national repair chains?

[4runnerndachi]

What are you expereinces with the national repair chains (i.e. Jiffy Lube, Midas, Mufflers R Us etc) versus the dealer.

The dealer told me recently i need to have differential service. However the are charging an arm and a leg. I saw an advertisement for differential service from a national chain for far less. But I dont want anything bad to happen to my baby, because of incompetent people?

 

[4runnerndachi]

I had one prior bad expereince with Oil Express and my Honda Accord.
They forgot the close oil valve underneath the car. causing oil to drip out as I drove away.

Thankfully I have gotten use to checking the oil after every oil change. so before any damage i made it to a nearby jiffy lube.

 

[toybox]

What are you expereinces with the national repair chains (i.e. Jiffy Lube, Midas, Mufflers R Us etc) versus the dealer.

The dealer told me recently i need to have differential service. However the are charging an arm and a leg. I saw an advertisement for differential service from a national chain for far less. But I dont want anything bad to happen to my baby, because of incompetent people?

It is a pretty simple procedure with a thread and directions on this subject. Think you can do it yourself? You'd save a lot of money that way.

 

[<<<<]

I do my own service. Usually, it's not cheaper because I use best parts and oils (synthetic and such), but stuff gets done right. Right amount of fluids, right parts and correct torque by Toyota specs, which never gets done by most of shops. Hell, some shops can't even locate their torque wrench...

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

For the 4Runners I would not use ANY of the national chains. I would find an competent independent mechanic who is familiar with our vehicles. OR, if you must use a national chain - DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

For example - THe BIg O Tires Chain in the Western U.S. have the Hunter balancing machines. They are (at least the one near me is) very familiar with the lug centric balancing required for our vehicles. Many times the national chains are only are good as their best mechanic.

 

[GRIDLOCK]

Stay away from Jiffy Lube, always. :nono:

 

[wolfgang]

"Iffy Lube" Their name is well earned -- avoid them big time!

 

[ironadrenaline]

anyone who takes their car to jiffy lube thinking its a good idea deserve what they have coming to them