50k service - Dealer or local mechanic?

Howdy y'all!

Just wanted to get some thoughts from other Taco drivers as to how they handle their service. I wasn't so good about service in my last vehicle (Nissan Altima), and besides oil changes I only took it in for service at like 50k and 125k or when something went wrong. Needless to say, I'll be taking a bit better care of my truck.

I haven't been very impressed with the dealer's service so far when using my free ToyotaCare service the first couple years. The dealer is just slammed and it's unbelievable how many cars are constantly cycled through for service. I just get the feeling that they just crank 'em out and don't really do a great job and maybe some corners are cut.

I have a local mechanic nearby where I'd take my Nissan and I always felt they did a decent job and didn't overcharge. Any reason I shouldn't use my local mechanic for the 50k service (and all subsequent service that's not warranty-related)? Anybody prefer this route over the dealer?

Any input would be much appreciated!

 

Three words

Fuck The Dealer

 

Is there anything special about the 50k service?

 

DIY everything, I didn’t even take advantage of the free service.

 

I’m approaching the same miles. I’m taking mine to a private mechanic. Most Toyota dealers are scummy.

 

Nope, not at all. It's just really the first significant service that's not covered for free since my Toyota Care expired.

I guess my question is regarding ALL future service (75k, 100k, etc.) moving forward. Any reason to continue to go to the dealer?

I probably should've added that I don't work on my truck at all, don't even change the oil. I did a little bit of work on my old car (spark plugs, replacing sensors, etc.), but I just don't have the tools, space, or time anymore to really do anything so I need a mechanic to basically do everything for me.

 

Just checked, no reason you can't do this your self for much cheaper with basic hand tools **didn't see your reply while I was typing mine**

 

Thanks fellas. Seems the early consenus is FUCK THE DEALER. I'll be cancelling my appointment and taking it to the shop near my house. The entire experience at the dealer just sucks ass!

Although, I'm tempted to maybe trade in. My loaded 2016 TRD OR is still showing like $29-30k value on KBB. Was considering trading in for a 2020 loaded TRD OR. Price went up from $39k in 2016, to about $45k in 2020 for the fully loaded OR. That kinda sucks. But if I can get full value on the 2016, I'd only be extending my loan by about 2 - 2.5 years. Hmmm... was looking forward to not having a car payment, but the new trucks have some nice new features (plus I really want to upgrade to a DCLB from a DCSB).

 

A local mechanic can be just as good and you can hold him accountable instead of dealing with the corporate bullshit of a dealer.

 

You can take your truck to any place you feel comfortable with, just be sure they hit the proper maintenance items (refer to Toyota's official maintenance schedule).

 

They just want people to get in the habit of going in during the free Toyota Care period so when that time is up and you're paying for it yourself you continue to go to them.

 

all of this stuff is simple DIY stuff.. cabin filter is a 5 minute job.., oil change 10-15 minutes (or less)... check chassis bolts, and re-torque 10 minutes on a lift, 30 without..., driveshafts re-torque... I'd say 5 minutes... in total this shouldnt take more than 2 hours to do, if done right, and is including a 20-30 minute primary vehicle condition assessment.

 

i really care for all my vehicles. one of my main missions when i get a new one is to find the best rated local tech available. TW helped me find my guy out in Ft. Worth, a bit of a drive but worth it. he has saved me money, done top notch mods like a pro, AND HAS FIXED MISTAKES MADE BY THE DEALER. and one was a big one cost me a few hundred $!

even if that shop does you right, try to find and build the right relationship with a skilled tech. no substitute for looking someone you trust in the eye while describing what you need.

 

I do it all myself. Doing it yourself is a great way to know your truck. That way if you do take it to a garage for a repair, you will have a better idea of what he/she is doing and why.

 

If you have a guy already that you trust use him! The dealer jumps through too many hoops for me, too corporate, too many layers. I don't even take mine back for the "FREE" oil changes, even though it costs me extra I do it myself. That said there are things that a dealer can do and do well, I used to work for a major equipment dealer and I can tell you we did good work and we did not rip people off.

 

Dealer is for warranty work only!
Other than that DIY if you can, if not, use reputable independent technician. Ask to see your used parts when you pick up your vehicle.
Keep all your service receipts for reference and maybe future sale.