25K service $120 30K service $500

[benalexe]

My engine maintenance light went on over the weekend on my 2005 avalon limited. I figured it was the 25,000 service. I decided to bring it to the dealer. The service manager confirmed it was probably 25K service. I asked How much and what was included. Basicaly it seems like it is a way for the dealer to charge 120 for an oil change and tire roation. They also look at the brakes, belts and hoses, and lube the hindges. Big deal. This seems awfuly expensive. I enede up paying $28.00 and jsut got the oil change. I then asked abotu the 30,000 mile service. THey wanted $500 and they did all the things that the 25k service did but they changed the antifreeze and some onter minor stuff.

Do you guys preform these services?

[toyomoho]

Review the service items for 30K listed at the link below:

http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com...=2005&int_id=6

Pickup a Haynes service manual (number 92008) for under $23 for this model. The service is straight forward and DIY but easier if you have the service info.

FYI, the Camry, Solara and Lexus ES300/330 are almost the same car.

[benalexe]

I just think it is a crime to charge that much. It is hard to know if they even inspect these items.

[98CamryLE]

When you ask most dealerships for the "30K mile service", you aren't necessarily getting what the owner's manual / maintenance schedule calls for. Most dealers use this as an excuse to charge you for extensive inspections and other things that aren't generally called for according to the manual.

Ask your dealer to print out a list of what is included in their "30K mile service". Then get out your owners manual/maintenance schedule, and cross out anything on the dealer's print-out that isn't listed in the manual. Then ask the dealer to give you a price quote on what the manual actually calls for.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by benalexe

My engine maintenance light went on over the weekend on my 2005 avalon limited. I figured it was the 25,000 service. I decided to bring it to the dealer. The service manager confirmed it was probably 25K service. I asked How much and what was included. Basicaly it seems like it is a way for the dealer to charge 120 for an oil change and tire roation. They also look at the brakes, belts and hoses, and lube the hindges. Big deal. This seems awfuly expensive. I enede up paying $28.00 and jsut got the oil change. I then asked abotu the 30,000 mile service. THey wanted $500 and they did all the things that the 25k service did but they changed the antifreeze and some onter minor stuff.

Do you guys preform these services?

IMO, the prices you listed for those services are outrageous. Even with Toyota, treat your car like you treat yourself when you need medical care: get a second or even third opinion before taking it somewhere. Also, recommendations from people you trust can never be beat. I'm lucky to have an incredible A++ dealership near me, and as a backup I have two private mechanics that also rate my A++ standard. Hope you can find the same...best of luck....

TrailDust

[MikeS.]

I use my local private mechanic for all the "normal" service stuff. I print out a copy of the manual and ask him to do whats there. A lot cheaper that way.