Previously we have had our vehicles serviced by our mechanic with no problems. Recently we have purchased a late model Toyota and it is up for its 90,000km service soon, which we understand is 'the big one' changing all fluids and replacing all filters etc.a cost of about $1000.00 according to the Toyota dealership. My question is - do they 'load' these service prices and would we be better off and would it be cheaper to get our regular mechanic to do the service!
trade4us2,
Jan 4, 7:53pm
My regular mechanic seems to be able to fix anything, so I'd get him to do it.
thewomble1,
Jan 4, 8:07pm
Ask your mechanic how much he would charge.
lazzo,
Jan 4, 8:17pm
That's not unreasonable for "the big one" from a franchised dealership, your friendly local mechanic would certainly be cheaper. My theory is, if its just servicing then your friendly mechanic is fine, if it has a problem then you need to have it at the dealership.
serf407,
Jan 4, 9:10pm
The common problem with having the local garage do things; is sometimes they put the incorrect quantities of fluids in the diff oil , engine oil etc because they don't have that info readily to hand. The dealership people can also do some funny things at times.
If the vehicle is still in a warranty phase have toyota service it.
Nothing to stop you going along to the toyota dealership parts section with a list of parts, filters necessary for the service. Your mechanic can thenput the genuine filters in the car for you.
To make it easy I used to look up all the details for the local mechanic for fluids so they were not guessing how much engine oil etc was required.
franc123,
Jan 4, 9:27pm
Hehe, forget quantities thats just a minor problem, ignorance and guesswork re what type of fluids should be going into late model vehicles in the first place is the biggest problem when dealing with universal garages, especially auto transmissions and CR diesel engines, even coolant too.At least with a franchise the correct stuff will be used, this is especially important if still under warranty. at least you will know your DPF equipped diesel won't cop a shot of the 15w/40 thats just been used in farmer browns fergy because the garage was too lazy to get the proper low ash 5w/30.
nissan_fan,
Jan 4, 9:36pm
It really depends on the individual workshop. I have worked for a workshop that only stocked two different grade oils and only the basic workshop toolsand i have also worked at a workshop that stocks more oils than most dealers would have and all the specialist tools to work on any vehicle
twink19,
Jan 4, 10:37pm
we have had several new cars, never been seviced by the dealer, and we service a few lease vehicles, just have to follow the recomended service intervals and use correct oils and filters. We now stock many oils for this reason
gunhand,
Jan 4, 10:47pm
I can refer to my owners manaul to find service intervals, correct fluids and amounts to use, type of fuel and even tyre pressure yetits to hard for a mechanic it sounds.Not saying alot for there abilities really. And if no owners manual its all on the interinfoweb.Must still be some backward garages and mechanics out there.
socram,
Jan 4, 10:53pm
After the first 40,000kms or out of warranty, I get the Freelanders serviced by the dealer's ex head mechanic - who set up on his own, specialising in Range Rovers etc.A better job than letting the apprentice loose on it and at a far better price too.
v8mad2,
Jan 5, 1:03am
We are a non dealer workshop and we service some brand new vehicles. As long we use OE filters ie oil and fuel and correct grade oils and also do them at OE time frames there warrantys will not be affected
trader_84,
Jan 5, 1:24am
Franc - won't 15w40 do the job!
clark20,
Jan 5, 3:13am
Take it to the dealer, there are so many things with late models vehicles. maybe a recall, or a ECU update etc.
a.woodrow,
Jan 5, 3:21am
Yes it can be cheaper to get it serviced by someone other than the dealer BUT as mentioned in the thread, other places may not service as accurately, use correct fluids etc. Why not ring up your dealer and say "Hey guys, I've been loyal to you with my servicing thus far, I've recieved a quote for this service from xyz garage who"s pricing is more competitive. I wanted to give you the opportunity to retain me business as a loyal customer, perhaps you can sharpen the pencil on this!" Some dealers will stand firm on their prices and lose the customer, but if they value your business I'm sure they will try to come to the party
socram,
Jan 5, 8:07pm
Problem is that with the main dealers, the overheads are massive, as they all want acres of concrete and glass in prime locations and that means high labour/overheadrates.Given that both use the same consumables, would you rather pay a good up to date mechanic with all the right kit running his own business, $75 an hour, or $115 an hour for the same work done in a flash emporium!
Main dealers don't exactly help themselves with their little tricks such as changing your number plate surround and insisting on charging $4+ for screen wash fluid - even if you have taken the car in fully topped up with your own preferred additive.
nissan_fan,
Jan 5, 8:36pm
DPF diesels need the low ash 5w/30 oil or else they clog the particulate filter (really big cat converter). We had to replace one on a toyota truck that the customer put the wrong oil in because it kept blowing out the flexi pipe before the filter after he used the wrong oil. Toyota wanted 12g we managed to find a second hand one for 4g. Expensive mistake
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