Toyota tech or local yokel

[dano]

Should I trust someone besides a Toyota trained technician to do the timing belt/water pump 90K service or use a local auto repair shop? It is not something I want to tackle myself and all the Toyota dealerships I've called are quoting me 9 hours @ $80 to $90 an hour.

Has anyone waited until they had 100K before doing this service? One service manager told me the hot and cold weather changes here in Ohio causes the timing belt to deteriorate and insisted I not go past 90K.

 

[toto]

An independent mechanic can do the job with no problem. It's nice to be able to find a person or a small shop with a good reputation, so ask around a little bit.

I've always assumed that the dealer's technicians know best, but I've learned that's not necessarily true. I've been in the service department at my local Toyota dealer asking about simple things that are Toyota-specific, and they look at me like I have two heads. They don't read their TSB's, so I don't have much faith in their staff keeping up with other training. Between that and the poor customer service (always trying to BS/upsell me, and taking all day to do anything), I've found an independent shop that has seen many Toyotas.

 

[sharp4runr]

As long as the independent shop has a good reputation, then I don't see why they wouldn't be able to handle the work.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I agree, a good indepentent is fine. Have the water pump, idler and tensioner done too... Those items are "a while you're in there" type thing.:cheers: