So warranty is up. Still going to toyota for service?

As the title says, my warranty just recently expired. Wondering if you guys still go to toyota for your services and oil changes? Do you do it to maintain the service records continuous with toyota? Is it even worth it? I know at some point, there will be some major service required. If i do decide to go on my own, what is the scheduled maintenance to maintain?

 

I stopped going to the dealer for service after my four free services were done.

 

Scheduled maintenance is laid out in the owners manual.

I go to someone else for oil changes but if anything big ever happens I’ll probably use the dealership as a second opinion.

 

No. I've lost all confidence in my dealer over the last few years. They used to be good. But I can't even bring the truck in anymore without them messing something up.

 

+1 I go to a local mom and pop a 2 min walk from my home.

 

DIY

 

I get my maintenance done by an indy that caters to toyota and lexus.

 

I stopped going to the dealer the moment I drove my new truck off the lot.

 

Never did. It's not required, and while the 'free' oil was lost, my time was worth more than the oil to me. And I knew my filter was getting changed, my tires were actually rotated and my tires were not over inflated. And no greasy stuff anywhere from minimum wage techs that do this kind of service.

Nope.

Out of warranty, not really. Records are records. Keep your own.

Big section on that in your owners manual. Easy peasy. Don't have an owners manual? Go to Toyota.com and download a PDF version for free.

 

I skipped the free ones too.

 

The stealer is more $$ but will automatically keep all your service data, inform you of any recall or safety concerns that need to be addressed.
Most importantly, if they forget to put oil or the plug leaks on your driveway, they tow it back and are more financially able to replace your $8-10k engine repair.

But they may push expensive $40-60 cabin filters and such if you let them, good talk

 

It's really just a function of your skillset and how much you want to take on. I can do most typical work outside of building transmissions and differentials, but I have no problem taking it to the dealer for timing belts and other major items. The time I save is worth the cost.

If you decide to take it on, spend the money for a good service manual - it will pay for itself over time.

 

I use the toyotaowners app to record all my maint. items. It will also show of any recalls. I do agree with the more financially able part, but any shop should have insurance to cover them if they f up an oil change. If you do it yourself and screw up, well, that will suck.
I am one that marks my air filters with date and initials so they can't B.S. me on that. I have had a dealer(not Toyota) try to sell me a filter when I just replaced it myself.

 

They are far more likely to over or underfill the oil, overtorque or strip the studs, just skip the oil filter change because it is such a pain, get oily spots all over the interior, scratch the paint and wheels, etc. They do not have their trained technicians doing the maintenance work and they do not give one shit about your vehicle. I totally get it if you hate or can't do it yourself and I don't judge. I enjoy working on my truck (except for the stupid oil filter) and I know everything is done properly. I keep my own maintenance log but you can also keep track on the Toyota website if you are concerned they will deny a warranty claim.

 

Do all the easy maintenance yourself. I took my Tacoma in for it's 10K service because I was too Lazy to rotate my own tires. About 50 miles later
I pull into the garage and my OP light flashed on for a second. Check my oil and it barely registered.
Look under my truck and theres oil everywhere. I drop my skid plate and noticed oil drips from the Canister drain plug, I removed The plug and they left out the "O" ring. I called the dealer and they sent a tow truck.
After a few hours I call the dealer and they said the truck was ready, they cleaned up the mess but never said anything on the paperwork about a missing "O" ring on the filter canister so it was a coverup the Government would have been proud of. Lesson learned.

 

You're supposed to trade it in on a new one

 

Did you have to trade yours in, or did all the shit stains/smell clean up?

 

I stopped going after my 15k service. I do my own work and document it in the Toyota app.

 

The stealers are no more likely to do any damage than the big oil change guys that only do one task, change oil. Just google it, dig for reviews online and you’ll get an informative opinion.

As for the skill level, if that all someone does in only one task and type of vehicle brand, they’ll be experts on the task in just a week. Trust me.

And not everyone is able to DIY, they may not have the tools, dirty clothes, may live in an apartment building that prohibits it, or have the skills or physical ability to perform such a task.

TOYOTA will likely not deny the warranty if an issue arrives, they’ll do a lab test to confirm the oil is fine.

Thank you for not being judgmental of anyone who needs professional service.

 

I know you can read about TW members having major issues, but lets not assume you will. I had a 98 RAV4 and put 185,000 miles on it. Only had to change the VSV valve on the EGR (little tough to reach by the firewall) and front wheel bearings (almost leaning to chalking this up to regular maintenance). I am hoping my Tacoma has the same reliability as my RAV4. In my younger days I loved working on my various muscle cars. Today I still work on my own vehicles because I want to make sure the work is done correctly.