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Where do you service your 4Runner?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by The last breed, Sep 22, 2021.

  1. Sep 22, 2021 at 10:55 PM
    #1
    The last breed

    The last breed [OP] New Member

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    Toyota Dealerships don't charge too much. Is it worth not going to them?
     
    Last edited: Sep 23, 2021
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  2. Sep 23, 2021 at 2:18 AM
    #2
    Matt83

    Matt83 New Member

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    The majority of maintenance on this truck can be done in your driveway if that is something you are interested in. At least you know the work is getting done properly....bolts not stripped/oil overfilled/prop shafts not greased/etc.
     
  3. Sep 23, 2021 at 2:20 AM
    #3
    The last breed

    The last breed [OP] New Member

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    But I am a layman.
     
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  4. Sep 23, 2021 at 5:53 AM
    #4
    Blue 4ever Runner

    Blue 4ever Runner New Member

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    Blacked out badges, window deflectors, smoked 3rd brake light. I have a Borla muffler on order as well as some color matched engine cover stickers. I'll be painting the stock wheels soon as well. Falken tires in the fall as well.
    All my maintenance is done in my driveway. Unless it's warrantee work a dealer will never see my vehicle. They have a reputation for not doing repairs properly. Mostly regular maintenance like oil changes where they strip out skid plate bolts, over or under fill the engine with oil, overtighten oil pan bolts and oil filters, etc. It's a shame but there you are. Quickie lube places are just as bad. If you don't want to do the work yourself or can't for whatever reason try to find a reputable, local shop. Try asking neighbors or friends who they use.
     
    Thatbassguy and Ajmogen like this.
  5. Sep 23, 2021 at 9:53 AM
    #5
    jasonmcelroy

    jasonmcelroy Recovering perfectionist

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    Bilsteins, KO2, sound system, RedArc towing
    In my driveway.

    I have a set of substantial (12T?) jack stands and a creeper I use for under-car work.

    With my last car I was concerned for having the dealer do everything while it was in-warranty and kept records like a damned bookkeeper, but it turned out none of that matters when the dealer does shittier work than you can do yourself.

    So I do it myself and keep records.

    Jason
     
  6. Sep 23, 2021 at 6:56 PM
    #6
    dosomeplowin

    dosomeplowin New Member

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    I do it myself. I used to go to a local dealership, but as Jason mentioned they are a bunch of hacks looking to get your vehicle in and out as fast as possible with no consideration for how it's treated whatsoever. Then, they generally try to upsell you and tell you how much stuff your vehicle 'needs' done.
     
    The last breed[OP] likes this.
  7. Sep 23, 2021 at 7:00 PM
    #7
    The last breed

    The last breed [OP] New Member

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    They are giving me free maintenance up to 25,000 miles, so I guess I will use that at least
     
    mrmike7189 likes this.
  8. Sep 23, 2021 at 7:22 PM
    #8
    08TXRunner

    08TXRunner New Member

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    Why did you pose the question if you already had your answer?
     
  9. Sep 23, 2021 at 7:23 PM
    #9
    The last breed

    The last breed [OP] New Member

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    Once I run out of free service. I think I'm going to go ahead with everything that everybody said here, I will stay away from the dealership after 25k miles
     
  10. Sep 23, 2021 at 8:54 PM
    #10
    Blue 4ever Runner

    Blue 4ever Runner New Member

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    Blacked out badges, window deflectors, smoked 3rd brake light. I have a Borla muffler on order as well as some color matched engine cover stickers. I'll be painting the stock wheels soon as well. Falken tires in the fall as well.
    I hope by then you don't have too many problems to fix that the dealer screwed up. Best of luck to ya.
     
    The last breed[OP] likes this.
  11. Sep 23, 2021 at 9:11 PM
    #11
    LandCruiser

    LandCruiser I have Toyotas

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    Myself or Hagins in Martinez.
     
    The last breed[OP] likes this.
  12. Sep 23, 2021 at 9:35 PM
    #12
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    Free isn't necessarily better. I'd find a local trusted mechanic. At least they won't have trainees working on your vehicle.
     
  13. Sep 23, 2021 at 9:42 PM
    #13
    Antman

    Antman New Member

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    2021 4Runner: King Coilovers King rear shocks Camburg UCA’s Spc rear Trail arms Icon 52700 rear springs Icon panhard bar SCS Ray10’s Rci Sliders Rci Full Skids 2022 Tacoma Offroad: King Coilovers King rear shocks Deaver leaf springs Camburg UCA Scs Gen 5 Bamf front hybrid bumper Rci Full Skids Rci Sliders
    Used the free service once and it was a horrible mistake with the 4runner. Didn’t put the gaskets on the oil filter housing. Over torqued everything. Didn’t put a crush ring on the drain plug. Etc.

    I’d do it yourself and save a headache in the future.
     
  14. Sep 23, 2021 at 9:43 PM
    #14
    The last breed

    The last breed [OP] New Member

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    Damn! I thought dealers follow what Toyota recommends!
     
    Antman[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Sep 23, 2021 at 9:49 PM
    #15
    The last breed

    The last breed [OP] New Member

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    Every time before going to the dealer for service, I will come here and ask for advice on what needs to be done on my 4Runner by the dealership. I will pay out of pocket for the stuff that is not covered in their free maintenance plan up to 25,000 miles
     
  16. Sep 24, 2021 at 5:20 AM
    #16
    Antman

    Antman New Member

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    2021 4Runner: King Coilovers King rear shocks Camburg UCA’s Spc rear Trail arms Icon 52700 rear springs Icon panhard bar SCS Ray10’s Rci Sliders Rci Full Skids 2022 Tacoma Offroad: King Coilovers King rear shocks Deaver leaf springs Camburg UCA Scs Gen 5 Bamf front hybrid bumper Rci Full Skids Rci Sliders
    It’s about 200 dollars to get started with a jack, jack stands and necessary hand tools however everytime after it’ll be 20-30 dollars in oil to change your oil and it’s a 30-45 min job to change oil and rotate tires compared to the 4 hours you’ll be at the dealer waiting for your oil change. Just some food for thought.
     
  17. Sep 24, 2021 at 9:02 AM
    #17
    Schlappesepple

    Schlappesepple New Member

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    Yeah, when I bought the Taco new, it took more time to drive to the dealer and back than it would to change the oil. Haven't had an oil change in the 4R yet, but I'm assuming it will take a little longer.

    These trucks are super simple to work on, that's the main reason I bought a 4R when I decided to replace the Taco.
     
    Antman[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Sep 27, 2021 at 7:37 PM
    #18
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    In the street in front of my house. I don't even have a driveway, haha. I've always wanted a home with a garage, but in today's market I have a better chance of ME living in the 4R than the 4R does of living in a garage, haha.

    My local dealer actually has a pretty good reputation thought, and I had them service my AC last summer and do a drain and fill on the tranny. I changed the diff/t-case oil myself in the street, where I always do my oil changes. I actually enjoy changing oil, I literally cannot remember the last time I paid to have it done. Probably about 15 years ago when I had a beater that I couldn't be bothered with.
     
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  19. Sep 27, 2021 at 7:40 PM
    #19
    Chris In Milwaukee

    Chris In Milwaukee New Member

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    Local dealership for me. Too lazy. And I paid for a service contract. 'Cuz I'm too lazy.
     
    The last breed[OP] likes this.
  20. Sep 28, 2021 at 5:18 AM
    #20
    DRobs

    DRobs New Member

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    Pinstripes, lots of em. Plus a couple dents.
    I've been getting some services done by the dealer to get a baseline on what they charge. Oil changes aren't that bad. Out here in the sticks there really is no Jiffy Lube $15 oil change w/ filter. That and 0W20 Synthetic oil make a cheap oil change almost impossible.
    Just had my brakes done - $700!!! Won't do that at the dealer again.

    Next service due is the 50k mile transmission / 4wd service. I want the dealer to do that one as I have an extended warranty and might have a Needle Bearing going out.
     
  21. Sep 28, 2021 at 5:56 AM
    #21
    ecoterragaia

    ecoterragaia New Member

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    I plan to do it all myself. Too many horror stories of people running out of oil or losing parts of their vehicle on the way home from the dealership. I won't let a trainee do my maintenance.
     
  22. Sep 29, 2021 at 3:28 PM
    #22
    The last breed

    The last breed [OP] New Member

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    I amat the dealer for break in oil change. Dude knew what I was talking about. He said they get 4Runner and Tacoma owners for break in oil changes all the time.
    So now I am peeking into what is happening to my boy.
    Guys, it is a super clean place and they lifted my truck and they are working on it. Why do you guys doubt the Toyota dealerships? They said it will take two hours. They are still working on it. I think they will do a fine job. They are certified Toyota technicians. They do this everyday. I wouldn't be able to trust some shady mechanic touching my truck.


    20210929_150557.jpg

    They are taking their time. No rush.


    20210929_151232.jpg
     
    mrmike7189 likes this.
  23. Sep 29, 2021 at 3:30 PM
    #23
    The last breed

    The last breed [OP] New Member

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    Why you don't trust the dealerships? The place looks super clean, they are putting time, they don't look in rush. I think I should be fine. No?
    @Thatbassguy
     
  24. Sep 29, 2021 at 3:36 PM
    #24
    The last breed

    The last breed [OP] New Member

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    No guys, no matter what you say, I am starting to like my dealer's service folks. Maybe all dealers are not bad. This dealerships sells a lot and I am sure they can't afford to lose customers. This is not what you call being in a hurry. They are taking their time. More than 30 minutes have passed since they lifted my truck in the air. They are still not done, they are working on it.

    20210929_153343.jpg
     
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  25. Sep 29, 2021 at 4:26 PM
    #25
    The last breed

    The last breed [OP] New Member

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    So they charged me out of pocket for break in service, $112. And they worked on my car for literally 2 hours, I swear. Tire rotation, oil change with filter change, brake inspection and fluid change. I think they did a fine job guys!
     

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