125k mile service - Dealer vs Independent

My maintenance required light came on and figure it is about due for a full going over. It's an 08 Tacoma Pre-runner, manual 4 banger with just shy of 125000 miles.

Do I just take it to the local dealership or find a decent local independent garage? Reviews on the local dealership are fine and well, Toyota trained techs etc. I also have a couple local service garages that are well qualified to take good care of a 'slightly vintage' pickup.

Anything specific I should ask about or keep an eye out for?

On the list so far:
Check fluids change as needed.
Filters etc.
Rotate tires and new brake pads
There's a bit of noise from the engine that I believe will require a new belt.

 

The dealer strips belly pan hardware.

 

Reputable independent. The things you mention are simple items not requiring one of the mystical Toyota special service tools

 

If you aremade of money go dealership
Even if you are I still say always find a local mom n pop garage. They will appreciate you and not rip you off. You are their bread and butter

 

How long have you owned this truck? The maintenance required light is usually manually re-set at an oil change and then goes out - and typically re-lights when the truck's mileage indicates another oil change is due. I don't know the re-set method for a 2008 - but its not something too difficult to find and use when the oil change is made.
Change the engine air filter yourself - easy to do or find the U-tube instructions to do it. WIX is a common brand that does a good job and many on here use them. I usually get a new one every other oil change. If you do it now - you will know when the next is due.

I agree with the fellows telling you that the dealer will only attempt to run up a big tab. Every time they get the chance they recommend $5000 -$6000 worth of "missed" services to me - that I already took care of myself or had done by a reliable source. Its a stupid waste of my time.

Try to find your own reliable source - maybe learn to do some of the stuff on your own.

 

I've had it a bit less than a year, about 8k miles. Due for an oil change which is what got me thinking about getting the 130k service done a bit early.

I am starting with some diy, the filter I should be able to handle myself. I've replaced headlights and tail lights with LEDs. I have a kit to replace the stereo which I will get to eventually.

However, I know what I don't know, and the engine itself and brakes are dangerous if not done correctly. So, I will check a couple local independents and schedule a check up.

 

If you can afford it.
I'd recommend sticking to 5,000 mile oil changes.
The OCVs on the 4.0 can get sticky and cause cam codes.

Not a huge deal. But these engines seem to fair better in the long run with sorter, rather than longer oil changes.

 

Thanks, that's the sort of info I need!

 

Another vote for a good independent mechanic. I've been using the same one for over a decade now and he's done great work for me, doesn't hurt that he is Toyota certified. Only times I've ever taken my cars to the dealer is for factory recall or TSB work and they manage to screw stuff up every time.

 

Independant mechanic if no confidence you cannot do oil change, maintenance yourself.

 

The serpentine belt needs to be replaced every 100,000 miles. If you're at 125,000 it could break at any time. Tire rotation and brakes should be as needed. Don't do the brakes until they are needed.

Use an independent shop. The bill at a dealer could easily be over $2000. They will do a bunch of stuff that you don't need to do.