Advice on prices for 90K maintenence please

[nomochevys]

Ok, we are coming up on 90K miles on a 03 Runner limited AWD with a 4. 7 V8. Let me say this first. This has been hands down the most trouble free solid new car we have ever owned barr none. WE have owned them all including other Toyotas but this one just got screwed together tighter for some reason. Its been a jewel and we plan to keep it at least another 6 or 7 years. The only downside of the Runner is that is sucks gas bad. No other gripes at all. I can tell no difference in it from the day it was new. No joke.

Ok, we have put front brakes on it recently, a new cabin filter, oil changes of course with mobil 1, radiator flush, new fuel filter, and a few other things I cant remember off the top of my head. Oh, a new sepentine belt and just basic things. And a brake light bulb. lol

We need a new timing belt and water pump and a tune up. Toyota wants like 400 for the timing belt and almost the same for a tune up. WTF? Does not this seem high for a tune up? It runs perfect right now. What is involved in a tune up? Plugs of course but what else? I think they are trying to rip us off and pressured us to do it right now. I said pass. Im going to my independent guy to talk with him. He is an ex Nissan/ Chevy guy and very honest.

I dont mind spending money to keep it in top shape but I dont want to be ripped off either. What am I missing?

WE are still on the original Michlens also. They are just about shot and new ones are on the way but man they have been good tires right up till the end.

[jetwhine]

nomochevys,

The only thing I can think of is the plugs themselves and maybe an air filter. The plugs run about $10 a plug. Air filter maybe $50. Labor well maybe they are slow. I think they under quoted you on the T-belt change. That should run somewhere in the neighborhood of $500-$700 for an independent. I can't imagine Toyota doing it for $400 unless I'm missing something. I would have them do the T-belt and you do the plugs. They are not that bad to change. You might have to move a few things out of the way to get to a couple of them but it is not hard of a job. That is if you want to do it yourself. I think I would at least get a quote from your trusted mech and go from there. Use NGK or Denso only, no substitues.
Thumbs up on the Michelin's. That is all I run and have been very happy with them for many years! There a allot of great tires out there but I like the Michelin's.

[nomochevys]

Originally Posted by jetwhine

nomochevys,

The only thing I can think of is the plugs themselves and maybe an air filter. The plugs run about $10 a plug. Air filter maybe $50. Labor well maybe they are slow. I think they under quoted you on the T-belt change. That should run somewhere in the neighborhood of $500-$700 for an independent. I can't imagine Toyota doing it for $400 unless I'm missing something. I would have them do the T-belt and you do the plugs. They are not that bad to change. You might have to move a few things out of the way to get to a couple of them but it is not hard of a job. That is if you want to do it yourself. I think I would at least get a quote from your trusted mech and go from there. Use NGK or Denso only, no substitues.
Thumbs up on the Michelin's. That is all I run and have been very happy with them for many years! There a allot of great tires out there but I like the Michelin's.

Thanks for your imput. Im going to take it to my independent guy. He is usually way cheaper and way more competent imo. This truck has never seen a Toyota service bay and never will. I often wonder how they stay in business. This goes for all big car companies service departments. They are not a bit better and most of the time worse than their independent counterpart.

10 bucks a plug seems high but its been a long time since I have bought any. I want to put back in it whatever they used at the factory. This thing still runs perfect and is silky smooth. Surely to God there is more to a tune up than plugs because I cant see giving 300 in labor to replace them.

I jinxed myself on the tires. We had a blow out tonight. The left front hit a piece of metal or someting and cut the sidewall. The mikey mouse jack and lug wrench they send you home with is useless as an ashtray on a motorcycle. Called AAA and they changed it out. The one tire that got hit is toast but will still hold air for the time being so its my spare.

I will be buying a new set of tires soon and they will be the same as the factory Michlens. These are excellent tires. They still have no road noise and are pratically wore slap out.

We are going to drive this truck at least another 6 or 7 years. I swear to you it still feels like its brand new to me. Toyota has gone down hilll over the last few years for sure and maybe we just got lucky and got a good one. I love everything about this truck except the gas mileage.

[jetwhine]

nomochevys,

Yes the plugs that are stock are iridium tip and are supposed to be 100,000 mile plugs. However I change mine at 85,000 mi. When you change them yourself you save a ton of dough.
The plugs that Toyota stock are the Denso P/N SK20R11 and they are $10.95 + tax per plug. Those are the ones I prefer. You can get the NGK type P/N IFR6A11 at your local parts store and they run about $6.00 + tax. If they don't have that exact part number then I would get the ones at Toyota because Toyota cars and truck are very specific about part numbers and if you don't believe me try something else and you will probably be changing them out right away.
As far as driving mine, it still feels new and I have about 150,00 miles on it. Suspension is tight etc.
The noise level on the Michelin's is what I like about them the most, and they are also a traction type of tire which in my case, works great in the mud and snow.