2003-4x4runner
New member
I've noticed those bulbs tend to come loose over time. Open up the panel and tighten all the bulbs and you should be good to go.
Dealer ripoff $13 bulb
- Thread starter lj4r
- Start date
I've noticed those bulbs tend to come loose over time. Open up the panel and tighten all the bulbs and you should be good to go.
That's ridiculous. What's sad is that some people will pay that.
Voltan73
Member
I'm sorry, but with respect, that is a complete falsehood. I've been a parts counterman for Auburn Toyota for 17 years and counting. I know only too well the difference in quality between genuine Toyota parts and aftermarket crap from China.
While some items like a bulb may be a better buy aftermarket, to say that we are "a ripoff for just about anything" is absolutely not accurate. I take pride in my job, and in helping my customers keep their Toyotas in tip-top shape.
Remember, you get what you pay for... :wink2:
2016 4Runner SR5
Senior Member
Dealer techs are generally terrible, can barely change oil properly. Yes OEM is better however sometimes not worth it. Dealer quoted $850 for exhaust on my wifes truck, $150 on rock auto. For the price difference I'll take my chances. They also quoted $950 for a single CV axle replacement. $45 part online. Again, not worth the price difference for a super simple job. I avoid dealers like the plague and won't even use the BS toyotacare. Not worth it to me, i'll service my truck myself and know it was done properly.
grave
Senior Member
this. although $950 is sky high, a $45 CV is a piece of shit CV.
2016 4Runner SR5
Senior Member
I agree, that was the cheapest CV out of the selections. CV swap takes what, 2 hours? Say $125 an hour for labor, that puts the price tag on the axle at $750 I don't think so lol same goes for the exhaust. This was nothing more than the y pipe, no cats, no muffler, y pipe and a few gaskets. The current y pipe is not even leaking, it's rusted, truck is 11 years old, no kidding it's rusted. I'll worry about that if I still own it when it eventually fails. Dealers in general lie through their teeth but so do other mechanics. At the end of the day, as long as you're capable of turning a wrench, do it yourself. I feel bad for those that put trust in people and get shafted for it which is more often than not unfortunately. I'm thankful that I grew up in a car loving family, I've been a mechanic for 20 years, and I know better. Sadly that's not the case for most people.
Got another one for ya and this is Toyota related. A friend of my wife has an older Avalon. Toyota quoted her $1600 for nothing but front and rear pads and told her they are a special pad, dealer item only, no where else to buy them. $100 later I put lifetime warranty Duralast Gold pads on her car which I personally like and have had good results with. Whole job took me an hours which I did for her for free. Just can't stand dishonest people!
