Completely agree. I had my first 2 services done at the dealer and they completely left me hanging for 90 minutes even though I had an appointment. After that I did my own services and noticed that the plate that removes for the oil drain was missing. Of course they said it wasn’t them and it must have just fallen off. 185k miles later and my 4Runner has not been back to the dealer or any other shop. Take good care of it and it will last a long time.
100% agree.... Same here on my 16 Tundra TRD.... At 50k miles I had a water pump leak.... In replacing it they punched a hole in the radiator.... Naturally they replaced it at their expense but the technician.... And I use the term loosely.... Neglected a clamp on a heater hose.... Found coolant all over garage floor. Closer inspection then revealed they broke off several bolts on skid plate and plastic shield that runs from front of skid plate to bottom of bumper.... THEY RE ATTACHED WITH CABLE TIES!! When confronted upon my return they were apologetic but offered no excuse. They fixed it but I've never been back and never will. Found a trustworthy local independent specializing and certified in Toyota. This Toyota dealer in West Allis WI ..... Avoid!
At the start of your video I stated my two reasons and figured I’d hear yours. Well, our reasons are the same. I’ve also experienced the dealer service department causing damage, and everyone hates the high prices.
Same here for same reasons. I want it done correctly. Toyota dealer by me wanted $130 for my daughter’s Corolla cabin filter. Never mind that I had already replaced it two months earlier, it’s $9 and one minute of time. I understand they have to make money, but the cost should equal the value they add.
I have 3 Toyota's and I service all my vehicles. I'm not a certified mechanic but know how to change my oil, coolant, transmission, etc. I only go to the dealership, if it's too complex. BTW, love your Rhino rims...they look awesome!
I avoid the dealerships when I can. But occasionally I will take it in if I’m pressed for time and if they’re offering a discount for an oil change, but after the last 2 times I went to a dealership, then did my own oil change 5K later, they put the oil drain plug on SO freaking tight, like they have to be using an impact wrench. I had to use a 3 foot breaker bar, and even then I barely got it off. So irritating, and totally not necessary
Same for me. Buy the tools, quality ones, as you need them and you will save thousands of dollars over life of the car and will know your cars so much better.
My 2020 4R Venture edition was my first brand new vehicle ever and for this reason it’s special to me, and planning to keep it forever. Regardless, since I got it I have had pretty bad experiences with 3 different Toyota dealers, to the extreme that I had to open a case directly with Toyota headquarters, which after investigation they did the right thing. After that, I will never get my foot into a dealer anymore, I have had much better treatment in small used car lot that in those dealers.
My WRX is my first new car and I bought it when I was damn near 40. lol I did all the service plans and warranty plans. Bad idea. I have since cancelled those plans and got the prorated amount back. Subaru recommended oil changes at 6k miles. No way that was happening. Every 3k miles is when I went in for my “free” oil changes. The first 2 were ok, the third and fourth time they added too much oil. By at least a quart. Luckily I had checked the level before I left the dealer and had them fix it. After that, never took the car back to the dealer. It’s so easy on these Subarus that it doesn’t make sense to go to the dealer. Awesome 4Runner by the way!
My closest dealership know me in face, personally, how meticulous I am about my Toyota vehicles. They even remember when I was the last time and know my personal preferences. And they know that I always CHECK everything they did - oil level and color, filters that they changed, the markers I put, steering wheel not perfectly centered when an alignment is done, brake pads. That's why they never messed with servicing the vehicle in the right way or if they did wrong I always show them and believe me, they had to re-do it when it happened. But if there is something much more expensive like something that needs more work hours and costs as much as the cost of the original parts themselves, I don't blame them - I just buy the original Toyota parts and replace them myself with the right tools. I'm just saving my time by letting them doing the less expensive jobs and service, while I'm busy with some other tasks.
I have never taken any car or truck I've owned to a Dealer since my new 1993 Capri ! They always brake something will never ever admit to it. I have had several friends COMPLAIN about dealership service departments !!!!!!!!!!!! 😵💫
Another one is Time, I went the other day for the first 5k tire rotation, they took almost 3 hours for the whole thing. It only takes me 15-20min with the tools I have. I would not let them touch my 4runnner with all the available information on the webs.
You are very correct the lube tec's are novice and screw up peoples cars all the time. They ruined my skid plates as well. Just buy an oil extractor pump on amazon it also removes the half quart or in some cars and trucks almost a quart of dirty oil at the bottom of the oil pan. On my 2021 tundra its about 3/4 of a quart and my Lexus 350 just under a 1/2 quart. it's fast and very clean way to change your oil. first time you extract your oil mark on the side of the container the level of oil removed then pull the drain plug to see if you got all the oil. On both my car and truck no oil came out of both drain plugs. So I know when i hit the marks on the container i don't even need to pull the drain plug one less step in my oil changes. He's right my oil changes are way cheaper with better oil then bulk toyota oil fro the dealer. Learn how to do it save money and KNOW its done RIGHT! P.S. Make sure you have a little extra oil if you use the extractor pump you will need to add a little more oil then manufactures specs to get a full reading on your dip stick maybe 1/2 quart extra God Bless
I just came across your vehicle and your channel. Beautiful, simple set up. I was wondering what your lift is height wise, and the shocks that you’re running. Thanks in advance, and look forward to checking out your channel.
My first question is, did you show them the broken bolts and ask them to repair them (when you discovered it)? If nothing else, I will look at that myself. I have a 24’ and have done the break in and first 5K oil changes. I plan to let Toyota Care do the 10K for free. If they break anything, I’ll be asking them to fix it for free. Assuming they do a good job, I’ll do 15K, 20K will be free. My dealer even threw in two more oil changes for free (30K and 40K).
On board with DIY- 2018 TRD OR with 112k miles and Toyota gracefully and silently snapped 3 of my 4 skid plate bolts … how long ago? I’ll never know. How they let it hit the road knowing the danger of a heavy piece of steel flying off at highway speed? Cost me $300 for a machine shop to weld new receiving nuts to support the skid plate as the factory bolts cross threaded the nuts and destroyed them 😡 Lazy people with impact guns have no business touching our vehicles.
I made the same decision. Unless the maintenance is outside of my skill level amma doing it myself. I'm retired and the 2 hour wait to change oil is ridiculous. Their disrespect for my time was the end all. So literally bought blank auto worksheet to record and keep a paper trail going of all the stuff I'm doing to it. My TPMS light went on recently troubleshooted that and filled out the worksheet. Prior to that I changed the oil & filter and used the worksheet date mileage etc. But not only that it took me about a half an hour to change my oil and it takes me a half an hour to get to the stealership. Carelessness is the most egregious reason for the DIY position and I whole heartedly support that. They charge you over a hundred dollars and give the vehicle back to you defective. Come on now!
I do all my own service as well but I’m not anti dealership. I don’t let one dealership speak for all dealers as they are all independently owned. Service-wise fluids, filters I do myself. Repairs that require labor. I’ll take it to the dealer… I work in a space where people pay for my labor and I do not let them short change me… I understand technicians want to be paid for their labor. All of things you said 100% apply but it’s a very broad stroke. Just doesn’t apply every where.
While dealerships are certainly independent entities, they are all subject to the same market forces and optimization formulas, leading to under paid labor (carelessness), low quality raw materials and high service prices. How many dealerships will actually use TGMO for an oil change? Precious few. Do some dealerships choose to forgo max profit for quality service? I'm sure. Haven't found one yet though. I don't think consumers would lose any benefits if we were to transition to a direct sales model. Technicians would migrate to independent shops where those same shops would have to compete for top talent. Dealerships have a chokehold on what could otherwise be a flourishing industry imo
Completely agree. I had my first 2 services done at the dealer and they completely left me hanging for 90 minutes even though I had an appointment. After that I did my own services and noticed that the plate that removes for the oil drain was missing. Of course they said it wasn’t them and it must have just fallen off. 185k miles later and my 4Runner has not been back to the dealer or any other shop. Take good care of it and it will last a long time.
100% agree.... Same here on my 16 Tundra TRD.... At 50k miles I had a water pump leak.... In replacing it they punched a hole in the radiator.... Naturally they replaced it at their expense but the technician.... And I use the term loosely.... Neglected a clamp on a heater hose.... Found coolant all over garage floor. Closer inspection then revealed they broke off several bolts on skid plate and plastic shield that runs from front of skid plate to bottom of bumper.... THEY RE ATTACHED WITH CABLE TIES!! When confronted upon my return they were apologetic but offered no excuse. They fixed it but I've never been back and never will. Found a trustworthy local independent specializing and certified in Toyota. This Toyota dealer in West Allis WI ..... Avoid!
At the start of your video I stated my two reasons and figured I’d hear yours. Well, our reasons are the same. I’ve also experienced the dealer service department causing damage, and everyone hates the high prices.
Same here for same reasons. I want it done correctly. Toyota dealer by me wanted $130 for my daughter’s Corolla cabin filter. Never mind that I had already replaced it two months earlier, it’s $9 and one minute of time. I understand they have to make money, but the cost should equal the value they add.
I have 3 Toyota's and I service all my vehicles. I'm not a certified mechanic but know how to change my oil, coolant, transmission, etc. I only go to the dealership, if it's too complex. BTW, love your Rhino rims...they look awesome!
Appreciate it, same do all my own normal servicing.
I avoid the dealerships when I can. But occasionally I will take it in if I’m pressed for time and if they’re offering a discount for an oil change, but after the last 2 times I went to a dealership, then did my own oil change 5K later, they put the oil drain plug on SO freaking tight, like they have to be using an impact wrench. I had to use a 3 foot breaker bar, and even then I barely got it off. So irritating, and totally not necessary
Same for me. Buy the tools, quality ones, as you need them and you will save thousands of dollars over life of the car and will know your cars so much better.
Exactly same two reasons I service my 2014 4runner myself
Great advice and tips , thanks . Some of these dealership employees dont even know what they are doing, they need to go work at Walmart .
My 2020 4R Venture edition was my first brand new vehicle ever and for this reason it’s special to me, and planning to keep it forever. Regardless, since I got it I have had pretty bad experiences with 3 different Toyota dealers, to the extreme that I had to open a case directly with Toyota headquarters, which after investigation they did the right thing. After that, I will never get my foot into a dealer anymore, I have had much better treatment in small used car lot that in those dealers.
It looks good for resale when there is a record @ the dealership for maintenance. Big reason imho.
My WRX is my first new car and I bought it when I was damn near 40. lol I did all the service plans and warranty plans. Bad idea. I have since cancelled those plans and got the prorated amount back. Subaru recommended oil changes at 6k miles. No way that was happening. Every 3k miles is when I went in for my “free” oil changes. The first 2 were ok, the third and fourth time they added too much oil. By at least a quart. Luckily I had checked the level before I left the dealer and had them fix it. After that, never took the car back to the dealer. It’s so easy on these Subarus that it doesn’t make sense to go to the dealer.
Awesome 4Runner by the way!
My closest dealership know me in face, personally, how meticulous I am about my Toyota vehicles. They even remember when I was the last time and know my personal preferences. And they know that I always CHECK everything they did - oil level and color, filters that they changed, the markers I put, steering wheel not perfectly centered when an alignment is done, brake pads. That's why they never messed with servicing the vehicle in the right way or if they did wrong I always show them and believe me, they had to re-do it when it happened. But if there is something much more expensive like something that needs more work hours and costs as much as the cost of the original parts themselves, I don't blame them - I just buy the original Toyota parts and replace them myself with the right tools. I'm just saving my time by letting them doing the less expensive jobs and service, while I'm busy with some other tasks.
I'm 60 and still do all my own service. Dealerships just want to rake in money. There are too many horror stories and stripped holes. Nice 4Runner!
I also agree do your own service you'll be much happier. I never take my car to the dealer unless it's a warranty item.
I have never taken any car or truck I've owned to a Dealer since my new 1993 Capri !
They always brake something will never ever admit to it.
I have had several friends COMPLAIN about dealership service departments !!!!!!!!!!!!
😵💫
Another one is Time, I went the other day for the first 5k tire rotation, they took almost 3 hours for the whole thing. It only takes me 15-20min with the tools I have. I would not let them touch my 4runnner with all the available information on the webs.
Very true
Can the Launch turn off the seatbelt chime?
Yep, I turned off mine
I agree 1,000 % with you! The roof rack looks great what make is it?
Prinsu Designs
@@Alpha-Works-Tx thanks I thought so!
You should take it back to them and show them want they did
You are very correct the lube tec's are novice and screw up peoples cars all the time. They ruined my skid plates as well. Just buy an oil extractor pump on amazon it also removes the
half quart or in some cars and trucks almost a quart of dirty oil at the bottom of the oil pan. On my 2021 tundra its about 3/4 of a quart and my Lexus 350 just under a 1/2 quart.
it's fast and very clean way to change your oil. first time you extract your oil mark on the side of the container the level of oil removed then pull the drain plug to see if you got all the oil.
On both my car and truck no oil came out of both drain plugs. So I know when i hit the marks on the container i don't even need to pull the drain plug one less step in my oil changes.
He's right my oil changes are way cheaper with better oil then bulk toyota oil fro the dealer. Learn how to do it save money and KNOW its done RIGHT! P.S. Make sure you have a little extra oil
if you use the extractor pump you will need to add a little more oil then manufactures specs to get a full reading on your dip stick maybe 1/2 quart extra God Bless
I just came across your vehicle and your channel. Beautiful, simple set up. I was wondering what your lift is height wise, and the shocks that you’re running. Thanks in advance, and look forward to checking out your channel.
Thanks, it’s only a 2 inch rough country lift. There is definitely better out there but it’s worked for what I have wanted so far.
My first question is, did you show them the broken bolts and ask them to repair them (when you discovered it)? If nothing else, I will look at that myself. I have a 24’ and have done the break in and first 5K oil changes. I plan to let Toyota Care do the 10K for free. If they break anything, I’ll be asking them to fix it for free. Assuming they do a good job, I’ll do 15K, 20K will be free. My dealer even threw in two more oil changes for free (30K and 40K).
Money I saved going to dealer, I’ve built quite a collection on snapon tools over 30 years…my vehicles get nothing but tlc
On board with DIY- 2018 TRD OR with 112k miles and Toyota gracefully and silently snapped 3 of my 4 skid plate bolts … how long ago? I’ll never know. How they let it hit the road knowing the danger of a heavy piece of steel flying off at highway speed? Cost me $300 for a machine shop to weld new receiving nuts to support the skid plate as the factory bolts cross threaded the nuts and destroyed them 😡 Lazy people with impact guns have no business touching our vehicles.
All fluids can be done at home. Why pay $150 for a differential change when the truck is so high and you can reach it
Exactly
I made the same decision. Unless the maintenance is outside of my skill level amma doing it myself. I'm retired and the 2 hour wait to change oil is ridiculous. Their disrespect for my time was the end all. So literally bought blank auto worksheet to record and keep a paper trail going of all the stuff I'm doing to it. My TPMS light went on recently troubleshooted that and filled out the worksheet. Prior to that I changed the oil & filter and used the worksheet date mileage etc. But not only that it took me about a half an hour to change my oil and it takes me a half an hour to get to the stealership. Carelessness is the most egregious reason for the DIY position and I whole heartedly support that. They charge you over a hundred dollars and give the vehicle back to you defective. Come on now!
What do you do with your used oil?
Recycle at AutoZone or O'Reillys.
Yep usually any auto parts store
I don’t trust any dealership nor most mechanics
I do all my own service as well but I’m not anti dealership. I don’t let one dealership speak for all dealers as they are all independently owned. Service-wise fluids, filters I do myself. Repairs that require labor. I’ll take it to the dealer… I work in a space where people pay for my labor and I do not let them short change me… I understand technicians want to be paid for their labor. All of things you said 100% apply but it’s a very broad stroke. Just doesn’t apply every where.
Agreed, there is plenty of people and dealers that have a great rep just not the 2 in my area.
While dealerships are certainly independent entities, they are all subject to the same market forces and optimization formulas, leading to under paid labor (carelessness), low quality raw materials and high service prices. How many dealerships will actually use TGMO for an oil change? Precious few. Do some dealerships choose to forgo max profit for quality service? I'm sure. Haven't found one yet though. I don't think consumers would lose any benefits if we were to transition to a direct sales model. Technicians would migrate to independent shops where those same shops would have to compete for top talent. Dealerships have a chokehold on what could otherwise be a flourishing industry imo