30k service & maint in general-Dealer or other shop?

Hey everyone
I have a 2013 Tacoma quad cab with the off road package.
I'm at 32k for mileage and I need to get the 30k service done. I didn't want to do it early or late, but I'm do for an oil change.

I'm sure this varies, but I can't do it myself right now, and I'm wondering if people recommend using Toyota service or independent shops? I've always used the dealer for the last Toyota car I had, so that's my plan, but I've used a couple dealers and one I wouldn't use again and then the other is just a pain to get to and schedule.

 

In warranty, the easiest way to protect warranty is dealer.

I DIY or independent. I rarely have any warranty (buy used) and I've only used warranty once, on an 80s Ford. Even that was part of an extended warranty.

So the question becomes how lucky do you feel, and if you go outside the dealer circle, are you anal enough to fully document everything?

 

I did my 30K service on my 2015 Tacoma myself. I bought all the parts from the dealer and took a pic of the odometer and attached it to the invoice. I did filters, spark plugs, changed front & rear differentials and transfer case all for about $200 vs $600 at the dealership. I did have the dealer do the transmission service, but only because the transmission is a sealed unit (no dipstick).

 

If i couldn't do it myself I'd probably go dealer. Unfortunately places like jiffy lube are worse than dealers by far at doing the work and almost as expensive. I think most independent mechanics don't do that kind of stuff, but I'm not sure actually.

A really great small business idea would be a competent full maintenance service shop. You could be as cheap as the chains because you aren't running so much overhead, and you could make the customers far happier.

 

Dealer will try to sell you a bunch of extras. Just refuse them. Skip the transfer case unless you are just running a ton of miles in 4wd. Mine was like new at 50k and I use 4wd a fair amount for living in Tx

 

If you have a jack and a socket set, do it yourself!! These trucks are a piece of cake to work on.

 

And there you have it. They might try to sell you:

- power steering fluid flush
- Fuel injector cleaning
- Brake cleaning

If they try this, you know you are at a dealership that's heavy into upsell. Walk away - find a dealer that does not go this route.

Your best bet is a reputable independent shop or you at home with your own tools and this forum.

 

The 30k service really is an easy service to do.

 

If you're at 32K you're late.

You might call around to get quotes for the service since prices seem to vary. Be sure you ask what they include since some shops like to tack on unnecessary services. All you need is what is listed in the manual to remain in power train warranty (and extended if you have that). Like others have mentioned it's your choice of where to take it but if warranty issues arise it should be less painful to prove the specified maintenance was done if the rig was serviced at the dealership.

 

I recently had the 30k service done at a local shop, not the dealer as the weather here at present prevents a "shade tree mechanic" repair. The whole deal which included front/rear fluid change, LOF with Mobil 1+ zerk shaft greasing, and spark plug change with denso irridiums was just over $ 325.00. If I had gone with standard denso plugs it would have been $ 48 cheaper. Yes I know I could do it myself for much less, but getting under the truck in 20 degree weather with snow in my driveway made it worthwhile. I have the ticket which shows the work and mileage if there ever was a warranty issue.