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Toyota Dealer Service Worth It?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by rolotomassi, Jun 19, 2015.

  1. Jun 19, 2015 at 5:38 PM
    #1
    rolotomassi

    rolotomassi [OP] New Member

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    Hi all,

    My '08 is coming up on the 40k mark (it's not my primary driver hence the low mileage) and I haven't really done anything to it other than oil changes every 4-5k miles. Figuring it probably needs to be taken in to get looked at, but I'm not sure if the dealer service packages are worth it. Seems all my local dealers do is change oil and cabin filter and I'm not sure if that's worth the $100-$145 the charge around here.

    Thoughts? Thanks.
     
  2. Jun 19, 2015 at 5:47 PM
    #2
    Lester Lugnut

    Lester Lugnut Well-Known Member

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    N of Mex-S of Canada-E of LA-W of NC
    Vehicle:
    '15 Tacoma PreRunner V6 SR5 Auto
    There will be many replies to this thread.

    Based on what I've read in your opening post, sounds like all that's missing is maybe an air filter change and new spark plugs. Check all fluid levels. Maybe rotate tires; then again, if that's never been done and tires are original, I wouldn't waste the time.

    Quite frankly, if it were mine, I'd also change coolant and transmission fluid, and differential(s) gear oil, but that's just me.
     
  3. Jun 19, 2015 at 6:04 PM
    #3
    rolotomassi

    rolotomassi [OP] New Member

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    Sorry forgot to mention I've changed the air filter every other oil change along with tire rotations. But nothing else (spark plugs/brake pads) have been changed.

    But this is something a cheaper alternative (i.e. local mechanic) can do? I'm just wondering if the dealer does anything extra special.

    Thanks.
     
  4. Jun 19, 2015 at 6:12 PM
    #4
    Lester Lugnut

    Lester Lugnut Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2010
    Member:
    #32477
    Messages:
    2,822
    Gender:
    Male
    N of Mex-S of Canada-E of LA-W of NC
    Vehicle:
    '15 Tacoma PreRunner V6 SR5 Auto
    The only thing that the dealer does that's extra special is take more of your money.

    Sounds like you've stayed on top of things fairly well. Any legit shop can change coolant/differential(s) gear oil. Dealer will say coolant/transmission fluid are good for 100K. Many have pulled that off. I'm simply the type that believes if you are going to keep a vehicle for a long time you need a maint. schedule that's more realistic than what's in the owners manual. That maint. sched. was designed to sell cars.

    The only thing that's proprietary at least in the way it's handled on these 2nd Gen trucks is the transmission fluid change. Don't get me wrong, dealers screw that up everyday. You'd need to ensure your independent repair shop(assuming you went that route) is capable of handing this
     

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