Owner's manual service or Dealer service?

[swooopeno]

From what I have read, people seem to discuss the recommended service in the owner's manual and the recommended service from the dealer as if they were the same. I just called in for the 15k service. It's about $170, and includes the typical 5k service, and they add on a trans. fluid change, a cabin air filter, and some checks. The manual pretty much states to do a 5k service and check some extra stuff.

The 5k service is a little over $50.

What's the deal? According to the manual, the trans fluid doesn't get changed for quite a while.

Now that I have 2 totally different recommendations, I'll ask for another 10 or so? What do YOU think?

15k service from manual or
15k service from dealer?

 

[Cliff s]

The dealership makes a good profit on the service, the more they can sell the more profit.

Toyota printed a very nice booklet that clearly explains the service recommendations.

Cliff s

 

[tkr128]

Most of it is just inspections of various components on the car. IIRC, the only thing that needs to be done at 15k is oil and filter change, differential fluid change, rotate the tires and change the cabin air filter. It's not worth it to have the dealer change the cabin air filter, it's a 5 minute job with parts costing less than $20, but they charge $50.

I tend to follow the dealer's service because mine is pretty close to what the manual states, but I do some of the stuff myself.

 

[Larry]

None of that extra stuff hurts your 4Runner. The dealer is not there to just help you with your maintenance. He wants to make money and he wants to sell you something. When they get you vehicle it gives them a chance to sell you stuff. Why do you think they have their oil change specials. Besides their lot boy needs some experience and where better than your next oil change. Read the owner's manual. Don't let the dealer put non Toyota stuff in or on your Toyota unless you understand what's going on. Ask for parts back. Ask them to tell you which mechanic worked on your vehicle, that should stump the service writer. Keep lurking around here to learn what's going on with your 4Runner. Find some trivial detail about your 4Runner, then ask your service writer the question and see if he knows anything. Keep records and receipts for everything. Someday you might need them.

 

[zduchene]

I scanned in the official Toyota 2004 Scheduled Maintenance Guide for my '04 4Runner. It explaines everything. I would just go by that.

Download it Here (928k pdf)

 

[Kanab]

Ask the dealer why they think you need a transmission fluid change when the owners manual on the 2004 V8 4runner states that you have "lifetime fluid" ATFWS and the only time you need to have it serviced is a 60K miles "IF YOU TOW" with your 4runner, if you don't tow it never needs to be serviced. Follow your owners manual, don't let the dealer rob you. Personally just because I am an old guy and don't believe in "lifetime fluid" I will have my transmission serviced at around 50K mile interval, but I don't tow with my 4runner.