New Member - Long Time Owner

Greetings,
I am the second owner of my truck as I purchased her in 2004 after graduating Navy 'A' School in Great Lakes, IL. Maintenance periods were usually on the spot between sea time/deployments. She has just over 200k miles but has been severely neglected with the start of my family back in 2014. Haha, my first born came home riding in the front seat while my poor wife had to hop in the back cab seats.
After my transmission required replacing in 2016/17ish, and my wife's Jeep Liberty died, I had to purchase a more practical family vehicle. So my daily driver became a '14 Avalon Hybrid, and the Tundra saw fewer and fewer miles. Fast forward to present time, I hate just seeing my truck sit idle and neglected. So I jumped onboard to get some advice on getting her back to a daily driver status, because I have always loved driving her and my wife can use our '21 Subaru Outback full time.
I have an estimated list/budget of items, but I first need to establish where I will take my vehicle for service and get inspected so an actual baseline of required service can get listed/estimated. So I turn to you and your knowledge/recommendations as established owners. Would an independent shop be recommended over a dealership service center?

Thank you!

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)! The very last question has a very easy answer: Absolutely! It is MUCH easier to find an independent, or even just a non-dealer chain, that is competent, honest, and reasonably priced than it is to find a dealer that meets those criteria, if one even exists.

 

Welcome