Servicing at Dealership

How many people take their truck to the dealership to get serviced? I've had mine for 4 years and put 60K+ miles on it and have done all of my own maintenance. I just hit 75K. I'm thinking about taking it in to them to go through it all. Any opinions? I'm also curious as to how much this might cost. It's still under warranty so I'm not worried about parts and such. If I let them change my oil will they use what I usually run if I bring it to them, or just use the Toyota brand stuff? Anyone who's had experience with it, chime in.

 

Here is the thing with dealerships. You will find the same thing at independent shops. Do your research. Talk to people (local of course) and see what THEY think of the local dealerships. You will find dealerships with quality techs, and you will find dealerships with crappy techs, just like an independent.

I used to work at dealerships. Now I own my own independent shop. I have two schools of thought here. Dealership techs are HEAVILY trained to work on that specific brand. (In this case, Toyota) Where independent shops tend to work on most everything. (For example I work on Toyota, GM, Ford, Dodge, Mercedes, BMW, as well as a few exotics.) I like the idea of supporting the little guys at independents, but I do see the value in taking something to a dealership, where they again are heavily trained on TOYOTA.

Biggest recommendation? Talk to friends and family local to you. Who do THEY trust to work on their vehicles?

 

I took mine in for oil changes the first few times. Only because I had coupons for it. Most dealerships have the same people working for them that any other garage may have. It's like the restaurant business. they all work somewhere for awhile, then move to the next place.
But there are some who stay at one place.

 

Dealer ship does everything to my truck don't know price (paid 2k for 95k preventive and return maintnence plan) they will use whatever you request you can bring it or they can order it. I recommend it just for the fact of resale looks good to buyers seeing Toyota did all of Tue maitnence

 

Yeah. Around here we have closer to "shade tree mechanics". They know their way around 90's Fords and Chevys and cummins, but I don't have too much faith in them outside of the domestic field.

 

The dealer service is the only shop to have touched my truck. I used to do almost everything myself. Now I don't have the desire to spend my time turning the wrenches. The dealer gave me lifetime warranty on the drive train so I'm having them do all service and keeping it spot on with the mileage. I'm going make them stand behind their word. Yes I have it writing.
So all dealer for me.
I may start doing my brakes and stuff like that again but the engine and drive is all dealer.

 

If you want a burger, don't go to an ice cream shop. That's my 2c.

 

See I also have a full powertrain warranty for another year, but I have to pay for maintenance.

 

I have always taken my truck to the dealership for service. The only thing I have done my self is change the engine air filter, up until this weekend. My local dealership has always done great work and I've never had a problem with anything, but it is crazy expensive. I took my truck yesterday to get the oil changed and it cost $72 for oil change, tire rotation, and check and fill fluids. I wanted to have the spark plugs changed, rear diff oil changed, and cabin filter changed, but all of that and the oil change and tires would have been over $300 after tax. So i did the spark plugs, cabin filter, and rear diff oil myself for about $75. I will be doing my next oil change myself as well. I like the peace of mind when taking it to the dealer, but I can't bring myself to keep paying that much for something I can do myself for 1/3 of the cost.

Also, TW has AWESOME step by step DIY guides for everything you need to do to these trucks. I definitely took advantage of that when I changed the spark plugs yesterday.

 

My truck was dealer maintained from purchase to about a year ago (mainly via Precision Toyota in Tucson and Larry H Miller Toyota in ABQ). I've had no issues with the work they've done, including the timing belt change.

The one time I took it to an independent shop (for the clutch) I got it back with several issues and when I got the final bill, charged me as much in labor as the dealer quoted.

As BamaToy pointed out, it comes down to the expertise that works at the shop you choose. With the relationship that I've built with the dealer here, I've been tempted to take it in and have them undo the mess the independent shop created. I've dealt with them long enough to have confidence in the work they do.

It all comes down to a case-by-case basis.

 

The only thing I let a dealer do is warranty work or if I get to the 100,000 mile mark I let them service the trans, coolant and plugs. That's it. In the last 10 years I had one 06 Camry I kept over 100,000 so I don't see the dealers much but to buy new vehicles.

If I have work that needs to be done out of warranty that I don't want to do my self I go independent. I like the one on one with who is doing my work not some ass hat that is writing up my order. Just need to know who is doing your work. I rather feed the small guy.

 

Are you sure it is still under warranty? 4 years and 75,000 miles?
Regardless, I learned the hard way to only use dealerships. I took a Ford Ranger to the most highly recommended independent in my area. I ended up paying the Ford place over $400 to fix what he broke, but refused to admit to.
Also, dealerships are going to have access to the latest Toyota computer information, TSB's, etc. Independents have to pay big bucks to EVERY manufacturer for such access.
Plus, if not satisfied, you can complain to Toyota and the owner of the dealership. Try that with your independent.
Also, Toyota may not accept any work done by an independent as having been done correctily or with the right parts. This is important for warranty issues. Federal law may say Toyota has to accept it, but ball (and costs) are in your court if they disagree.
I have also found that Toyota dealerships usually offer savings on routine maintenance. Talk to the advisor or service manager and they often offer discounts.
Not to mention, using dealership establishes a good relationship you may need in the future.
BTW, I have never been associated with any aspect of the automotive industry.

 

I've done all the maintenance myself on mine in the 7 years I've had it.

I've taken it to the dealer for all the recall work.

I have a local garage whom I trust for 'certain things'. This garage does my yearly inspections. They've done exhaust/welding work for me. And most recently - I have them rotate my tires from time to time when my husband isn't around (tires are getting too heavy for me to lift).

I trust this local garage - but - there are some things I can only trust the dealership for......just because they are familiar with the vehicle. But then again - if the truck was 10 years old and I was going to sell it ....I probably wouldn't pay the dealership $1000 for repairs that my local guy could do for $500.

 

I get all my servicing done at my dealership , they're great

 

Of course I'm sure of my own warranty... It expires May of next year or at 100K. Whichever comes first. And I've never intended on taking it to a local shop. I just don't trust them.

 

$4.99 for oil changes for life at the dealer. Everything else I have done myself.

 

$4.99? How?

 

For the first 25,000 miles the dealer is taking care of oil changes, inspections and tire rotation. after that I will be doing all that and more at home.

 

Me too!

 

They offered that deal, who am I to turn it down?

Of course everytime I go to pick up the truck, there is a whole list of recommendations. I take the recommendations home. Most are filed in the recycled bin, the rest I do.