Are OEM parts, fluids etc worth it?

I'm the proud new owner of a 2007 Tacoma double cab Pre Runner 4.0 v6 2WD. I purchased thie vehicle from the original owner who maintained the truck with all Toyota OEM parts, filters and fluids. I want your advice on continuing this for routine service or will I be ok with name brand filters, fluids, etc from any auto parts store? Are there any pro's and con's besides the $$$ from the dealer?

 

To my knowledge, the only maintenance item worth keeping OEM is oil filters. For everything else, buy the good stuff when it's on sale. If we start talking about the "best oil" it's gonna get really messy in here, real quick.

 

I appreciate it and yes, let's not go there.

 

This truck has 87k and has only had Toyota OEM everything will changing fluids mess with or possible damage anything?

 

It all depends on the job. There are some things, such as the oil filter - as @techride mentioned - where I'll always stick with OEM. There are other things where I deviate.

When in doubt, I'd just post it up here and see what others have used with success/failure.

I don't think there's an easy black and white answer to this one.

 

No, dude. If you do the service correctly and use compatible fluids, switching from one brand to another shouldn't hurt the truck. You can go synthetic everything if you like, but in a warm climate like yours I honestly wouldn't bother. Your manual will tell you the exact criteria for every fluid you need to shop for!

 

Thanks. I don't mind spending the money at Toyota the owner told me to always ask for a discount or price match. He claimed they always accommodated him. I'm assuming they price match like most retailers. I will find out soon enough. I asked this because the power steering is a little below the cool line when cool and the radiator reservoir is a tad bit low as well. I didn't want to mix anything that could cause possible harm.

 

Awesome, thanks guys!

 

Lucas power steering fluids have conditioners built in and are said to extend the life of your power steering hoses. Not sure how much weight their claims hold, but I run it and have never had a leak! You can mix it with non-conditioned fluid with no problems.

 

FWIW: I went to my local dealership years ago, and asked about getting my oil changed there vs changing it myself with all synthetic. The technician told me that the synthetic I was using (same weight as recommended) was better than what they used.

 

The oem filters are worth it. I would buy most of the parts from Toyota too except for maybe the wheel bearings and clutch kit/throw out bearing. Most things won't fit or wear as well as genuine toyota parts.

 

I like the Toyota oem antifreeze, if you have a leak it shows up in bright pink. And a lot of people say to stick with the denso plugs (at least on the I4) and differentials and gearboxes I went with full synthetic. I figured it was something I wasn't going to change often so I wanted that benifit.

 

Beware of cheap air filters. I had used a Fram air filter on my 03 Taco. The paper fibers separated and killed my MAP sensor. I only use oem Toyota air filters now.

 

Have you ever opened up a Fram oil filter? They have less than HALF of the filter media than an oem, less pleats.
So cheaply made.

 

There is nothing "wrong" with OEM Toyota service items, but there are a few that MAY be better, or in some cases a lot less expensive. Toyota filters are among the best available. I stick with them. I like Toyota windshield wiper blades by far over any other option. I've had a LONG, HAPPY, and SUCCESSFUL "marriage" with Pennzoil lubricants and will NOT consider anything else. Over 40+ years of driving, owning multiple business' and the vehicles that go with that, and logging (literally) MILLIONS of miles, sometimes under the harshest of conditions, I've had ZERO issues with Pennzoil. So that's not up for negotiation.

Just make certain to use compatible oils, etc, to what Toyota specs and you shouldn't have any issues. Even the cheapest of oils on todays market are most always up to standard and of good quality. IMHO. a great many of the "high end" lubricants are marketed like "snake oil" and are FAR more expensive than is practical.

A friend who drag races and has won a number of National events over recent years uses a brand of oil available at farm stores in the Midwest.....UNICO. It sells for about half that of many name brand products. He has never had any issues, and tells me his engines show virtually no wear. While this is just an anecdotal observation, it's indicative of just how good most "low buck" oils really are. THAT said, I'm still sticking with my Pennzoil!

 

I go with OEM Filters on all my vehicles, as for fluids, as long as they meet factory spec, it doesn't matter. I know for a fact that my local Subaru dealer uses bulk Mobil 1 for their 0w20 in their shop when you get an oil change, not the Idemitsu based Subaru oil they sell in quarts. I found this out when I asked how much the Subaru oil would be to buy. I would imagine my Toyota dealer is the same.

 

Routine service items, including brakes, I always use aftermarket bits. There is no reason not too.

Lesser used service items like gaskets, seals, etc. I tend to use vehicle brand parts, as they tend to have a more precise fit than aftermarket in many cases.

I've never had any problems with this process on any domestic or Asian vehicle. OTOH I will admit I've never kept one over 250k miles either.

 

Have any of you haggled with Toyota dealers as in the price of the filters and fluids? Is there policy to match local stores?

 

For general maintenance intervals I stick with oem parts (oil filter, air filter, etc). Fluids I just use a good brand from the store. If I'm replacing parts, unless I'm upgrading something, I stick with toyota parts.

 

this right here. About the only fluid i would get from toyota would be toyota ws trans fluid for my auto.