Is this not common?

Just like you wouldn't go to a fast food place in a sketchy part of town, you shouldn't just go to any dealership for service and you shouldn't pass up free service over the worry of a few bolts. (If you are that concerned, remove the few that hold in the skid plate before going in).
Talk to the managers and ask questions. Talk shop with these guys and you will find out who actually cares about being apart of Toyota and who is just there cause it is a job. Those that care will take the time to talk to you and answer any questions.
If this fails, get on your local facebook groups. There are plenty of techs and managers that will love to point you in the right direction.

PSA: Anything basic is a learning opportunity for the new or inexperienced members. This is a service industry standard from getting your oil changed to getting medical procedures done.

Nope, never have and never will. I can do it way faster and easier in my driveway. I'm sure there are good dealer service departments out there, but I believe there are far more sub-standard ones.

I’ll never have those clowns at the dealership touch my 4Runner. Nobody has a sense of pride in their work anymore, and it’s all about flagging the most hours in shops. So, let’s hammer everything in with an impact.

This


Carfax is terrible for record keeping. I’ve seen so many cars that have been totaled by floods show up on Carfax with a clean title.

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You trust a 16 year old at his first job making minimum wage to give a shit about your truck? No thanks

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No 16-year-olds working in or near the shop at my dealer. They all appear to be in their 20s.

Now Discount Tire was another story. Some of them looked too young to drive.

I prefer my independent Toyota /Lexus Garage. They use all OEM parts. The truck doesn't disappear behind closed doors. I can stand in the doorway and watch the mechanic do his job. They also use a torque wrench when rotating the tires.

If you have ever heard the comedian Ron White tell the story about his Lug Nuts falling off after going to Sears you would understand.(Its LOL Funny)