SaratogaMan

Ask dealer to show you specific language in the owner's manual calling for that service at your car's current mileage -- if he can't, tell him that you follow only factory recommendations. I bet you already know the answer.

Streets Loc: Euless, TX.

The main problem with cars today is that they are all, with very few exceptions, front wheel drive. This was decided the best way to make cars cheaper to manufacture. If you want dependability, get a truck; Preferably a Ford 150.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

First thing to do is to find out what service is required by Toyota after two years of use for your car.
My 1989 Toyota very seldom requires service except for oil and filter changes.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Unbelievable pricing for very simple and in some cases unnecessary things. Service departments used to be a break-even segment of a dealership at best, but now they are a major profit center, and as vehicles become more complex and the average consumer knows so little about self-servicing even the simplest automotive things, many blindly go for this BS.

The climate service means changing the cabin air filter (which can be purchased at any auto parts store for a fraction of the price and installed in 5 minutes or less on most cars.

There is zero reason to replace the break fluid in a 2 year old, 29,000 mile car. Brake fluid used to be hydroscopic (absorbs water) and over long periods, water would accumulate causing the fluid to boil at a lower temperature resulting in a loss of braking efficiency under prolonged, hard braking. It also may or may not cause corrosion in the pistons and calipers. BUT, modern fluid is often silicon based and non hydroscopic, and even if conventional fluid is used a change interval of 50-75,000 miles is more reasonable (I changed mine at 80,000 and 10 years).

IF you run decent quality gasoline (that has the appropriate additives), fuel injector service should not be necessary if the engine is running properly (no codes) and passing emission tests. Some shops recommend a can of Techron injector cleaner added to your gasoline periodically - it costs less $10 per can.

I’m all for automatic transmission and differential fluid changes on a regular basis, exspecially as many newer vehicles are going to lighter weight differential oil to slightly improve gas mileage, but the cost is exorbitant.

My suggestion is to do the required service to keep the vehicle under warranty, and when it expires, find a good independent shop for maintenance. In fact, many makes will honor warranty claims if you can demonstrate that the required maintenance was performed by a non-dealer - check to see.

trinhqthuan Loc: gaithersburg

Run and never come back to that service shop, free inspection ? only free when you don't come back

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Contact JerryC41. He lives upstate NY in the Catskill region. He may know of some reputable service stations or repair shops. Even if you had to travel it may be worthwhile.

BTW almost ALL dealers will try to “get you.” At 12000 miles mile Subaru dealer wanted $800 for Scheduled Service.

agillot

as a ex pro mechanic , it is a total rip off .we call that wallet flush .

anotherview Loc: California

Some say it's the service after the sale where the auto dealer makes his money. Some also say the dealer farms out auto service to an associated company for a share of the revenue from service. In my experience, the dealer's car service costs more for the same work from, say, Pep Boys.

I suggest you find a garage where you can trust the mechanics. The Automobile Club (AAA) rates car garages.
Show the mechanic the service work the dealer lists. Discuss the need for items. Get a quote for the work. Then decide how to go. You can easily save hundreds of dollars this way.

Further, for a small fee, my mechanic evaluates a used car that I've found for sale at a car dealer. He gives me a written report of work needed to make the car roadworthy. He also helps me determine a fair offering price for the car. With this info in the past, I have saved myself thousands of dollars on the purchase of a used car, just by a counteroffer the mechanic helped me to develop.

Once you go through these motions and then find yourself paying hundreds and thousands of dollars less for a used care, you will not go back to dickering with the car salesman again. The manager becomes directly involved -- because he has to approve the sale anyway.

You will become a smart buyer, and the sales force will respect you for it. You will thank yourself, too.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I have to agree on the Lexus - at least at the dealership where I go. I’m on my 3rd one - a 2008 ES350, and it is an excellent vehicle, and the dealer cost for regular service which includes a free loaner and car wash is very reasonable except for the 60,000 mile check. Last I looked, it was $900-$1200, depending on which Lexus dealer performed the work. Upon looking at the list of items, there were only a couple of fluid replacements - everything else was a “check” item. I replaced the fluids and checked the other items myself, saving a ton of $, but then, I’m a competent mechanic. I will also add that the dealer proactively replaced the dash without charge or being asked even though it was undamaged, stating that there was a known dash cracking problem, and that eventually it would crack. This on a 10 year old vehicle that was out of warranty. Lexus is making excellent, super reliable automobiles and has world class service in my opinion.

OlinBost Loc: Marietta, Ga.

One word "ripoff"

Toby

Typical dealer service

Dannj

granbob Loc: SW Wisc; E Iowa; W Illinois

The owner's manual should have some service recommendations. Cabin filters seem like a huge rip-off - - - why can't they be just blown out and reinstalled ?

Dannj

Once the free services expire, I never go to the dealer. I’ve found that their “recommended” services are generally too soon and expensive. Fortunately I have a local mechanic whose reputation for honesty, quality and cost is excellent so he gets my business. Ask around before you use the dealer for service.

anotherview Loc: California

Ditto.