So I brought my xB for its third oil change and the dealer's service department said my box was due for its 15,000 mile service.

As I am both skeptical of dealer prices AND I'm currently on strike (I'm one of those Writer's Guild joes, just starting out but currently doing nothing but marching with a picket sign), I thought I'd put it to you what I should do.

Right now, I don't really have any discretionary income. So here are my choices:

A) Trust the dealer, pay the what they're asking for the service, and don't think about it.
B) Get all services done somewhere else.
C) Just get what I absolutely need to get done (replacing the automatic trans. and differential fluid?) at the dealer.
D) Just get what I absolutely need to get done somewhere else.

Here's what they'll do for about $225:

-Oil Change
-Tire Rotation
-Replace the Transmission Fluid
-Replace the Differential Fluid
-Inspect belts, hoses, lights, wipers.
-Inspect fuel system.
-Brake inspection.
-Clean & Adjust Brakes When Applicable
-Genuine Toyota Oil Filter Change
-Set Tire Pressure
-Change Air Filter
-Inspection of All Fluid Levels
-Inspect Exhaust System
-Road Test Vehicle

What say you peeps? I really don't have $225 to spare right now.

 

IMO, at 15K, you mostly just need an oil change and quick inspect. maybe the rotation. Just keep the paperwork. They'll try to scare you with "warranty" hubbub, etc. But that's mostly all it is.

 

^ cosign. all i got done was an oil change. i get one every 3k miles. the only other think i ever got done was a brake pad change @ 14k miles - NYC driving is murder on brake pads!

i dont plan on doing any of the services with the exception of the 50k mile service. i may do that early, depending on how my xb is behaving. im at 22k miles now, may get that svc done at 40-45k miles.

fwiw,
- sh00k

 

I have 19K on my odo. But im close to 20K and im due for an oil change but scared the dealer will mess up my car.

 

Thanks, people. BTW, the service guy DID try to scare me. He said, "Hey, a couple days from now, if something goes wrong with your transmission or differential, well, the fact you refused the service could affect your warranty."

Nice service, huh?

 

x2,

thats why i do everything myself, rotated the tires like 2,000 miles ago, change oil every 4,000 (Royal Purple synthetic), just put new powerslot rotors, and hawk pads on, just lowered it, and did some suspension tuning, and just got the wheels aligned yesterday.. so i mean is it really nessary to pay someone else to do something i already do? besides what happens when someone else makes a mistake working on it (iv heard the horror stories) and my car breaks down.. from there your car is never the same..

btw, anyone know how to get rid of the maintenence light?

 

Ask that joker if he's familiar with the Magnussen-Moss Act.

I probably shouldn't jinx myself, but I'm a 92K and have basically only changed the oil and sparkplugs. This is why i buy Toyotas in the first place! Heck, I went over 20k miles before my last oilchange, running synthetic.

 

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=20749

 

actually thats for the oil, setting in incriments of a 1k or the next time to change your oil.. ive already done this.. after i changed my oil.. when i turn my car on i get a flashing maintence light, (flashes about 5 times)

 

Yes, and if you read the first paragraph of the first post, you'll see these instructions:

The second paragraph talks about setting the amount in 1K increments...

 

I don't know how to change the oil, and I can't rotate my tires because my tires are 2 different sizes. I'll probably just go to the dealer that someone I know works at and he'll take good care of my car.

 

First, hang tough on the strike! Our SAG contract comes up soon also. Your fight will help us.

I do not believe they will change the trans or diff fluid @15k. Only an "inspection", if they do that. They will rotate the tires and change the oil and filter, but I have doubts about replacing the air filter.

On limited funds and a lot of time available, I would learn how to change the oil/filter myself (cost=$15 reg/$35 synth) or take it to a JiffyLube kind of place. Take out the air filter element and blow it out-opposite direction of air flow-with compressed air at a gas station. Takes no tools; OK, maybe a screwdriver to pry the clips, to remove the element. Do the tire pressure while you're there!

Visually inspect the hoses, belts, clamps, wires, etc for damage, leaks or unusual wear. Since your tires are different sizes, cannot rotate. Especially if they are directional.

At this point, you are out around $35 and have a much better idea what shape your box is in. Don't pay stealership prices unless you absolutely have to. Got any car friends you can buy lunch and help with the first time?

 

i always thought that you change the transmission fluid @ around 50k? am i wrong or is 15k scion's 'suggested' change time?

 

I do believe the manual states the only items due @ 15k are oil, filter, and tire rotate. DEFINATELY not a trans fluid change.

 

Per Scion maintenance (for 2006 models) front diff and trans fluids @30k if it is "primarily driving while towing". Probably not the case with most xBs.

Does not ever say to change those fluids in regular maintenance but "suggests" it be done @30, 60, 90, 120k under extreme conditions. Probably do mine @60k since thats where most recommend changing.

 

<<Does not ever say to change those fluids in regular maintenance but "suggests" it be done @30, 60, 90, 120k under extreme conditions. Probably do mine @60k since thats where most recommend changing.>>

I agree and this is what I intend to do.

 

Your dealer is a theif. Report his doings to Toyota.

This kinda thing really ticks me off. Tell him to show you were in the service manual a tranny or final drive change is required. It aint!! Tell him Toyota know a crap load more about setting service intervals than he does.

It just ____es me off to hear a dealer do this....

 

you dont need to have a dealer do the work on your car.

you can do it, just document it in the manual just as they would.

 

ha. thanks for the reminder. i went to do this and couldn't figure out why it wasn't resetting. it was on trip. duh.

 

Funny, I just did my 15000mile service on Sat. Took it Toyota and they didn't try to swindle me at all. I didn't even have to make an appt as when I called, they said the only appt I need to make is for the 20,000mile service. They checked over everything to make sure it was tip top and had me out quick.Cost about 70$ for the synth. oil change, but at least they can't weasel out of any warranty work by saying I didn't have it serviced at Toyota(I say that because we don't have Scion dealers here).