30,000 mile service, this should get you going

[minicorolla]

So I'm trying to get the dealership to do a 30K warrantee service.
They wanted to do some plan D or something. 305 bucks. I told them I didn't have an auto trans so they dropped it down to $239. Then I started with what do you do? Change the fluids in the radiator, engine, and tranny. inspect this and that. So I go out to my car and get the warrantee book and say I want this done as per my manual at 30K. 29.95 WTF? The guy there said "Oh it looks like an oil change to me" they check all the other stuff normally. So I don't need my trans oil or radiator fluid changed. I have a K&N Filter. What's right? I called another dealer (where I bought the car) and they wanted 329. I asked the girl that got my lucky call why are you trying to do all this stuff. Of course she doesn't have a clue. referred me to another rep that never called back.
I tried searching for similar threads here with no luck. Someone must have come across this before.

[YarisSedan]

yaris requires no services till 100k its just all oil changes.

[H3LlIoN]

Is "Plan D" their actual name for it? Let me know, my roomate is a toyota tech and he will give me the lowdown.

[firemachine69]

It's a well-known fact that new-car dealerships hose people on services with fake "needs", to make up the lack of profits on new vehicles. That is, they add service-stuff that isn't required. That's how they make their money. I think this is why I initially stopped coming on YW, too many ignorant folks that get taken by the dealer, then come on here to vent, or comes on here venting about the dealer ripping people off. It's a blatantly obvious fraud, but dealerships need to survive somehow.


I also don't feel bad in the least bit for any sucker that gets taken by them, either. The very first thing you should do after buying a brand new car is to read the manual: All the service intervals and requirements are listed in there.

[robkay]

I asked the girl that got my lucky call why are you trying to do all this stuff.

Easy. You have money. They want as much of it as they can get.

[tomato]

It's a well-known fact that new-car dealerships hose people on services with fake "needs", to make up the lack of profits on new vehicles. That is, they add service-stuff that isn't required. That's how they make their money. I think this is why I initially stopped coming on YW, too many ignorant folks that get taken by the dealer, then come on here to vent, or comes on here venting about the dealer ripping people off. It's a blatantly obvious fraud, but dealerships need to survive somehow.


I also don't feel bad in the least bit for any sucker that gets taken by them, either. The very first thing you should do after buying a brand new car is to read the manual: All the service intervals and requirements are listed in there.


Sorry your YW experience hasn't been what you expected, but the OP couldn't care less about that. :rolleyes:

You make a valid point, but it would be so much nicer if you could just say what you need to say without the negative tone, eh?

All questions are welcome. Not everybody is an expert at everything, and if people need help and want to ask the community, that's what forums are for! Be nice! :smile:

[rningonfumes]

http://yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19918

Similar thread.

[Henry G.]

Not so fervent but I would have to agree I have yet to meet a Toyota service advisor who knows more about my car than I do.
Oil and filter changes, with air cleaner replacement (or cleaning with my K&N) is all this car needs for many miles. Changed the MT oil with MT-90 at 15k, and the usual tire rotation and rear brake adjustment. Spark plugs, coolant, do not need changing before 100k. Neither does the timing belt. There is nothing to lube on the chassis or suspension either.
These cars are simple, don't waste your money at the stealership unless there is a problem. Out of the 20 or so cars I have owned at one point or another over the years this car has got to be the EASIEST car to change the oil on. Literally takes 5 minutes. During one of those I found an axle seal leak, which was fixed under warranty, dealer treated me right and did it in one day. I will return to them for future warranty work, I found a good dealer going to stick with them but only for the absolute minimum work.

[minicorolla]

H3LlIoN I'll let you know when I get my oil changed.
I understand the dealers have to make money. Just not why 10 times as much.
Toyota . com is getting back to me on the differences, too.
Thanks guys!

[noraebong]

yaris requires no services till 100k its just all oil changes.

My 07 Sedan's service schedule requires a 32,000 km maintenance service..mostly changing fluids, filters, tire rotations, brake inspects, road test...230 bucks plus (Can.) vs 39 for the oil changes at my dealer!

[markitect]

I think this is why I initially stopped coming on YW, too many ignorant folks that get taken by the dealer, then come on here to vent, or comes on here venting about the dealer ripping people off.

If you don't want to read about stuff like this you should not open threads titled "30,000 mile service, this should get you going".


Also it's not fraud, as long as they do what they claim they will. Also a lot of people do these things early anyway.
Nor is it just dealers: my brother had a quick-lube type place suggest that they change his diff fluid too (not a yaris) and that the manufacturer suggested such and such oil. His response was "the manufacturer also suggests not doing it for 40k more miles.

[DerFlosser]

It's very simple with these cars. The reason that they are so great is that for a mere $14K, you get a car that you get inside of and go until something becomes unsafe, noisy, unstable or it is noticibly running poorly. These cars are made to be disposable/consumable ecoboxes so DON'T touch them unless they call for it. Just change the oil frequently and you will have a car that goes forever!...and ever....and ever.

[minicorolla]

H3LlIoN, I don't know if it's called plan "D" or what, they have a sheet of paper with four service schedules on it. It's the one with the tranny flush @ 30K if you have a auto which I don't. I think I'm going to do this one myself with some Redline or Amsoil in the manual and crankcase. I contacted Toyota . com they received the emal but no response yet. Does this help you out?

[RacerFreakXXX]

I work at a dealer and trust me, if you can DIY your maintenance do it. Lube up the joints, replace your air filter, change your oil, and whatever else the toyota yaris book tells you. Flushes are BS and even most service people don't believe in them.

[H3LlIoN]

H3LlIoN, I don't know if it's called plan "D" or what, they have a sheet of paper with four service schedules on it. It's the one with the tranny flush @ 30K if you have a auto which I don't. I think I'm going to do this one myself with some Redline or Amsoil in the manual and crankcase. I contacted Toyota . com they received the emal but no response yet. Does this help you out?


Oh damn. Yeah, that's the one with like tranny flush, coolant flush, power steering flush, and something else I can't remember. The first time I ever saw this, I was visiting my roomate at his shop, and he was working on a black two door yaris. At the time, I didn't even know what a yaris was, let alone know that I would end up with one, and I asked him what the hell he was doing, as he had a pump stuck down in the power steering reservoir. I was curious, as I have a great deal of wrench time in over the years, and was clueless. He explained the service and such, then went on to say...

"I have no idea how these service managers talk these suckers in to this dumb shit." :thumbsup:

[tomato]

"I have no idea how these service managers talk these suckers in to this dumb shit." :thumbsup:

Pretty easy: most people don't know any better, aren't curious about cars or don't have the time or the inclination to learn. They see "Toyota" on the sign, and they figure "hey, this guy works here, he probably knows what he's doing" :iono:

[H3LlIoN]

yeah...i guess it's different for us. Pretty much everyone in our lives has either been taught better, or is a gearhead, so they can't pull ANYTHING over on us.


For the rest of you, what you should walk away with is that flushes @ 30k are crap. Tell them if they wanna do it, they can do it under warranty.

[H3LlIoN]

Pretty easy: most people don't know any better, aren't curious about cars or don't have the time or the inclination to learn.

We also live in an area with a bloated average income, so they don't even care.

[SilverGlow]

If you don't want to read about stuff like this you should not open threads titled "30,000 mile service, this should get you going".


Also it's not fraud, as long as they do what they claim they will.

Your definition of fraud is completely wrong!

Even if they do a service that they claim is required, if the service is not needed, THAT IS FRAUD!

Obviosly in order to get a customer to okay a service that is not required, lying is required, so therefore, it is in fact fraud.

[supmet]

I personally agree its a fraud. But call it what you want, its poor customer service, and lowers my view of toyota(yes I know, dealerships are bad across the board)

You would think they'd rather make another 4-6000 on financing another car than a couple hundred to a thousand for unnecessary maintenance. I think the next toyota I buy I'll use an outside finance company and let the dealerships know they lost my financing business due to their shady business practices...

[TheSilkySmooth]

Sorry your YW experience hasn't been what you expected, but the OP couldn't care less about that. :rolleyes:

You make a valid point, but it would be so much nicer if you could just say what you need to say without the negative tone, eh?

All questions are welcome. Not everybody is an expert at everything, and if people need help and want to ask the community, that's what forums are for! Be nice! :smile: I Agree a nice tone would be welcome, but come ON. I agree with FM69, Read the owners manual! Since when is any forum the be-all end all? I see more misinformation than good information. Cyber -age silliness. Idiocracy - It's here!

[minicorolla]

Does anyone want to see pics of my steelies with studded tires, painted flat black with a red strip? OK, I talked with a mechanic today & he said "sounds like they're trying to take you to the cleaners"

[tomato]

^ Sure, post them up in the wheel sections or in the photo section.

[tomato]

I Agree a nice tone would be welcome, but come ON. I agree with FM69, Read the owners manual! Since when is any forum the be-all end all? I see more misinformation than good information. Cyber -age silliness. Idiocracy - It's here!

I hear ya.
Like I said, I don't disagree with the message, just the tone. :smile:

Nice avatar BTW, silky smooth, I get it :laugh:

[Shroomster]

could this be equated to how service shops offer you different grades of service (i.e. silver, gold or platinum?) or how people go from oils dino semi syn and full syn?
or how you get your fast food meals regular medium or large (i.e. supersize)

I think this is all relevant to my point: choice.

you have a choice to read this thread and respond or read it and move on, or not read it at all.

you also have the choice at a dealership to say 'yes' or 'no' to a service. you don't even need to go in if you don't want to.


bottom line is this: You chose to go to the dealership for a 30k service, they told you what THEY CHOOSE TO CALL A 'plan d'. You said no, they performed what you wanted , an oil change and a check of your other pertinent capacities.

end of story. they choose to offer what they want based on what you might be willing to pay for them to do.

[Lafiro]

I learned the hard way, never to trust the dealership.

I was charged around 430 or 530 the last time I had a scheduled service.

I wish I had the print out, because I dont know what they did for that price. And I cant believe I paid it all.

Then now I realize Im fully capable of doing this all myself, and I for one will NEVER go back to a stealership in my life.

Buy the car, and maintain it yourself, especially when its out of factory warentee.

[minicorolla]

I asked them to do the service as per the book. Without the tire rotation it costs me 19.95! Just delclined all the extra stuff. They didn't even bat an eye.
The plan D is what they wanted to do.

[Yaris_Fan]

I work at a dealer and trust me, if you can DIY your maintenance do it. Lube up the joints, replace your air filter, change your oil, and whatever else the toyota yaris book tells you. Flushes are BS and even most service people don't believe in them.

There's joints to lube?

I thought everything was sealed :iono:

[advocate]

Took mine in to my mechanic for the 30,000K. He has the Toyota book on what to perform and at what intervals. He said 30,000K was just a standard oil change and a bunch of "checks". Check this fluid check that fluid etc. I drive my car pretty hard so I told him to knock himself out and check all the fluids. Didn't end up paying much extra for the checks since the Yaris passed with flying colors and I got to go home knowing the car was in top notch and that since it wasn't showing signs of wear yet that it obviously needs to be driven harder :biggrin: :burnrubber:

[nemelek]

I Agree a nice tone would be welcome, but come ON. I agree with FM69, Read the owners manual! Since when is any forum the be-all end all? I see more misinformation than good information. Cyber -age silliness. Idiocracy - It's here!

The old school is slipping away. To actually open a book and do your own research is becoming a thing of the past.

[TheSilkySmooth]

I hear ya.
Like I said, I don't disagree with the message, just the tone. :smile:

Nice avatar BTW, silky smooth, I get it :laugh:

Actually my 1st avitar was actress Emmanuelle Chriqui

from 'you dont mess with the ZOHAN' as is thesilkysmooth hair creme' application reference

[noraebong]

I work at a dealer and trust me, if you can DIY your maintenance do it. Lube up the joints, replace your air filter, change your oil, and whatever else the toyota yaris book tells you. Flushes are BS and even most service people don't believe in them.

I was a little late on an oil change (1000kms)..I know..I know..change the oil on schedule....anyway I paid for it. Mechanic recommended a flush that put another 69.99 onto my bill. (The vehicle only had 25,000 ks at that point.)

Although never having owned a vehicle before and not knowing much about cars or dealer upsales, I decided that I should be a responsible, knowledgeable car owner ...dealers are no different from any other possessors of specialized services and info who will take advantage of ignorance...it's my duty as a consumer to be informed. Which is why I am here. To learn, and to share more as my experience grows.


I got taken by the flush. But when I had my 32 k service done a couple of days ago, I was able to "succesfully" reduce the bill from 488 to 244. I did not authorize the wheel alignment and brake job that the "adviser" automatically added to my service. I did get dinged with a 47.50 surcharge for asking for synthetic oil... and I was charged 17.00 labour for replacing wiper blades...however, you live and learn.

And if the naievty/inexperience of people such as myself angers some people, excuse me but the learning curve has to start somewhere. I am very glad for all the people who willingly and graciously share their experiences and information on this forum....the info that I have been able to get from this site has been a tremendous help and boon.

Thanks again for the info

[Henry G.]

The dealer CAN provide quality service, particularily warranty work. But taking your car to them with a ambiguous complaint( it squeeks when I do this, etc) or letting them refer to the service you get as a precious metal is a sure way to get hosed!
"Would you like the platinum berryium, or uranium service"?
Uh, I just want the car serviced not some armor piercing metal job or something that sounds like an overnight abortion. Smoke and mirrors plain and simple. They pull that crap on 20 something women and recent divorcees who take the car to the dealer for the first time. Dont bite.

[supmet]

r letting them refer to the service you get as a precious metal is a sure way to get hosed!

:bellyroll:

[swidd]

When I refused the "dealer recommended" $230.00 30,000 mile service at Fletcher Jones toyota in Las Vegas, they took the air out of my front tire, and cut the wire to the stop light switch, disabling my rear brake lights. Bastards.

[supmet]

When I refused the "dealer recommended" $230.00 30,000 mile service at Fletcher Jones toyota in Las Vegas, they took the air out of my front tire, and cut the wire to the stop light switch, disabling my rear brake lights. Bastards.

Uhhhh I have strong doubts about this... Any crazy ex girlfriends not mentioned?? I seriously doubt a service manager is willing to sacrifice his business over 200 dollars.

[noraebong]

In Canada, there is an organization called the APA (probably an affiliate of an American org.) that does surveys of repair shops annually..they bring in a car with a known, minor defect and evaluate the service provided. The crap that some shops, particlularly some well known chains, pull is unbelieveable. The APA provide stats like the percentage chance of being overcharged/ripped off by repair shops in given major cities, but they do give the shops a chance to get their acts together and re review them. Very useful info. EG, in the 03 report that I found, there was a 51% chance of being overcharged in the city in which I live...I have a feeling that stat is worse now.
My limited experience thus far is that taking the time to do some comsumer research and learning about the car you drive can go a long way in getting good (and necessary)service at a decent rate.

[corolla 3tc]

Why would they be flushing out the radiator and changing out the antifreeze at 30k as it's the long life variety installed from the factory? Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of installing it in the first place?
I suppose it's not fraud like one poster stated because they are performing the service but I think it could be if they are saying that it was recommended by Toyota. Pretty sure if they wanted you to do it, they would have it listed in the owner's manual portfolio.

[Hypermiler]

Same story here. I bought the car at Hertrich Toyota in DE. So I bring it there for service. At 20,000 they suggest an engine flush (I think it was $195). I politely told him no, and the service manager said that he'll make a note and it can be added to the "big" 30,000 mile service. (?)

I inquired as to the "big" service and what it would cost, he said it would cost about $650!

I can't wait to go back in there at the 30,000 mile mark and look him in the eye and tell him to do only what the owner's manual says to do...

LOL!!!

[krusty]

All fluids do have a life expectancy no fluid on any Toyota is a life time fluid and should be changed at the required intervals.

[salmonz]

I'm a DIY'er and just starting my tool collection. Half the battle is having the right tool for the job, and obviously common sense. I much rather do this myself, know how to do it, your labour is free (except you have somewhere to be on a saturday afternoon).

Tools:
1. 3½-ton lift jack $150
2. 3½-ton axle stands $30
3. Impact wrench 300 ft-lbs (Milwaukee 9072-20) $200
4. Impact socket set $40
5. Torque wrench 250 ft-lbs $35
6. Wrenches $50 (go nuts on eBay)
7. Misc stuff like oil filter wrench, etc.. $50
Tools: $555

Supplies (lube and sealants, some of these you may not need given the job you tackle):
1. Oil 3.7 qts $15
2. Compressor oil (ND-OIL8) $8
3. Automatic Transaxle Fluid $5/1 qt. bottle (I believe)
4. Multi-purpose Grease (MP grease) 1lb $6
5. FIPG $20
6. Lithium Grease $3
7. High temperature grease (for brakes) $5
8. Coolant $14
9. Adhesive $5
10. Seal packing $25
11. Gasket maker $8
To get you started: $134

Common parts:
1. DIY Brake job ($200)
a. Drums $26/ea (vs. $78/ea dealer)
b. Hardware $10
c. Ceramic front pads (set of 4) $36 (vs. $39/set dealer semi-met)
d. Front rotors $40/ea (vs. $95/ea dealer)
e. Shoes (set of 4) $20 (vs. $36/set dealer)
2. Air filter $8 (vs. $16 dealer)
3. !GOOD! Oil filter $8 (vs. $4 cheap dealer filter)
4. S Belt $9 (vs. $26 dealer)
5. Wheel bearing (ABS) $50/ea (vs. $47/ea dealer)
6. PCV Valve $6 (dealer is $4)
7. Cabin air filter $7 (vs. $36 dealer)
8. Ignition coil (4 required) $65/ea (vs. $78/ea dealer)
9. Iridium spark plugs (4 required) $7/ea (vs. $11/ea dealer)
10. Front outer tie rods (2 required) $25/ea (vs. $46/ea dealer)
11. Control arm (w/ball joint) (2 required) $115/ea (vs. $233/ea dealer)
12. Rear shocks (2 required) $50/ea (vs. $37/ea dealer - not bad)
13. Front sway bar links (2 required) $35/ea (vs. $75/ea dealer)
14. Front struts (2 required) $55/ea (vs. $116/ea dealer)
15. Transmission filter $15 (vs. $66 dealer)
16. Wiper blades $5/ea (vs. $33 dealer)

For more technical folks:
1. Engine rebuild kit $450
2. Engine gasket set $150
3. Transmission rebuild kit $200
4. Clutch kit $150 (if required)
5. Axle replacement $150 (70 for each side) (vs. $400/ea dealer) (included this in technical side, because it's not always needed)
There could be more... like exhaust system, but this just gives you an idea...

[pz's yaris]

I went to my local Toyota dealer yesterday for my 30,000 mile check up and I told the Service Advisor that I wasn't doing their recommended service, I just want the oil change and the brakes checked...he said, ok, we'll do a minor service that's all you really need anyways....cost me $71.25 and they did oil change, checked fluids, cleaned and adjusted the breaks and rotated the tires. Perfect! Up until now I have always done the dealer recommended services versus just basic service....now I can see I wasted a lot of money on those!

[echaru]

I'm a DIY'er and just starting my tool collection. Half the battle is having the right tool for the job, and obviously common sense. I much rather do this myself, know how to do it, your labour is free (except you have somewhere to be on a saturday afternoon).

Tools:
1. 3½-ton lift jack $150
2. 3½-ton axle stands $30
3. Impact wrench 300 ft-lbs (Milwaukee 9072-20) $200
4. Impact socket set $40
5. Torque wrench 250 ft-lbs $35
6. Wrenches $50 (go nuts on eBay)
7. Misc stuff like oil filter wrench, etc.. $50
Tools: $555

Supplies (lube and sealants, some of these you may not need given the job you tackle):
1. Oil 3.7 qts $15
2. Compressor oil (ND-OIL8) $8
3. Automatic Transaxle Fluid $5/1 qt. bottle (I believe)
4. Multi-purpose Grease (MP grease) 1lb $6
5. FIPG $20
6. Lithium Grease $3
7. High temperature grease (for brakes) $5
8. Coolant $14
9. Adhesive $5
10. Seal packing $25
11. Gasket maker $8
To get you started: $134

Common parts:
1. DIY Brake job ($200)
a. Drums $26/ea (vs. $78/ea dealer)
b. Hardware $10
c. Ceramic front pads (set of 4) $36 (vs. $39/set dealer semi-met)
d. Front rotors $40/ea (vs. $95/ea dealer)
e. Shoes (set of 4) $20 (vs. $36/set dealer)
2. Air filter $8 (vs. $16 dealer)
3. !GOOD! Oil filter $8 (vs. $4 cheap dealer filter)
4. S Belt $9 (vs. $26 dealer)
5. Wheel bearing (ABS) $50/ea (vs. $47/ea dealer)
6. PCV Valve $6 (dealer is $4)
7. Cabin air filter $7 (vs. $36 dealer)
8. Ignition coil (4 required) $65/ea (vs. $78/ea dealer)
9. Iridium spark plugs (4 required) $7/ea (vs. $11/ea dealer)
10. Front outer tie rods (2 required) $25/ea (vs. $46/ea dealer)
11. Control arm (w/ball joint) (2 required) $115/ea (vs. $233/ea dealer)
12. Rear shocks (2 required) $50/ea (vs. $37/ea dealer - not bad)
13. Front sway bar links (2 required) $35/ea (vs. $75/ea dealer)
14. Front struts (2 required) $55/ea (vs. $116/ea dealer)
15. Transmission filter $15 (vs. $66 dealer)
16. Wiper blades $5/ea (vs. $33 dealer)

For more technical folks:
1. Engine rebuild kit $450
2. Engine gasket set $150
3. Transmission rebuild kit $200
4. Clutch kit $150 (if required)
5. Axle replacement $150 (70 for each side) (vs. $400/ea dealer) (included this in technical side, because it's not always needed)
There could be more... like exhaust system, but this just gives you an idea...

Wow! With all the parts you listed, you should make DIY for all of them. I only know 10% of what to do with all those parts.

[Klink10]

Just finished replacing waterpump, thermostat and coolant in mine. DIY total cost about $105.00. Still under warranty but I don't trust the dealership. To me it's not that they don't do something or want to do to much....it's that the mechanics just don't treat your car like it's their car. Scratch here, small ding there, clip or bolt missing the list is endless.

[why?]

I went to my local Toyota dealer yesterday for my 30,000 mile check up and I told the Service Advisor that I wasn't doing their recommended service, I just want the oil change and the brakes checked...he said, ok, we'll do a minor service that's all you really need anyways....cost me $71.25 and they did oil change, checked fluids, cleaned and adjusted the breaks and rotated the tires. Perfect! Up until now I have always done the dealer recommended services versus just basic service....now I can see I wasted a lot of money on those!

I disagree that it is a waste of money. It should definitely be viewed as optional, but if you have the money and you want to keep your car for a long time, getting everything done and checked as much as possible is always better.

Of course learning what everything is and figuring out how to do it all yourself is always best.