30K servie... Did I Get ripped?

[Giant81]

I just did my 30k Service on my Camry. Now I'm wondering if I got ripped. Below is the GENERAL run down of what I got. I can't remember it all.. but I remember some of the stuff the more expensive one had.

$150
- Minimum compliance with Toyota reccomenation
- Tire Rotation
- Cabin filter replacement
- oil change

$450
- Above items plus the following
- oil additive
- Throtle body Cleaning
- EFI Cleaning
- Tire Rotation AND balance
- New wiper blades
- Fuel additive (I think

My question is this. After I dropped off the car and waited in the waiting room for a while, a guy came out to tell me that a) my wiper blades were looking a bit old, and b) my EFI was choked up with carbon.

I decided to just do the EFI as my wiper blades were cleaning fine. But that cost me another $130.

How did my Injectors get junked up that quick.... not to mention how did carbon get into my injectors in the first place? I'm no mechanic but the injectores are BEFORE the fuel burning process... thus you'd only get carbon build up from what, dirty fuel??

Was I taken for a ride? did I pay too much?

Thanks for letting me vent. I guess I'm just a little cranky after paying $280 to the dealer for a $150 service.

-Robert-

[skewe]

i did an EFI cleaning for a Gen4 and it was like $129 or $99. Have to look at the invoice. They wanted to do a throttle body cleaning for another $99 but i did that myself. All you need is a screwdriver and a throttle body cleaner + some cloth. That was done in Houston, TX.


Toyota Dealer Service Price in TX (in Bold)
$150
- Minimum compliance with Toyota reccomenation
- Tire Rotation. $10 -$20
- Cabin filter replacement ???
- oil change $25 max

$450
- Above items plus the following
- oil additive ???
- Throtle body Cleaning $99-$129
- EFI Cleaning $99-$129
- Tire Rotation AND balance $20 -$30
- New wiper blades $20
- Fuel additive ???

I think it might have been a bit on the high side. Usually, you are able to get a coupon off Toyota.com > Dealers > Parts and Coupon.
i.e. Tire Rotation and Balance for $9.90

[skewe]

Does anybody know where can I get some Gen4 cabin filters besides from toyota dealership? Also, how can i change it out? I have seen a lot of cabin filters for gen5 on eBay but none for gen4. Any instructions on how to replace it would be greatly appreciated.

[Giant81]

I guess I also have to check the area. Its in Northern Virginia Close to DC. From what I understand this area is a bit higher priced as it is. So I probably didn't make out too bad.

[bowlofturtle]

Your right on the EFI, they are before the burn process, so most likely its bad fuel. you should of went elsewhere for wiper blades. I mean they are like $6 each at autozone or something and most times people install them for you for free. I think OEM blades really stink since they are so much thinner. $280 for all of it isn't a ripp off but its a lot more on the higher end. Most of the things you can do on you own. like the wipers, oil change, throttle body cleaning. the additives parts i dont know much on so i wont speak of it.

[Giant81]

I didn't descide to get the wiper blades... I figured it was a rip.

I try and do most of the work by myself. But with the warranty I figure I'll let them do it and be safe.

[98CamryLE]

I don't believe Gen 4 had cabin air filters.... they added them with the Gen 5 in 2002. I could be wrong though- maybe the 2000/2001 XLE's with the auto climate controls had them?

[skewe]

Originally Posted by Giant81

I didn't descide to get the wiper blades... I figured it was a rip.

I try and do most of the work by myself. But with the warranty I figure I'll let them do it and be safe.

I would suggest getting the wiper blades from toyoto or a person who sells original toyota equip.
I got a set from walmart and somehow, it does not sit well on the windscreen, so i have a 1-1.5 inches which is off the glass. need to return it

[skewe]

Originally Posted by 98CamryLE

I don't believe Gen 4 had cabin air filters.... they added them with the Gen 5 in 2002. I could be wrong though- maybe the 2000/2001 XLE's with the auto climate controls had them?

i think ur right. Cabin filters started for avalon in 2000 and in 2002 for camry.

[VVT-i Owns]

Our Gen 5 has gotten nothing but Oil and new filters. It has about 40K miles. The dealer will always try to sell you some type of service.

[Giant81]

I should probably sit down and take a good long look at my warranty. And if what they say needs to be done, doesn't void my warranty when isn't. Then I'll probably either do it myself or not do it. try and save some money.

[skewe]

Originally Posted by VVT-i Owns

Our Gen 5 has gotten nothing but Oil and new filters. It has about 40K miles. The dealer will always try to sell you some type of service.

Definately agree about dealer trying to sell something extra.
My regular oil change always include a check of transmission oil (eventhough I changed it with him the last time), followed by radiator coolant.

Then he goes on about it's time to flush radiator, etc.

They are good sales people.

[Giant81]

I may end up doing my own drain and refill on the cooling system... but only becasue I don't know when it was done last ... and I want to keep the corrosion inhibitors in top shape.

[mcv30]

this is pretty good informative information since almost in for the 30k maintainance and not sure what is necessary or needed yet

besides the usual oil/filter/carbin filter/rotation-balance/wiper blade/ transmission fluid/brake fluid etc...

i dont know much about the additives whether it is necessary and efi chemical etc.

in addition, i thought for the 30k service they would adjust your e-brake or foot brake... and adjust something with the computer timing?

some more information would be greatly appreciated

[skewe]

Originally Posted by Giant81

I may end up doing my own drain and refill on the cooling system... but only becasue I don't know when it was done last ... and I want to keep the corrosion inhibitors in top shape.

I know that they usually advetrise that they put some cleaner / liquid when they are flushing the radiator.. anybody know what is that liquid?