Toyota Care Maintenance worth the hassle?

Took my truck in yesterday for the 10k service, I already had the TSB transmission update performed a couple of months ago but still was having issues with the transmission twice having clunked downshifts so I asked the service adviser to please check the fluid level, he said there is no way to check it, I laughed and said there is a way to check any fluid in any vehicle so don't be silly, he said he would ask his master tech..whatever, so I get the call to pick it up and asked what was done, oil change, rotated tires and inspected brakes, fluids and yes he claims the transmission was half quart low so they topped it off. Got the invoice and it was 55.00 dollars labor only, no oil filter cost and no oil cost as I had on my 5k invoice which was 70.86. So it would seem I was lied to about the oil change, looking at the Toyota plan it calls for changes at 10k and 20k, since I had my first done at 5k I guess that means they aren't going to change it until 15k, even though I tow quite a bit with mine, the reason I got the 5k oil changed. So going forward Toyota can stick it where the sun doesn't shine, as with all my previous vehicles I will change my own oil, knowing it was actually done instead of believing the lies from the dealership, do I believe they also checked the trans fluid......no. My last Toyota.....probably.

 

Just wondering, is there a question you are asking or just making a statement?

 

Both. This was my experience, curious if others have had similar, or further opinion on the "maintenance plan".

 

This is why everyone hates dealers. What does the toyocare or whatever even come with besides the cheap detailing kit? I never could understand what the salesman was saying...

 

My 10k oil change was free. They are probably charging you for the trans top off.

 

If so thats BS. They should be offering him an extended warranty, not charging him for warranty work...

 

I agree but at the same time it's a dealership, what do you expect? He needs to contact toyota and get his money back.

 

Well since you opted for oil change at 5k, they probably thought you would wait until 15k for the 2nd one. You could have told them to change it, I'm sure they would have gladly taken your money. Just sayin'

I don't think the dealer is trying to screw you around. IMO

 

If the dealer could be trusted to actually do what is all on the list of what the 5K , 10K , it would be great . It says check all fluids , re torque propeller shaft bolt etc. i do not believe they do .

Check installation of driver’s floor mat Inspect and adjust all fluid levels Inspect wiper blades Rotate tires Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions 2 Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads: Inspect ball joints and dust covers Inspect drive shaft boots (4WD) Inspect engine air filter Inspect steering linkage and boots Lubricate propeller shaft (4WD) 3 Re-torque propeller shaft bolt 3 Replace engine oil and oil filter 1 Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body Driving while towing, using a car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading5 : Lubricate propeller shaft (4WD) 3 Re-torque propeller shaft bolt 3 Replace engine oil and oil filter 1 Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body Repeated trips of less than five miles in temperatures below 32°F / 0°C: Replace engine oil and oil filter 1 Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for a long distance such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery use: Replace engine oil and oil filter 1

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms-s/T-MMS-16Tacoma/pdf/T-MMS-16Tacoma.pdf

Sorry was wrong link .

starts on page 38 .

 

Toyota Care comes with a detailing kit??

 

I got my oil changes at 5k and 10k. Now all i would get for the next two years are tire rotations, I don't think there is anything else you get.

 

No, I think it's called appearance package (or something) It's something added on by the local distributor and comes with a tube of wax.

 

Did you ask the dealer why or for what they were charging you before paying?

 

Detailing kit ? Didn't know about that

 

I believe you're entitled to two (full) oil changes during the Toyota 2 yr plan, so I fail to see why they charged you. The next one would've been on you if you so chose.
It is crap as far as I'm concerned, but that's just me, there are plenty folk here who are happy to have it and it's good for them especially if they're leasing it.
As for the transmission ATF check, did they charge or note a new plug washer? It's required to be changed after checking. Also I'm wondering if that half quart was just to replenish what was spent in the process of checking it as some has to be let out to check it?
That maybe a reason some folk think or are led to think their transmission was low?
IDK, who knows!
But I'd much rather take a discount on the purchase price than be forced to "give" them $$ for a service that's bunk!

But, if your vehicle works great and you're happy with it, just enjoy the ride and I hope it last you a long time!
Cheers!

 

What does the fine print for ToyotaCare say?

 

It gives you all the recommended standard maintenance items for 2 years and 25000 miles, no more no less. If your service department is crap then find a better one, don't over think it.

 

I'm going to have to stop reading threads like this. I was going to go get my free oil changes but once again I'm leaning towards taking it to the local shade tree mechanic or friggin Walmart! At least I can watch the dude put my oil in at the shade tree.

 

Fify