Non-existent dealer service first time around?

I just went to the stealership for my first service at 5k miles. It was a solid 3 hours wasted out o of my day for no reason.

They told me that my tires were aftermarket and that they wouldn't rotate them. After I spoke to the service manager he agreed. I was like, WTF, this is a bone stock tuck. They rotated them, but honestly I could do it faster in my own garage.

They didn't reset the service lights, which is the reason I took it in.

They didn't wash the truck, then argued with me that they had. Despite it being so dirty I could write my name on the door. They took it to the wash reluctantly, did a poor job, but whatever at this point.

They didn't change the oil, WTF, I am going to swap out the oil and filter myself. 10k miles is an insane interval for oil. Anyone know how many quarts I need for a 4 banger?

Is there any reason I shouldn't just do all the service myself in the garage? I can do it all dramatically faster than the stealership and not waste my time in a waiting room waiting to get covid.

 

That is why i do all the maintenance myself. Most dealers are scumbags. The only time i go to the dealer is when there is a recall or warranty work. I also tell them not to wash or vacuum the truck. I saw the brush that they were using and thought hell no.

Good luck.

 

Services at home are always faster than at the dealer. Driving and waiting an extended amount of time never made sense to me given the ease of the work, esp on the Taco where jack points are plenty and no ramps are needed.


I don't know about the 2.7l, but 3.5l folks have been posting up UOAs after 10k intervals and there is plenty of life left in the oil. We have a had a couple cars with 10k OCIs and they ran with no issues. It might just be a paradigm that you need to adjust to?

 

10k miles is not an insane interval for today's engines and oils. 5k mile service is a tire rotation and typically a courtesy check. 10k miles is your first oil change. Resetting your service light is pretty straight forward and can be found in the owner manual.

 

Yes don’t bother going to the dealer At 5k miles I had it done with oem filter & same oil they use Mobil 1 FYi only bring to Dealer at the times they do the oil changes & other things for free other times just do it your self & keep a receipt & record for warranty Purposes.

 

I've taken apart plenty of BMW 6 cylinder cars with the BWM recommended oil change intervals and I can tell you that there is a huge difference in 5k vs 10k+ oil changes.

If you aren't keeping it 150k miles then I probably won't matter. However, my experience is that there is a dramatic difference in color and build up when you crack the head for the first valve cover gasket.

 

I still do my oil changes at 5k though, its black by the time it hits 5k. I know it may not mean much, but still. Im pretty hard on my truck at times, so it gives me a peace of mind and oil is cheap. Also, gives you a chance to inspect the undercarriage more often.

 

It's anecdotal, but I have a 2008 Lexus IS350 (3.5L) that has gotten 10k oil changes (sometimes longer). I bought it with about 50k miles and we're now nearing 200k, and I've had ZERO mechanical issues with that car. Probably the most reliable vehicle I've ever driven. People need to accept that 10k is the new norm. This isn't the 3k motor oil of your parents generation...

Edit: And yet another 3rd gen forum thread devolves into a debate on oil changing intervals. Sorry that I'm a part of this one...

 

It may be apples to oranges, but I have seen the same on my bike with 6k OCIs using cheap diesel oil. I get frequent looks inside and I never come away disappointed.


Love me a good oil thread in the morning.

 

FWIW we change the oil every 20k on our work trucks f350 gas. Was skeptical at first but 5 years 10+ trucks over 150k mileage no issues. I really doubt Toyota would make a recommended oil change interval anywhere close to what is not safe for the engine. But if it gives you peace of mind by all means.

 

Find a new dealer. Then send a polite email to the GM on why you are finding a new dealer.

Rotating the tires and topping off the washer fluid are pretty much the only things that happen at 5k, and if they want to put up an argument about rotating the tires, then what good are they?

As for the oil, 10k is standard, so out of the first 25k of service, you only get two free oil changes. Usually you need to pay extra or do it yourself if you want it done every 5.

 

Well, I'm just referring to how clean the engine looks when I take the valve cover off.

I'm sure the Toyota engine will run just fine till it needs a rebuild.

Hell, the dealership forgot to refill the transmission oil on my 1988 CRX and it worked just fine even though it was a bit notchy for a couple hundred miles.

I caught it because there was no drain plug at all in the car and it dripped and left a couple drops on the concrete.

Japanese cars were just built better than their American counterparts at the time I guess.

The CRX used engine oil in the tranny. Go figure.

Can I get by with a 5 quart jug of oil, or do I need more in your experience?

 

Changing the oil early at 5k is cheap insurance. Especially if you aren't driving on perfectly flat roads all the time, unloaded. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Oil changes every 3k should still happen if you're using conventional, but you can safely push 5-7k with synthetic. Beyond that is up to you, but I don't think I'll be risking that on my own truck.

 

Should probably stick with a dealership for services.

 

The books say I need 5.1 quarts, but since I have never changed the oil on this truck before, I am not sure.

My BMWs say they need 5.5 quarts, but they always need another half quart to prevent starvation on hard turns.

 

(Also, gives you a chance to inspect the undercarriage more often) this is important, I like to find all the loose bolts backing out before they fall out, look for rust, leaks...

 

i always did 15-20k oil changes on my old scion and it never burned or leaked any oil and ran like a top. i used amsoil.

 

The only reason I can think of is if you have a warranty issue in the future or if you want your Carfax to show the truck was serviced regularly.

I’m still on the fence whether my Taco will be getting it’s first four free services at the dealer or not. I’m barely at six months and only have 3,500 miles on my Taco so far. I do all the services on my other vehicles. I don’t have a lot of time to waste at a dealership. I’d much rather spend a relaxing hour in my garage working on my truck and jawing with my neighbors then I would sit in a waiting room.

As far as OCI’s go I’m okay with a 10K mike interval, however for my older vehicles I try to stick to 5K miles, 100 engine hours or 12 months.

 

Like you said.better to do it yourself,chaeper,better,and you know its done right.

 

Dont worry, your service experience will only worse. I just had my 20k done a few weeks ago. It was the first service I have had that I didnt need to bring it right back and have them redo it.