Anybody skip the free ToyotaCare services?

I've never been one to trust anyone but myself to do oil/filter changes. So, I will do these on my new Tundra as well as my wife's 2017 Sequoia. What I probably will do is take it in for the 5k first service since the only thing they do is rotate the tires. Easier for them to do that than me in my driveway.

Dan

 

I don’t take mine in for the free service either. Wish I could but I just don’t trust them. I will take it in for any major issues covered under warranty. And the funny thing is, that most people want to see a service record that the truck was well-maintained at the dealer. There is no guarantee that those dealer trips were done correctly. And people put a lot of merit into those. I just save my oil and filter receipts as well as keep a log in the book for maintenance that’s in the glove box. I’d say my word is as good as the dealers.

 

Most likely a freak occurrence, but just a word of caution. My father has an 05 Tundra and kept his manual/maintenance log book in the glove box. Truck was broken into one night (if you know a fireman/EMT/first responder ask them how) and it was stolen, now no manual and no records of what was done previous. May just want to keep the records (or copy) out of the truck in case something like that happens if that's what you put your trust into for resale. Just thought I'd share.

 

I keep my maintenance records in a 3-ring binder on the shelf in my garage next to the service manuals, not in the vehicle.

Dan

 

Have you tried logging them on the Toyota app?If I do anything maintenance wise I place it there.

 

I just downloaded that app as per your recommendation, thanks!

 

What’s the name of the app?

 

The one I downloaded was Toyota Owners.
If you go to service history there is an option to enter your personal services you’ve done along with the date. I guess it goes into the system at the dealer.
I have yet to enter any information as I need to go over my records so I can be accurate with mileage and dates.

 

Exactly what @15whtrd said. Idk if it goes in a system but I put it there anyway

 

I do, I worked in dealerships as a tech for the better part of a decade, I don’t trust them. I always do my own maintenance

 

I wouldn't walk into a dealership for service if somebody had a gun to my head.

 

I don't trust the dealership techs around my area too much. So unless its something big or a warranty, I try to do what I can to do it myself or bring to my mechanic. The free service is basically a look over, tire rotation, and oil change which most can do themselves. Wouldn't cost much having your trusted mechanic do it as well. Unfortunately free isn't always free if you've seen the techs at my local dealerships.

 

I just purchased a 2019 Tundra TRD Sport 5.7. I plan on having my trusted mechanic do my oil changes with the oil I supply. I also plan on purchasing my Toyota Genuine Synthetic Oil from the dealer along with the TRD filters. This will give me yet another receipt and proof of purchase from my dealer. I would do them myself but the tightening of the propeller shaft bolts need to be done on a lift. Also he can rotate my tires while on the lift. At least this way I will be assured all is well with my new truck. My mechanic also documents and keeps records of services performed. Done!

 

I use mine at the dealer and I have not had an issue with my dealer as far as missing bolts go. I have all my bolts although my head might be missing some. I think its just a matter of finding that Good Gem of a dealership.

 

Exactly. My dealership has been good to me. Plus, it's an oil change, not rocket surgery. And they screw it up then its on them.

 

Ditto

 

As I explained to the salesperson who sold me my 4th Tundra, "I can't afford free maintenance".

I can change the oil myself, using materials I know are better than the dealer, knowing the job is done right, in less time than it takes to take the vehicle to the dealer.

Plus, I don't subject myself to the constant upsell.

These days, car dealers are not in the business of selling vehicles. They sell service. The vehicles are just a way to create demand for the service.

 

I never used it.I dont have the time to take it to the dealer for that.Only time it will the see the dealer is if it has a recall or needs warranty work,otherwise i do all the work.I worked at a dealer for 15 yrs and saw lots of stuff,so i prefer to do my own work.Plus i hate having people do work on my vehicles, as it seems i always find something not quite right and then it drives me crazy.

 

It really does depend on the dealer. My local Toyota service dept is pretty reputable, now the sales staff can eat a bag of dicks, but thats a different story. It also depends on the time of year for me. Spring and Fall i may do my own oil changes, freezing cold or hot as balls, i'll pay someone else.

 

I guess its hit or miss, just did my own at 20k and the last dealer tech didn't change the filter cap gasket and overtightened a few things. Glad that's over with. I did my own at 10k (dealer did 5k) and everything was properly torqued

 

I plan on using mine since I get free oils changes for life and a lifetime powertrain and engine warranty as long as I receive service from the dealership. Worth it to me as I plan on keeping this truck forever.

 

free service is a bunch of BS, when I first got my Tacoma, I received a phone call saying I am due for an oil change, but when I went into the dealer. They told me, they are only going to do the tire rotation, I ask him how long it takes and he told me 2hrs for a tire rotation, so I left and never go back.

 

So a dealership tech is still working on your car and you don't trust yourself?

 

In 35 years of driving I've had someone else do an oil change for me 4 times. Twice they over tightened the drain bolt to the point I needed a breaker bar to remove it, once they underfilled by a quart, and once they overfilled by a quart and a half. It's less frustrating to just do it myself.

 

+1

 

I skipped it after getting my truck back with a ton of grease and/or oil on the interior. They cleaned it up but now only take my truck in for warranty related issues.

For oil changes. I now take my truck to my friends shop along with 2 of the 5 quart jugs of Mobil 1 synthetic and an OEM filter.

 

I have had the dealer do my free oil changes. I have never had a problem with the dealer - been doing business with them for 18 years; I bought my first Tacoma there and several other Toyotas over that time - never had an issue. Once there was an oil leak on my wife's car and I had to take it back; they fixed it immediately and apologized; it was at the filter that was not seated right - stuff happens; could happen to me if I do it myself.

 

I find it interesting that people say that they don't trust the techs to do their oil changes. Funny, because you trust all the techs to assemble your truck at the factory. I am sure that there is not much difference - people are people. Everyone can make a mistake.

 

Not Saying they are all the same, but I worked at a Ford dealership here in San Diego

I'd never take any of my cars to a dealership for service that I can do myself. I've seen what they do and how some of the cars are treated.....