Not sure if I'm allowed to post endorsements like this. Took my '08 T4R Limited to CARspec in Eden Prairie, MN yesterday. Opened last fall serving the southwest suburbs of Minneapolis. Bright clean facility. Owner and master tech John Cleveland worked for Toyota dealer for many years. He just hired Dave Feddick, a Lexus master tech. They gave Sweetheart a thorough inspection and found a minor grease leak at the CV boots. Fixed with new small clamps. They said the original brakes still had lots of life and no frozen calipers (amazing at 62k miles!). They didn't try to sell me 60k maintenance because they could see I had already done it. I did have them bleed the brake fluid. Kinda fun meeting a couple of guys who are just as enthusiastic about my 4Runner as I am. They do work on Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles of all flavors, including Prius. Highly recommend. the blog on their website is fun reading: CARspecMN.com.

Good to know. Thanks for sharing your experience with them.

Moved to the Dealer feedback section.

Thank you. Makes perfect sense.

I called and spoke to John about what to look for when buying a used 4 runner and he was extremely helpful. He seems to know what he is talking about, and I will be taking this car to him to look over.

Another endorsement. I bought my used rig from Walser Toyota in Bloomington, and had a great and hassle free experience. I have also had a car i previously owned serviced there with good results.

... and are in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, then, at least as of this writing, you are entitled to a 15% discount at CarSpecMN. Go to the Costco Auto Program webpage, click "Look for Dealer," click "Parts and Service," and then fill in the information requested on the resulting page (name, phone, Costco membership number, make and model of vehicle, e-mail address). When you enter your zip code on the next page you will get the names, addresses and phone numbers of authorized service centers participating in the program for your vehicle. CarSpecMN, the original subject of this thread, is one such authorized Toyota service center for zip codes in the SW Twin Cities metro area. Print and present the coupon under "Car Spec" and you will be entitled to 15% off parts and service.

I just took my '08 4Runner there for their thorough 1 hr 15 min inspection (nominal fee). Their last inspection was a year ago last April. This time Dave (Lexus master tech) discovered a tiny leak from one of the waterpump weep holes (common problem), but said it could wait for now as long as it doesn't grow. Solution is to replace the water pump, so I'll keep an eye on it and have them do the work next year when the coolant is scheduled to be flushed anyway. He also checked the brakes and said they are still in good nick despite them being original with 76k on the odometer. Might be enough meat on the pads for another year or so based on the way I drive. I'll have them do that work, too, as they use original Toyota parts, are factory trained in Toyota service procedures, and...

... well, they are wonderful folks who live for Toyota vehicles. Highly recommend. (Please note: I am not affiliated with the company in any way, but I am a Costco member!).

X2. I get all of my Toyota maintenance done here. John and Dave are the best. For lifts I've had good luck with Automotive Concepts.

While we're passing out the kudos in the Twin Cities, Samaritan Tire has done all of my 4Runner lifts (3)...along with tires, obviously. GREAT shop and very very friendly 4x4 staff (as you'll see from their personal rides). Owner is a class act.
Samaritan Tire | Tires Minnetonka MN | Edina MN Auto Repair

The Katzkins were done by Automotive Concepts. Nate is very competitive on pricing and it was super quick turnaround/install.
Automotive Concepts | Minneapolis Vehicle Customizations

Tint....Sun Control in Roseville. Pay cash. ;o)
Sun Control - The Window Tint Professionals - MN, & WI

Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead. I just moved to the area front out of state and in looking for a new reliable honest mechanic came upon this recommendation for CarSpec. I talked to John and had a good, informative, and friendly conversation but at the end he apologized because he forgot to mention at the beginning that they are only taking referrals from current customers. Any chance someone here would be willing to help out a stranger from the board? I get it if not; just super bummed because he gave off a way better vibe than most shops I've been to and get the feeling other local places may be fine but not as good. Thanks for considering!