Is the service I want to do over the top? (new-to-me 100)

[ridesideways]

Sage ones,

I just got a 2000 LC with 157,000 miles. Service records on the Toyota owner's site indicate regular dealer-performed oil changes and major services at the appropriate intervals. I have sent out some estimate requests for the following but the prices I am getting back are really up there:

Drain and fill all fluids including:
Both diffs
xfer case
Transmission
coolant
brakes
oil
and a thorough inspection to verify she's ready for a summer of adventure

As-is, the shifting seems smooth, no leaks, all levels are good— no problems with the truck at all. I just feel like I would like to know in my heart that all the guts are clean and shiny and bathed in fresh juices. Is it silly of me to want to do all this? Is is worth paying almost $1000 to have this done by a reputable shop? If money were no object I would of course do it tomorrow but this is a pretty big financial commitment for me; especially now that I have a car note. I don't have the tools to do much of it myself. I plan to keep her through 300k, gods willing, but would like some assurance that I am doing the right thing.

 

[sdnative]

You can definitely do the fluid change yourself. Not that hard. I had all the fluids changed in my 80 when I bought it at a quality independent shop and it was around $400. If you plan to keep this for a long time, it would good to learn how to do this kind of stuff and other maintenence like brakes, filters, etc yourself.

 

[TXLX100]

Congratulations on your wise purchase. I'd shop around for a good independent shop that specializes in Lexus/Toyota, if possible. I'm not setup to do under car work at my house (nor do I really want to). I had my regular shop do driveline fluids, heater t's & coolant, & oil change for $250. Brakes are usually $150-$200 an axle. I'd also do brake (high priority) and power steering fluid if you don't know when there were done last.

 

[Sandroad]

One consideration is that you don't have to do it all at once. Maybe brakes first, since that's kind of important, then tackle fluid changes a couple at a time. I second the thought that if you're planning to keep it for another 150,000 miles of "summer adventuring", you might want to invest in the minimal tools and time to do these basic things yourself.

 

[SmoothLC]

. . . Is i[t] worth paying almost $1000 to have this done by a reputable shop? If money were no object I would of course do it tomorrow but this is a pretty big financial commitment for me; especially now that I have a car note. I don't have the tools to do much of it myself. I plan to keep her through 300k, gods willing, but would like some assurance that I am doing the right thing.

Sounds "over the top" since you've got records showing maintenance at regular intervals.

But if ya got the itch to baseline the fluids, go the DIY route starting with one or two simple jobs, or find an independent.

 

[re_guderian]

...Is it silly of me to want to do all this? ...

Yes.

...Is is worth paying almost $1000 to have this done by a reputable shop? ...

No

 

[BullElk]

Why change brake fluid or tranny fluid if it's clean and not leaking? Unless you have a little OCD in your blood and feel you MUST get it done and behind you, I think it is over the top. But.....A significant amount of what we all get involved with on MUD.....is also over the top.

 

[ridesideways]

Thanks for your replies team, seems like the best course of action is to invest in some tools and start getting to know my 100 in a hands-on manner. Wish me luck!

 

[APKhaos]

Definitely flush the brake system with new fluid. Its easy enough, especially is you have a power bleeder - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CJ5DWKO/?tag=ihco-20
Toyota dealer service rarely [never?] flushes the brake fluid unless they are doing a major brake job. Check your records, but chances are its original fluid. Brake fluid degrades over time. Fresh fluid every couple of years = goodness.