2002 only 35k miles - what do I need to do?

[tubulus]

Have a 2002 camry, was barely driven until this year. Now has 35k miles (10k in the last year). Previous owner (mom) always changed oil, etc. What do I need to do? Dealer recommended 30k service is ridiculous (want $625, changing coolant, tranny fluid, even the differential fluid, etc). I imagine I should change the coolant since that's the only thing recommended by toyota in the manual, but is there anything else besides all the usual fluid/brakes/etc inspections? Thanks

[JohnGD]

Change the brake fluid. You might want to mark the bleeder screws to make sure they open them. (Believe me, some don't). Get them to tickle the ABS.

Because of long lasting plugs and fluids, did they swear they'll change the plugs, coolant, and ATF?

Or will they type "Major Service Performed" on your invoice and let you off with an oil change and tire rotation (plus a filter or two)? For $625 I might add.

Originally Posted by tubulus

Have a 2002 camry, was barely driven until this year. Now has 35k miles (10k in the last year). Previous owner (mom) always changed oil, etc. What do I need to do? Dealer recommended 30k service is ridiculous (want $625, changing coolant, tranny fluid, even the differential fluid, etc). I imagine I should change the coolant since that's the only thing recommended by toyota in the manual, but is there anything else besides all the usual fluid/brakes/etc inspections? Thanks

[AlmightyCamry777]

What John said. Plus i'd do a transmission oil change, (not a flush - i doubt you need it unless the fluid is very dirty). If you have the manual trans i have no advice, if you have the auto trans all you need is a 10mm male hex attachment for your 3/8" socket or 1/2" socket and remove the plug to drain it like the oil. You can then remove the pan and replace the filter if you want, i am lazy and mine has a strainer not a filter, so i just change the fluid. Before you do that read the dipstick and see what kind of fluid it needs, since you have a 2002 it probably tells you to use Toyota TIV fluid, only - TIV is available at the dealer only (equivalent fluids are available now at the auto parts but TIV is preferable) and it costs about $5 a qt. Buy at least 4 qts of it - on my 2002 V6 a change requires exactly 3 qts after a change but if you have the 4 cylinder engine it may be different - toyota installed several different kinds of transmissions in Camry that production year.

[JohnGD]

Toyota Type-IV is a dino ATF. Actually Mobil-3309 in Mobil-shaped bottles. These shouldn't be considered over 30K miles. New formulation of Mobil-1 suitable for 3309 is a good choice. Walmart SuperTech Mercon V (synthetic blend) is a great value. Both of the latter fluids are suitable for T-IV situations.

Dropping the pan to change out the filter is always a good idea. Also to clean out any break-in debris and normal wear particles at the bottom of the pan.