Dealer or independent shop

I am going 66 and I think me crawling under the car for an oil change is coming to an end. What would be a better choice for an oil change?

 

Both equally bad. If you really trust your mechanic, id avoid the dealership. Too many horror stories, whereas with your mechanic, there is a relationship to be built.

 

My vote is for a trusted independent shop. That's been my choice since new.

 

I was 100% a dealer fanboy until my 4runner was hit last October and the shop had it for 2 months. Once I received it back I noticed all sorts of cut corners and missing hardware both mechanical and body. After this I decided I would start doing my own maintenance and if needed start building rapport with my local independent shop.

 

I think it’s wise to maintain a relationship with a trustworthy independent mechanic. Finding one might be the biggest challenge.

 

Independent. Try to find a shop that has a passion for built 4Runners & Tacomas or services Toyota. Out of 3 shops that build these rigs I've only had 1 who will never get my business again. A good wrench is worth their weight in gold, will give you heads up on trouble even if you're in only for an oil change.

 

Are you speeding in a 55mph zone, or are you 66 years of age?

Just kidding.
If you can't do it yourself anymore, find a quality indy shop. DO NOT go to a "large" chain or the dealer.

 

Short of warranty work, a good independent shop. I'm lucky that the owner of the shop I use is a certified Toyota mechanic.

 

I try to do it myself or use an independent shop.

It was particularly cold in Fort Collins one winter and I used the Toyota dealership there to change my front and rear differentials at 60,000 miles. I looked at the front differential maybe 5000 miles later and they didn’t touch it.

 

I just used the dealership for first oil change. I might need to check to make sure they didn't screw something up.

 

Nothing makes me more angry than this. I'd rather have gravel stuck in my back and do my own work, than have people NOT do what they are supposed to do. F dealers, and F the people that behave in this manner when work is to be done.

 

Dealer if it’s under warranty or if your still under you Toyota care 2yr/24k mile service … why pay for free service if it’s included ..

Otherwise a good independent shop .

 

I have done independent shop since new, before that my 2002 went to the same shop. The dealership is like a box of chocolates ( Forest Gump ehh )

 

Bring some beer and I'll do it for you.

 

Based on this thread, I'd say that one good reason would be to avoid getting the vehicle back with something broken due to incompetent techs at the dealership.

 

Because there's too many stories of the 'free' service being so sub-par, and even leaving damaged threads/bolts, scratched wheels & paint, etc. that it's not really free. This is one instance that proves you get what you (don't) pay for.

Perfect case in point:

https://www.4runners.com/threads/my...nlop-at20s-to-55-psi.25682/page-2#post-344625

But if you love free stuff, by all means - go to the dealer. It's your truck.

 

Independent. We have a great one here that I've used for 20+ years. Only problem is that the owner (who still gets in there and turns a wrench himself) and his right hand man are very busy and it's getting hard for them to find helpers who are good and/or will show up to work.

 

Seems to be a very common problem anymore for all kinds of businesses.

 

If any of you are in the Chicago area, your in luck. The Car Care Nut is leaving the dealership and starting his own business. I’d be all over that.

I’d like to find an independent, but that carries its own level of risk.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SAxlOTpRsuE

 

If you’re in Northern California then I would be making friends with Peter. This guy seems like a dream come true for an independent Toyota mechanic.

https://m.youtube.com/c/ToyotaMaint...itct=CBAQ8JMBGAEiEwjhirKT25XtAhXSv8QKHfSIAWs=

 

Where are you located?

 

Unfortunately, I had an unpleasant experience with an independent. I am providing the link below as it is a long review I wrote in 2020 when I still had my BMW 540.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Z...e41fad!8m2!3d39.1696526!4d-77.1563803!9m1!1b1

 

This was pretty informative about dealership techs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUhIjnZ75IY