dealer service or not
- Thread starter godsey73
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I personally have my vehicles serviced at the dealer all the time. That's just me and I like that they have all records on file. If I had something older or used I would get different quotes on repairs and maybe still go back to the dealer. I don't know if it's good or bad that's just my preference.
I fall somewhere in the middle, using dealers for major services and a local mechanic for minor 5K services.
My reasoning (however flawed) is that if I were to buy a car with, say, 70K miles on it, I would be far more comfortable knowing it was dealer serviced at the crucial 30K and 60K marks and all necessary work was done (diffs, tranny, lubing, etc).
Basic oil changes and brake services anyone can do and I wouldn't care so much, as long as they were done. In those cases, why pay a dealer premium? And always keep all receipts and records of what was done.
My reasoning (however flawed) is that if I were to buy a car with, say, 70K miles on it, I would be far more comfortable knowing it was dealer serviced at the crucial 30K and 60K marks and all necessary work was done (diffs, tranny, lubing, etc).
Basic oil changes and brake services anyone can do and I wouldn't care so much, as long as they were done. In those cases, why pay a dealer premium? And always keep all receipts and records of what was done.
thequickad
New member
Have you taken a look at the factory service manual for the 4runner? If you see the complicated design and the computers required to interface to the vehicle, you begin to wonder how a non-dealer can 1) have the $ for the equipment and 2) the necessary factory training to even touch your 4runner?
boston_kevin
New member
I take mine to the dealer... They give me coupons for local restaraunts which offset the cost of routine maintenance. Compared to the local mechanic, the price is nearly equal and I know I am getting the same OEM filters every time.
thequickad said:
I trust my local mechanic to change oil, brake pads, lube joints etc. It's not rocket science, even in a car with 20 or more ECUs. I'd do it myself if I had the garage space.
Big jobs or warranty work are different. Then I'd consider the dealer. But first I gotta figure out how to get some coupons!
rustyrazor
New member
Here are my thoughts on service.
If you have a warranty I'd take it to the dealer even if it's maintenance that isn't covered under the warranty.
Personal Example: I can't beleive this actually happened to me twice but it makes for an entertaining story as well as a good example.
Story one: I own a car made by one of the other Japanese car makers. I brought it in for a routine oil change before taking it on a 5 hour drive. The mechanic didn't tighten the drain plug and the oil drained out on the highway while I had the cruise set at 75 and the radio cranked. I was oblivious that there was a problem until it was too late. The dealer was really good and rebuilt the engine and paid the towing fees etc. The only thing I lost was time.
Story two: A few years earlier than the previous episode I was going to take my old ford ranger on the exact same drive and it was the exact same weekend, (last weekend in June) and I had the oil changed at an express lube before going. The lube guy forgot to tighten the oil filter and it fell off on the highway. The filter pegged the car behind me and the car was also covered in oil. They weren't happy. I wasn't happy. I got the truck turned off fast but I didn't feel like I could trust it anymore. Luckily the girls in the car behind were willing to help me out and drove me to a parts store where I bought more oil and a filter and fixed the truck on the side of the road. The engine ticked from then on. When I went into the lube place the only thing they offered me was a free oil change on my next visit. I think I said something along the lines of "there won't be a next visit".
That's why I'd go to the dealer over a cheap job for oil changes at least. Or better yet do your own maintenance so that you can double or triple check the work. It doesn't hurt to double check regardless of who changes the oil. I should have and I didn't learn after the first lesson.
The next question is: Should I use aftermarket parts or toyota parts when I work on my 4runner? My answer is to use toyota parts.
If you have a warranty I'd take it to the dealer even if it's maintenance that isn't covered under the warranty.
Personal Example: I can't beleive this actually happened to me twice but it makes for an entertaining story as well as a good example.
Story one: I own a car made by one of the other Japanese car makers. I brought it in for a routine oil change before taking it on a 5 hour drive. The mechanic didn't tighten the drain plug and the oil drained out on the highway while I had the cruise set at 75 and the radio cranked. I was oblivious that there was a problem until it was too late. The dealer was really good and rebuilt the engine and paid the towing fees etc. The only thing I lost was time.
Story two: A few years earlier than the previous episode I was going to take my old ford ranger on the exact same drive and it was the exact same weekend, (last weekend in June) and I had the oil changed at an express lube before going. The lube guy forgot to tighten the oil filter and it fell off on the highway. The filter pegged the car behind me and the car was also covered in oil. They weren't happy. I wasn't happy. I got the truck turned off fast but I didn't feel like I could trust it anymore. Luckily the girls in the car behind were willing to help me out and drove me to a parts store where I bought more oil and a filter and fixed the truck on the side of the road. The engine ticked from then on. When I went into the lube place the only thing they offered me was a free oil change on my next visit. I think I said something along the lines of "there won't be a next visit".
That's why I'd go to the dealer over a cheap job for oil changes at least. Or better yet do your own maintenance so that you can double or triple check the work. It doesn't hurt to double check regardless of who changes the oil. I should have and I didn't learn after the first lesson.
The next question is: Should I use aftermarket parts or toyota parts when I work on my 4runner? My answer is to use toyota parts.
nauticalniremor
New member
I have been taking my toyota's to the dealer since I first owned them. It makes no sense to me to take it anywhere else. I guess it would be like buying a pizza at burger king if i took it somewhere else - it just wouldnt be right. Do make sure they cover the seat before they take it into the shop - I just brought my baby in for the first oil change and when i got into it afterwards, the back of my seat was damp (assumably sweat) - i was not a happy camper - anyways, (sorry to vent) - my advise is to take it to the dealership and your butt is covered (or theres should be - LOL)!!
Erin
Erin
I always sevice my own vehicles:
92 Toyota Paseo = 196k miles (sold)
90 Acura Integra = 210k miles (sold)
96 Acura Integra = 130k miles
01 Honda Civic = 91k
06 Toyota 4runner = 1k
I have done all tune ups, brake jobs, cv axle replacements, valve adjustments, and timing belt changes myself. As long as you're mechanically inclined and have a shop manual, you can save thousands.
There was one time I was lazy and took my girlfriends Xterra for an oil change at the dealership. The next oil change I did myself and found that the mechanic snapped the head off of a bolt on the skid plate and two other bolts where just threaded in and not tightened. I was pissed and left a message with the sevice manager, but he never returned my call. After this incident, I will never take any of my vehicles to a dealership or repair shop again.
Remember, just because they are a dealership doesn't mean they will do a good job. Your best bet is to find a reputable mechanic that specializes in Toyotas.
92 Toyota Paseo = 196k miles (sold)
90 Acura Integra = 210k miles (sold)
96 Acura Integra = 130k miles
01 Honda Civic = 91k
06 Toyota 4runner = 1k
I have done all tune ups, brake jobs, cv axle replacements, valve adjustments, and timing belt changes myself. As long as you're mechanically inclined and have a shop manual, you can save thousands.
There was one time I was lazy and took my girlfriends Xterra for an oil change at the dealership. The next oil change I did myself and found that the mechanic snapped the head off of a bolt on the skid plate and two other bolts where just threaded in and not tightened. I was pissed and left a message with the sevice manager, but he never returned my call. After this incident, I will never take any of my vehicles to a dealership or repair shop again.
Remember, just because they are a dealership doesn't mean they will do a good job. Your best bet is to find a reputable mechanic that specializes in Toyotas.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
I still use the same mechanics that sponsored my Eclipse from '98-'03 and they handle whatever I don't do myself. With it being a Toyota they don't see me very much but they did handle my timing belt change, installed shocks and coils and rear axle seals over the last year.
spyne
New member
Basic stuff, fluid changes and lubing things, I'll either do myself or take the truck to a friend who's a mechanic I trust. He has a lift and I can get in the shop with him to see what he's doing and be satisfied it's done correctly.
Major things that are Toyota specific (timing belt and the like), will go to the dealership. Although I'm not too happy with the one I bought the 4R from so I will probably try a different one next time I need serious work done.
Major things that are Toyota specific (timing belt and the like), will go to the dealership. Although I'm not too happy with the one I bought the 4R from so I will probably try a different one next time I need serious work done.
