Big decision coming up

You're never too late for Applebees.

 

I only wear my nice clothes when i change oil.

 

i have always done my own MX on my trucks. i will do my own oil and filter but that's it maybe just maybe break pads. i am 73 and looking under the hood i don't recognize much other the fluid filler places. i ain't touching the sparks plugs in an aluminum head. i was looking at the serpentine belt and gee z no way i am changing that, this old guy would f..k that up in a minute, i would never figure out how to get it back on correct.

 

I’m 41 and do it all myself. My truck hasnt been back to the dealer since bought new. Easier and faster for me to do it myself, and no headaches.

Just do it yourself and enjoy the garage time with some classic rock playing.

 

I usually spend less than $20 for my oil changes, Mobil 1 offers $12 Rebates on a 5 Quart jug so I always pick up a few, and you can get Toyota filters for $5 on Amazon.

 

Thanks for the thoughts everybody! Lots of stuff to think about. Who knows, I'll probably do something of a mix and match. Do service myself in the nicer weather months, dealership when it is winter. Or I may even check out a local independent mechanic. We have several here in town, and building a good relationship with a good mechanic is always nice!

 

Did anyone tell you when you bought the truck that you get two years of free service included in the price...? Courtesy of Toyota.

 

We are about the same age and situation OP... I certainly have the space, tools and ability to do myself, but I do pick and choose what I do. I get free oil changes from my dealer. It's nice to just schedule for Saturday morning early, drop it off, go have breakfast and pick it up. I pay them to rotate the tires while they are at it (like $36). I do inspect and check their work on occasion but they haven't given me a reason to be concerned. I do usually do other things on my own. Just put new brakes and rotors all around on the wife's Camry. Installed my steps, stereo speakers, pro grille... If I'm able to do it and save considerably on labor I will do it myself.

 

Yep, I'm aware of the ToyotaCare. Taking advantage of that is what is making me think that after the 2 year "free" period I may just continue to have them do it. I didn't mean to infer in my last post that I wasn't going to take advantage of that. Thanks!

 

No shame in having the dealer do it. I'm going that route too... makes no sense to pay for two years of maintanence and not take advantage of it.

Even after the two years are up, it will be a mix of me doing some work, dealer doing the stuff I don't want to do.

 

If I wanted to do my own service I couldn’t because I don’t have any place to do it so I use the hour or so at my dealer to check all the showroom inventory.

Also I have no reason to believe that my particular dealer would charge for goods/services not delivered, aka no new oil filter. So far, no worries. I plan to keep going back post ToyotaCare.