110,000 mile maintenance...

[tjstogner]

Bought the 2004 used at 85,000 and haven't done anything to it as for as preventative maintenance. At the very least, I'm going to get oil change, brake fluid flush, transmission flushed, spark plugs, tires balanced and rotated, possibly brakes.

1. What else should I get done to it? I would like to cover all the bases, especially since I don't know what the guy before me did to it.

2. How much do you guesstimate this will cost (ballpark)

3. Is it offensive to negotiate with a mechanic? If it is common, do you negotiate before he does the work, or after he gives you the bill?

 

[2007toyota4runners]

All I know is my dealer charges 260 for the Trans oil and 280 for the Plug change . I know, thats ridiculous.

 

[Smobien]

I kind of just went through his with a 06 V6 with 105,000. Bought used at 90k. Unknown service history.

I took it to a local shop for an oil change, I had them change the front, center, and rear diff fluid as well. $330.

Went and got spark plugs from a local parts store. $20 bucks and about 30 min of work. Also changed the air filter.

About 2 weeks ago after towing an enclosed trailer to and from NC with two motorcycles in it. I figured it was time to change the transmission fluid. I did not trust the local shop to do a drain and fill. I figured the dealer would know what they are doing with it and if they mess it up it is their problem. Price quoted for the transmission service from the dealer was around $160 bucks. I had the 100k service done as well. There was a laundry list of things to do. Dealership called me and said my water pump had a slight leak. Nothing major, but replacement was advised. Seeing how I was about to trailer, again for a week to Ocean City I was very bummed by this news. Frustrated by the dealer experience I started hunting for another shop. "Bob's" shop quoted me $850 for the 100k service plus the transmission service plus the water pump. Dealer quoted me $1256. I called the dealer and ended up getting them down to $929. In addition, a free loaner for the night. I had the service done by the dealer and feel better about it rather than taking it to some other shop. If you know how to do some research, you can save yourself some money doing the easy things. Larger jobs aka drain and fill the transmission with whatever special fluid Toyota wanted I just felt more comfortable having them do it but it cost me.

 

[Smobien]

Oh one more thing. I was told by several people DO NOT! flush the transmission. Only drain and fill.

If you are going to a local mechanic, you can ask if there is a cash discount. Me personally I would haggle before the work is done. I know if I was a mechanic and you came to pick up your car and did not want to pay me what I asked. The next time I see you it may not be too pleasant. It worked for me at the dealer to pitch a ***** before everything. The service person taking my car is in charge of pricing not the actual work being done. Whatever prints out on that paper is the service requested. The tech in the back is not going to care what it costs. He is paid either way. Is just how much profit the dealer is going to build into their quoted price.

 

[tjstogner]

Thanks for the replies! I've been searching through old posts (probably should've done that first) and found a compilation of things that people have recommended:

change all the fluids: coolant, front, rear and transfer case differential fluid, tranny, power steering, check the calipers for frozen pistons and id make sure the 4wd-lo actuator works and does not leak. inspect water pump and fuel pump, inspect belts, hoses, flush radiator, lube drive shaft "U" joints and yoke

Would this all fall under "tune-up", where the mechanic will do most of it anyways? Or should I just bring him this list?

 

[Smobien]

Almost everything there falls under the 90 and 100k services. If you go to a dealer or the Toyota owners website you can punch in your info and see if any service was done at a dealer. You can so look up what the maintenance schedule is and what is recommened. GL.

 

[MikeInNH]

If you go to a dealer or the Toyota owners website you can punch in your info and see if any service was done at a dealer.

Unfortunately that will only tell you if it was serviced at the dealer. And since MOST people DON'T get their vehicles at the dealer.....

The owners manual will tell you what 100k maintenance should be. I'd assume though that there wasn't any service done. I'd replace oil and tranny fluid..along with the differential fluids and transfercase oil. Start fresh and drive on.

 

[mrrab]

Known for sure the coolant needs to be changed every 100K

 

[MikeInNH]

Don't check. It'll cost you as much or more to check then to just replace. So just replace. You'll be better off.