Spokane-CDA Service Shop Recommendation?

Hello,

My new-to-me '03 Tundra with 225K miles needs service. Items on the list include:

120K service
- engine oil and filter
- diff and transfer case oil change (LSD rear diff)
- cooling system flush
- brake fluid flush
- spark plugs
- auto trans service (I'm reading threads about different approaches)
- spark plugs
- (the timing belt was done at 142K so I have about 7K before that needs to be done)

- The truck also needs a passenger side rear axle seal and likely brakes since there's quite a bit of fluid evident. I'm also concerned that a bearing may need to be replaced and I haven't yet checked to see if there's any remaining fluid in the rear diff.

I've called Larry Miller Toyota in Spokane and Parker Toyota in Coeur d'Alene (where the truck was originally sold) and Parker is $650 on the 120K service and Miller is almost twice that. Miller also suggested about $1,100 on the axle seal with brakes, etc.

AAA will tow the truck from way north ID (Priest Lake) since I don't want to drive on what might be a deteriorating bearing and don't want to camp out for a day while the work is done.

My question: does anyone have recommendations for or against shops (dealers or any other shop) from Spokane/CDA and to the north (Sand Point, ID, Newport, WA, etc.) who could reliably do this work at a fair price w/out making a mess of it?

I don't have a garage and won't be doing this work outside on the snow and ice.

Thanks.

 

I’ve yet to find a good place for doing work besides myself in my garage but we could bust these out if you wanted. Got the garage and the heater. At least save you a bit of money if you wanted

 

I do most work myself so haven't got a lot of experience with mechanics. One time used robs automotive on sprague in valley for some exhaust work on my mother in law's car. Came recommended from a friend and my brief experience with them was good.

Also have done some recall and dealer maintenance at autonation Toyota. Lots of people don't have good opinions on dealers but they've always done right by me the few times I've used them. A/C work years ago on 4runner. Recently a trans flush on my 05 (sealed trans).

 

I'd take this kind gentleman up on his offer!

 

Thank you for the offer! I'll see how time flows in the next few months. I don't need the truck as a daily and frankly just want to send it out and have it taken care of. If it was just the fluid changes I'd wait for some warmer days but the axle seal and possible bearing replacement are what I need a shop to do.

I agree that DIY is often the best approach and it keeps me in touch with my cars.

 

FWIW, I took the Tundra to Parker Toyota in CDA (the original dealer) and I'd recommend them based on this service. Brian the service advisor was on the ball and didn't oversell BS (although the recommended wipers to replace 2 week old wipers was a flag, are wiper blades feeding all the children of service advisors everywhere now?).

Parker prices for a 120K mile service and axle seal/bearing replacement were literally half what the Spokane dealer quoted. It seems the Spokane dealer charges Seattle prices, while the CDA dealer charges ID prices despite the fact they're 30 miles away from each other.

I don't always take cars to a dealer for service, but when I do it's nice to feel that it was a fair deal with friendly people doing things well.

 

I've bought a car from parker and use their parts department a lot. They have a good reputation. Glad you got done what you needed to.