Anyone done the 120K maintenance at Toy dealer

[CRUSHER450]

Hi all

Getting ready to go to Toy dealer to do the big 120K maintenance service. I printed a list of what should be covered from Edmunds.com. The list seem to be pretty extensive.

Has anyone done this service at the Toy dealer? and do they really perform all the service as specified on the list? Do you think this is a fair price?

btw, I have a 97 LX450 with 125K

Any feed back would be appreciated.


Part Description Part Cost
Air filter $ 19.10
Automatic transmission fluid $ 10.36
Coolant $ 12.00
Differential fluid $ 16.80
Engine oil $ 18.25
Oil filter $ 6.60
Spark plugs $ 22.80
Transfer case fluid $ 8.40
Total Estimated Parts Cost $ 114.31


Labor Action Item Labor Cost
Replace Air filter $ 3.87
Inspect Automatic transmission $ 6.45
Change Automatic transmission fluid $ 32.25
Inspect Ball joints $ 6.45
Inspect Body $ 3.22
Inspect Brake lines, hoses & connections $ 1.29
Inspect Brake system $ 25.80
Inspect Chassis nuts & bolts $ 6.45
Flush/replace Coolant $ 45.15
Change Differential fluid $ 32.25
Inspect Drive belt(s) $ 1.94
Lubricate Drive shaft $ 6.45
Change Engine oil $ 12.90
Inspect Evaporative control canister $ 3.22
Inspect Exhaust system $ 3.22
Inspect Fuel filler cap $ 1.29
Inspect Fuel system $ 6.45
Replace Oil filter $ 6.45
Replace Spark plugs $ 45.15
Inspect Steering gearbox $ 6.45
Check/lubricate Steering knuckle $ 19.35
Inspect Steering linkage $ 6.45
Inspect Steering rack $ 6.45
Inspect Transfer case $ 6.45
Change Transfer case fluid $ 32.25
Inspect Transmission fluid $ 6.45
Inspect Valve clearance $ 3.22
Clean/repack Wheel bearings, front $ 148.35
Rotate Wheels & tires $ 19.35
Total Estimated Labor Cost $ 505.03


Total Estimated Costs
Total Estimated Parts Cost For Your Area $ 114.31
Total Estimated Labor Cost For Your Area $ 505.03
Total Estimated Cost (excluding tax)* $ 619.34

 

[cc93cruiser]

Total Estimated Cost (excluding tax)* $ 619.34? Thats a hole lotta $. 95% of the items listed, just about anyone can do with simple common tools, I would just do most of that myself.

 

[ryanjl]

$4 to change an air filter?

$2 to inspect your belts?

These rates are charging on the order of $240/hour for labor.

If you are mechanically capable in the loosest sense of the word, you can do all this easily yourself.

But, $3.22 to inspect valve clearance? haha.... whatever.

 

[John E Davies]

Why don't you call the dealer and ask what he charges to do the required complete birfield repack (not just wheel bearing repack) which should be done at 60K intervals. That alone will be twice that fantasy total from Edmunds.

John

 

[sixsracing]

$6.45 to inspect the steering rack. Which rack would that be?

 

[ryanjl]

Conclusion? Don't rely on Edmunds to give you maintenance criteria.

 

[NorCalDoug]

I agree with John. What you really should get done is the full birfield repack.

Breaking down what they're offering (based on this list you provided) is:
1. Changing the air filter;
2. Replacing the automatic transmission fluid;
3. Replacing the coolant;
4. Replacing the differential fluid;
5. An oil change;
6. ...with new oil filter;
7. Replace transfer case fluid;
8. New spark plugs (what? no new wires?);
9. Clean & repack wheel bearings.
All in all, not that big of a job. The rest of what they're charging for is to look around (inspect).

The birfield repack is a bigger job -- messy and time consuming. The first 7 things on the list are easy enough to do -- I'd do it myself.

The spark plugs...I might have them replace them (just my opinion)...if I cross-thread plug #6, it's on me...if they screw it up, they get to deal with it. Plus, that #6 plug is way the heck back there.

If you're asking if the estimate is valid -- yeah, it's about right. Toyota will charge somewhere around $600-$700; Lexus will charge more -- $900-$1000 for the same job -- but their coffee is better

 

[Junk]

Well, there are two ways to view this:

1. You are either too busy nor have the interest in performing the maintenance. I can appreciate that. Turning a wrench is something folks may not want to do or they may simply not want to take time away from work, family or other commitments. Nothing wrong with that, but keep in mind if that is the case then you should just call the dealer and ask what they charge and what they cover.
2. Are trying to find out if the dealer is going to treat you right or rake you over the coals. Problem with this is we are not in position to tell you what they may see that we can’t because they have the truck in front of them and we don’t.. That said, this is a routine maintenance deal and it should be standard, but you never know. For instance, they may say inspect brakes and it means to look at the pads to see if they are thick enough or it could mean they look at the whole braking system including looking at the condition of the lines, calipers etc.

So if your intent is number 1, then you’ll have to suck it up and pay. If your intent is number 2 then it depends on your relationship.

If you learn one thing from this post it should be that Edmunds sucks.

 

[Critter]

I agree 90% of that is "shade tree mechanic work".

I am also puzzled by how they got it would cost more to change the air filter then it would to check valve clearances.

Also 1.29 to inspect your fuel filler cap.... are you s***ting me?

 

[Dansan]

I had items 2,4,5 & 6 performed by my non-Toy mechanic for $118. I agree with Nor-Cal about the spark plugs and would add that the large amount the dealer charges you for an inspection is also a fishing trip you fund for them to find issues. I think few dealers would manufacture an issue, but these inspections are an excellent way for them to find additional work.

On major items where there would be a warranty against possible failure, the safest way is probably the dealer, even with the cost. A lot of people that post here are very mechanically capable and they often presume others are the same.

Dealers are not all bad, they tend to have a much higher overhead which translates to service costs an independent can easily beat. The trick is finding an independent you can trust. In my particular case, the guy I use will tell me when the complexity of something may be better resolved by the dealer.

 

[Riley]

As others have said, if you truck has 120K on it, you should do a complete front axle service (aka Birfield repack).

Read up on what this entails on this site (covered in many/many posts). Too bad we don't have a FAQ on it.

 

[robbie]

What part of the country are you in? there are lots of members that might point you to a good independent that may treat you a whole lot better.
No comment on the rest, others have said it. later robbie

 

[Biff]

Sounds like the estimate my local stealer gave me to change my ac filter. Filter cost $10 labor $60. total $70 and that was a special. I went ahead and changed the fitler myself(took 2 minutes) and saved $60

 

[Clutchee]

The money I can see, techs have to earn a living but as a owner this would be a great way for you to learn about your truck & work on it yourself. Not to mention the money you save to go towards other things....ARB/OME/Tires!
Get a factory service manual & go to town...spend the saved money on a metric tool set & have a fun weekend!

 

[sixsracing]

Something I missed the first time, their going to inspect the ball joints too. I would like to watch a noob tech at a dealer go by this list just for laughs. Sort of like when the kid at the full service gas station wants to check the oil in my Vanagon, "Yeah kid, go right ahead".

 

[Romer]

They will probably tell you you need a front axle rebuild and that will run you about $1300 yourself. $200 if you do it yourself and order parts from CDAN.

The spark plugs (#6) can be a little trickey but doable. Everything else is easy.

You can change your own Air Filter in about 60 seconds.

Buy the Oil you want an an OEM filter and either change it yourself, or take it somewhere with your parts and they will change it for about $25.

The good Toyota Mechanica near me charges the following (includes parts):
Inspection of the stuff you mentioned, free
Radiator Flush $99 I recommend over just drain and fill. Not too hard to do at home
Transmission Fluid Exchange - $99 - I recommend as it will baseline your system. Need "good shop"
Plugs, timing - $80 Can do your self. Plugs are about $12 from CDAN

Lots of posts on Front Axle. If your vehicle hasn't had one in 60,000 miles, then it needs one.

All the above will help baseline your vehicle and prevent other potential problems from happening.