!st time Oil Changes

Ok, first time buying a new vehicle ever. My 07 Tacoma is up for an oil change and I figure I will change the oil myself. Very simple I would think. I called Toyota and they say recommandation is between 6000-8000 kms. Sounds about right. Then they told me that I will void my warranty if I do it myself. They went on and said that I have a 5 year warranty and a 'Licensed mechanic' has to do it! I'm sorry, its just a oil change. Done it hundreds of times. Is this the norm or am I being taken for a ride? I have had used Toyotas before and love them, but I am thinking Toyota is taking me for a ride, so to speak. Any thoughts?

 

Its the norm dude. Unless you take it to an approved oil change outlet (Mr. Lube, Canadian Tire and so on) and have the bills to prove it, you may run into some serious warranty issues, should anything come up. Doing it yourself and proof of it, does not fly in Canada.

 

I called Toyota Canada and they said that if I change my own oil or other minor stuff, it will NOT void my warranty. As long as I keep the receipts and log everything, its no problem. I called my sales rep and he said the same thing. They will send me documentation to prove it. So I will wait and see.

 

Doing it yourself, you'd save about $10. Is it worth the agravation you may have to face later? Toyota in Toronto, charges $36 for lube and filter and Calgary can't be very much different. From the dealership, you also get an inspection and your grease nipples (if any) lubricated and non safety related recalls attended to and minor adjustments as required. You get more than you know for that extra 10 bucks you spend.

 

The Warranty is not void in Colorado if you change your own oil. It has to be an approved oil though, which I honestly have not found one brand of oil that is not approved. As long as the oil is 5W-30 and you save your receipts, you are good in Colorado.

 

Getting your nipples lubed is worth the $10 extra....

 

I think synthetic is the way to go. But after checking with my dealer, I think I would pay them to do it until 60K. As mentioned, it's a battle I would rather avoid. ...And with the subzero temp rith now, $36- is worth every penny.

 

Wow strict warrantees in Canada. In Texas, as long as you’re within the age limit and under the mileage limit your good to go. Yet, luckily I got free oil changes for life when I bought my truck; Champion Toyota is good to all.

 

Same here - free oil changes 4 life. I would rather do it myself, but you can't turn down a deal like that.

 

Agreed, my favorite part of having some one else doing it though is I don't have to worry about disposal of the old oil. I will need to bring in synth oil if I decide to go that rout, which I probably will.

 

I asked about free oil changes 'cause i have it for my car but my dealer said they don't do it 'cause otherwise, there will be more "recommended" maintenance work.

I hope it's not true for you guys.

 

That doesn't make sense to me... maybe if you typed slower I could understand it better

 

My buddy is one of the head service tech's at the dealership, so I know he isn't going to 'recommend' anything unless its true.

 

There's always more recommended work from a dealer , but that doesn't mean it has to be done, hence the "recommended".

 

Nice to have somebody like that.

 

Yes, unfortunately, they trick a lot of people in these things. You know that, so good for you.

Some dealerships are more honest than others...

 

Don't fall for the 'your headlight fluid needs to be changed' or 'your muffler bearing is wore out' tricks, LOL.

 

Hey, I have some ex-girlfriends that have fell for that stuff. I wonder why they are ex'es..?

 

That's sad. I'm glad you call those girl's ex's now.