Need air filter and brake fluid

[spoiler900]

I have a 99 limited 4X$ and got my oil changed at firestone and they told me they recomend I change my air filter and brake fluid ASAP, makes sense.


Im not very mechanically inclined, but they quoted be just over $100 for both...seems like a lot to me but wanted some brief opinions. Air filter was like $30 and brake fluid was the rest.

Im driving 600 miles next week from arizona to california and will be doing a few road trips this summer so want my car running great. Its got low miles, only 240K

Should I have them do that before I take off next week or maybe wait until I get to california and see if my mechanic there will do it cheaper

THANKS

 

[spoiler900]

Thanks for the reply...should I do it before my 600 mile road trip or I assume its ok if I wait.

 

[nissanh]

When did you last changed your air filter?
Bad clogged filter can take care of your wallet at gas stations!

It takes 2 minutes to get the air filter in. Open the air filter box top door and pull the oil filter out (pay attention to the direction it is mounted). Clean the mating surface with a clean cloth and insert the new filter.

ALWAYS TOYOTA AIR FILTER from the dealer.

Get the firestone to do the brake flush.

 

[Nunyabiz]

If money is a concern then do exactly what Bump N Run and Nissanh said.

At least get a OEM filter and pop it in yourself then either do the fluid yourself or get it done by whomever you trust.

If you don't mind spending say $200 or a bit less then I would suggest getting a AirRaid Jr intake kit with the "NO OIL" filter.

I got mine on Amazon for $158 shipped to the door.

Surprisingly I do notice a bit more giddy up and too early to tell yet because I have not burned more than 1/4 tank of gas with it yet BUT if my Ultragauge is correct then it appears as though I "may" be getting more than 1mpg better mileage but that could just be wishful thinking at this point as I have no hard data to back that up yet.
IF I do get 1mph better mileage though then this intake kit will pay for itself in just 3 weeks on my upcoming 7000 mile trip.

I have tried everything else to get better mileage and so far I have seen ZERO difference, either no change or so minute that it is imperceptible.

Changed all fluids to 100% synthetic which in past vehicles has gained me about 1mpg on average although in my wife's Lexus we gained more like 3+mpg. Yet on this 4Runner nada.
Changed front 02 sensor
Checked and cleaned MAF & Throttle Body
Changed Spark Plugs & Wires
Tried various fuel additives to clean valves and injectors.

So IF I actually get 1mpg better mileage then it would be a miracle cure and worth every penny. In fact according to the Ultragauge I am getting around 14-15mpg city driving :faint: which is like 1 1/2 to 2 mpg better.
So I have my doubts but I can dream.

It is also a lifetime filter so no need to buy a new $15-$25 air filter every year. So, more money now but could theoretically more than pay for itself.

 

[zacattack20]

Upselling you for air filters and brake fluid change are two of the more popular things that places like that will try to rip you off. They probably tell every car that comes In there that they need an air filter and brake fluid change because most people dont know. You can change the air filter yourself really easily if it even needs it. And the brake fluid change is a common rip off because it can be difficult to inspect if they even really do it. I don't trust those Firestone or jiffy lube type places, they have had plenty of reports on TV about them ripping customers off with services that aren't needed or even do what they say they are gonna do. They sometimes wouldn't even change people's oil that came in and they would leave the same filter in.

 

[Forrrrest]

Assuming you have a v6 17801-07020 at the dealership should be about 20 bucks. There is your air filter

 

[fourwd1]

It's real easy for them to rip you off with a brake fluid change/system flush.
All they have to do is siphon the few ounces of fluid from the reservoir and fill it with new fluid. You'd never know he difference.
And the system should be flushed every few years.

 

[JEL]

Look/ask around for a trusted indy tech in your area. IMO it's always a good idea to change all fluids before a long drive if you don't know when they were last done, especially in the summer heat.