so my 2002 4runner is due for its 15000 miles service. i got some flyer from my local toyota dealer detailing its maintenance packages. the 15000 one include

chage engine oil & filter
inspect linkage
rotate tires
complete brake inspection
replace air filter (i put in an amsoil filter around 7000, so forget that)
check & replenish all fluids
check undercarraige
check exhaust system
check all hoses & belts
check radiator cooling fan operation
and
road test vehicle.

all that for $129.95. sound like a good deal? and then there's the "Dealer Recommended" additional service which includes all the above plus
balance tires
drain and refill transmission
adjust rear brakes
inspection of exterior lamp, wipers and bulbs

which raises the price to 179.95. worth it or not?

i haven't had any problems with the runner so far.

 

If you don't do the maintenance yourself, I'd go for the whole shabang. You want to do routine maintenance so you don't ever have problems with your 4Runner, a.k.a "preventative maintenance".

 

I don't know, it depends on what you can or want to do yourself. Personally, my opinion on this is: an oil change costs $20 or so, and america's tire will rotate the tires for free. Regarding everything that says "Check xxx", what is there to check on a 15,000 mile old vehicle? Most likely, everything on a toyota at 15k is like new.

I can't believe they charge extra to check exterior lamp, wiper, and bulbs.

But then again, if you do have the dealer go through all those things, then at least you have peace of mind. I can't blame you for wanting the dealer to do that stuff because at one time I was the same way.

Steve

 

Exactly that Steve. It's new, it's peace of mind. It's better resale & trade-in value if you do the recommended service. Again, I recommend having the dealer do it all if you're not into doing any maintenance yourself. Of course, if you are an inclined "do-it-yourselfer" you could get it all done & save some $$$.

Al

 

yeah, i'm not sure about it all.
i really should know how do a lot of that stuff myself, but i don't...yet. someday. peace of mind...that would be nice, but expensive :rolleyes:
thanks for the replies.

 

You might also look around at the non-dealer auto-care places.
They usually offer the same maint. that the dealer provides at a lower cost. You can still get the preventative maint done, still keep your maint. up to date - and have proof (therefore helping resale) and save a few bucks while you're at it.

 

I just had a 15k service done on my truck. They did everything that you described plus:

Change spark plugs
Change front and rear diff fluid
Alignment
Transmission and transfer case fluid
Rotate and balance tires
Plus I had them change the supercharger belt (just in case)

When I called to make sure that they could do it on a certain day, I was quoted $249 for everything except the supercharger belt.

When I got there I told them that I was going to wait for the truck, so they put 2 techs on it to get me out of there faster.

When I got the bill it was for just under $200. Turns out I had a free oil change comming, so that was deducted from the price. They didn't charge me for the supercharger belt or the labor to put it in, and then gave me a "prerferred customer" discount on top of all that.

I don't know if you could get the same kind of deal from you dealer, but $179 sounds fair to change the oil, rotate and balance the tires, change the tranny fluid, adn adjust the parking brake. The rest of the stuff is just a "check". They are not actually performing any actual labor to the rest of those components.

I don't think that they are ripping you off. $179 is a "fair" price especiall if you can't do this stuff yourself. You might want to ask for a deal, since I got so much more for my money.