Is It Necessary To Do Services?

[Ilpav]

In September, I bought a 2005 Matrix XR Auto.

First, I was a bit worried when after 5000 kms, the service warning light didn't come on. It currently has around 68000 kms. I took it to a Toyota dealer to see why the light didn't come on, and for a simple oil change because it went 5000 kms since I got it. Then, they said I need to do the "60K KM service" which means replacing some fluids, changing the oil, and doing an inspection.

They wanted to charge me $500 for it and I just thought it was ridiculous; then I asked for just an oil change and they would have charged $50 for it. I then went to another place and got the oil change for $30.

Is that $500 service really necessary? The dealer checked the records on the car and the previous owner did the 20K service and missed the 40K service and now it's due for the 60K service, but it's way too expensive.

Please advise me on my situation.

Also, I noticed that the engine vibrates quite loudly when I am waiting for a red light with my foot on the brake, but when I take my foot off the brake, it isn't as loud; what could that be? Are Toyota's 1.8s naturally "rough" like that because they have a pretty high compression ratio?

Thanks for any help.

[VWJettaMK2]

What exactly is a 60K service entail? What fluids did they want to change? You dont have to go to Toyota to do a 60K service.

[nmehes]

Look in your owners manual!!!! It tells you what to expect. Also there is no service light that comes on to warn you of your next service. You have to know that every 8000km or 6months you need an oil change.

[VWJettaMK2]

Originally Posted by nmehes

Look in your owners manual!!!! It tells you what to expect. Also there is no service light that comes on to warn you of your next service. You have to know that every 8000km or 6months you need an oil change.

I SERIOUSLY hope that when you say 8000KM your talking about full synthetic. No dino oil lasts more then 4800-5000KM. Anything over that and your going to have a motor that burns oil.

[Jeff Lange]

Originally Posted by VWJettaMK2

I SERIOUSLY hope that when you say 8000KM your talking about full synthetic. No dino oil lasts more then 4800-5000KM. Anything over that and your going to have a motor that burns oil.

What? Are you joking?

Toyota recommends 8000kms for non-synthetic. I've never seen any sludge buildup in a properly maintained 8000km per oil change engine.

Toyota used to recommend even longer than that on some cars.

Haven't you ever read your owners manual?

Jeff

[VWJettaMK2]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lange

What? Are you joking?

Toyota recommends 8000kms for non-synthetic. I've never seen any sludge buildup in a properly maintained 8000km per oil change engine.

Toyota used to recommend even longer than that on some cars.

Haven't you ever read your owners manual?

Jeff

My owners manual on my Jetta states " 5w40 synthetic oil " and it also recomends every 6000KM or 3 months..Now lemme see...Hmmm you can go and drive 8000KM on regular oil and Ill stick with what I know that works..


Just wait till you have to rebuild your motor when you see the carbon build up on your valves..Good luck taking them out..Most of the time thats what we get at our shop(other then crappy GM's)..

[Wholemilk]

for 500 bucks you get:
Oil and filter change
Transmission fluid flush
Coolant flush
PCV valve replacement
Engine Air filter replacement
Wiper replacement
Tire balance and rotation
Fill washer fluid
Full car inspection
Reset maintenance light
Lubrication of all door joints
Reminder sticker of your next service (usually within 5,000 miles)
and last but not least a car wash!

I may be missing 1 or 2 things but that is basically what they do

this applies to 30,000 60,000 90,000 120,000 and so forth (every 30,000) at every 60,000 mile service they are required to replace your transmission pan gasket (autos only).

Every 15,000 45,000 75,000 etc
they do:
Oil and filter change
Engine air filter
Wiper replacement
Tire balance and rotation
Lubrication of all door joints
Full car inspection.
Reset maintenance light
Reminder sticker of your next service (usually within 5,000 miles)
Car wash

All this information can be found in your owners manual including other helpful facts

Hope this has helped

[Jeff Lange]

Originally Posted by VWJettaMK2

My owners manual on my Jetta states " 5w40 synthetic oil " and it also recomends every 6000KM or 3 months..Now lemme see...Hmmm you can go and drive 8000KM on regular oil and Ill stick with what I know that works..


Just wait till you have to rebuild your motor when you see the carbon build up on your valves..Good luck taking them out..Most of the time thats what we get at our shop(other then crappy GM's)..

Oh, okay, I believe you.

Jeff

[Wholemilk]

honestly all newer toyotas these days will run for about 5000 miles or 5 months before needing an oil change and its ok for the car but its not the best. toyotas are formulated for every 5000 miles but i do it every 3000. the oils today have improved but the pollution have not, you can have the best oil on earth but contamination is unavoidable. bottom line i suggest you change your oil every 3000 or follow the owners manual, dont cheap out on car maintenance because you'll end up spending a whole lot more like VWJettaMK2 stated. and yes i am also a mechanic and a car care freak

P.S this also applies to ALL your fluids, tranny, coolant, differential (if applicable).