How much scheduled maintenance is really necessary?

[deadeye]

Howdy, new member here. Mid 40’s bald dude. Owner of a bone stock ’03 Corolla LE. It’s the wife’s car. If this forum is just for trick rides just tell me and I’ll go. Just tell me where to go…uh, tell me what other forum I could go to.

Up until this vehicle my wife and I have always owned 2 or 3 generation hand-me-downs. My current ride is a 91 GMC Rustoleum. The point of this is… we’ve always had older vehicles that you pretty much changed the oil, kept inspected, and other than obvious issues, drove. So now we’ve got this newer vehicle, still bought used, and have decided to ‘keep it nice’, meaning whenever there’s scheduled service, we’re gonna get it. Well that must have worked well at the 20,000 check-up because it was due, we did it, and I don’t remember the charges being ungodly. Well now it’s time for the 30,000 checkup. I call the shop and make the appointment and the guy sez $350.00 please!!! I said Holy “moley”!! So, the question is… is this really what it takes? Isn’t there a happy-medium in here somewhere? And if I don’t do this is my Certified Toyota warrantee void?

Sorry to be so long winded but I’m still venting.

Cheers… and thanks in advance!
Deadeye.

[Raddman]

Hi...30,000 check up here(Cleveland, USA) is $300...my cars a 03 rolla at 37,000 now(didn't pick up the warranty)...I suggest getting this because its your last major maintenance till after you warranty expires, this is the oil/coolant/transmission fluid/ air filter replacement..balance and rotate tires...all the rest is just basic stuff as inspecting brakes/nuts/ bolts...etc etc...who knows if they really do this..you can go to a local shop and have it done(which might save you a $100) but its best to let Toyota know that's its on their records(JMHO) now after my bumper to bumper has expired I do or get most of the other maintenance done either by myself or from a local place at half the cost...and if you read your manual you can do this, just make sure you keep/save all receipts and maintenance performed for your 60,000 engine/drive warranty...also a tip..if you need your cabin air filter changed, do it yourself they charged me $60 to replace it, the filter cost about $20......hope this helps ...Raddamn Out....

"I OWNED A NEW CAR ONCE, MY X WIFE LOVES IT"

[rolla-XRS]

Doesn't Toyota.com have a service schedule breakdown?

Toyota knows if you've dealer serviced your car.

If you have to call them about some part failure that occurs just outside the warranty period, you have a much better chance of getting some financial assistance for the repair. They don't "have" to do this, but will sometimes authorize it - particularly is you're reasonable and professional about it.

FWIW, this practice generally does not apply to the Big-3 who typically snub their noses at your after warranty expires.