New 04 4 Runner, well somewhat new.

[Kenney]

My 04 4runner has 90K on it and I was thinking about a new one. After looking at the New 4runners and seeing that they get the same gas mileage, the same TQ and HP numbers as my 04 V6. The new body design and dash / instrument layout was not that much different.
I chose to have a break jpb; Oil, Transmission, and cooling system Flushed, all fluids replaced, (Transfer case and “Pumpkins” also), chasse greased and a complete diagnostic ran.
PS: can’t figure out why I was charged to have my tires rotated when they had to have them removed for the break work. :der:
The dealer wanted to replace the serpentine belt ($200+) I found the belt on Amazon for $25. Sense it’s a V6 this should take less than 45 min. to do, I’ll do it myself. Also they wanted to replace my battery ($150) again something I will do for a lot less.
No complaints about the dealers work or price as I knew it was going to be expensive, but if there are any problems I can take it back to them. Next on the list is a Detailing of the paint and interior.
So for about $2K I have a “New” 4runner that should be good for another 3-4 yrs. (50K miles). Oh I did have the shocks and struts replaced about 6 months ago.
Hopefully Toyota will have a better looking and performing 4 Runner on the market by then.

 

[boondoggle]

Yeah, your truck is a spring chicken. Barely broken in. It should last a long time with good maintenance like that.

Dealers can be expensive, but it might help with resale value if you sell it down the road. All you (or a prospective buyer) have to do is go to toyota.com/owners and look up the serial # and a person can see all maintenance was done regularly. I like to DIY as much as possible (and economical) but it does help to have those records.

For example, I can usually get a coupon for a synthetic oil change at the dealer across the interstate from where I work which is about the same cost as me doing it myself (if not a little less). However, by letting them do it I don't have the hassle of getting rid of the waste - and it's certainly easier. Plus I have the online records for resale I like to get under there and take a look from time to time though.

I can't remember the last time I paid to have the brakes done on a car, but no harm in having a dealer do it.

That does suck they charged you for a tire rotation during a break job. You should have asked them about that. Might even be worth a quick phone call, depending on how much they charged. Good luck!

 

[Kenney]

Yeah, your truck is a spring chicken. Barely broken in. It should last a long time with good maintenance like that.

Dealers can be expensive, but it might help with resale value if you sell it down the road. All you (or a prospective buyer) have to do is go to toyota.com/owners and look up the serial # and a person can see all maintenance was done regularly. I like to DIY as much as possible (and economical) but it does help to have those records.

For example, I can usually get a coupon for a synthetic oil change at the dealer across the interstate from where I work which is about the same cost as me doing it myself (if not a little less). However, by letting them do it I don't have the hassle of getting rid of the waste - and it's certainly easier. Plus I have the online records for resale I like to get under there and take a look from time to time though.

I can't remember the last time I paid to have the brakes done on a car, but no harm in having a dealer do it.

That does suck they charged you for a tire rotation during a break job. You should have asked them about that. Might even be worth a quick phone call, depending on how much they charged. Good luck!

Yes I could have saved a lot of money by going to a Brake specialty shop like Midas. and Oil change, tire rotation and lube at jiffy lube. But then if I have a problem it becomes chasing down who did it and then maybe the old “finger pointing” game.
Like “Boondoggle” pointed out if I want to sell the 4runner in the next couple of years this may give me a few “$” more. Or just a good reliable ride and peace of mind for my self. :jump: