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Advice on dealer service recommendations

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frekin

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I just passed 90k miles on my 2021 RAV4 Prime, and I am now outside of warranty service. The last time I took it into the dealer, they tried to charge me $1500 for a bunch of items that I knew were not listed for the 90k service. I declined the following recommended services:

SDC Climate Control Service (EVAP service) - $148.99
Blower, Hybrid Battery Fan AND FILTERS - $449.70!
SDC 75W-90 Rr Differential Full-Syn - 64oz - $202.00
SDC Full Synthetic Low Viscosity Transmission Service 1 quart - $314.99

I have cleaned the filter in the back seat panel before, so I'm inclined to skip the second one since I hear the fan running properly while charging.
I think EVAP service is just cleaning the drip tray so the AC doesn't smell, so I'm not sure I want to pay for that either.

However, I read around in this forum about changing the diff oil and I think this one might be needed since I'm pushing 100k miles and I go through river crossings multiple times a year. Also, the transmission fluid change seems to be a good idea near 100k miles as well. I used to do these things myself but now my time is more important than the $.

Which of these are unneeded or rip-offs?

I'm taking it back this weekend because they noted my "lower control arms are starting to crack" (covered under extended warranty).
 
#2 ·
frekin said:
I just passed 90k miles on my 2021 RAV4 Prime, and I am now outside of warranty service. The last time I took it into the dealer, they tried to charge me $1500 for a bunch of items that I knew were not listed for the 90k service. I declined the following recommended services:

SDC Climate Control Service (EVAP service) - $148.99
Blower, Hybrid Battery Fan AND FILTERS - $449.70!
SDC 75W-90 Rr Differential Full-Syn - 64oz - $202.00
SDC Full Synthetic Low Viscosity Transmission Service 1 quart - $314.99

I have cleaned the filter in the back seat panel before, so I'm inclined to skip the second one since I hear the fan running properly while charging.
I think EVAP service is just cleaning the drip tray so the AC doesn't smell, so I'm not sure I want to pay for that either.

However, I read around in this forum about changing the diff oil and I think this one might be needed since I'm pushing 100k miles and I go through river crossings multiple times a year. Also, the transmission fluid change seems to be a good idea near 100k miles as well. I used to do these things myself but now my time is more important than the $.

Which of these are unneeded or rip-offs?

I'm taking it back this weekend because they noted my "lower control arms are starting to crack" (covered under extended warranty).
Click to expand...
!
 
#3 ·
frekin said:
I just passed 90k miles on my 2021 RAV4 Prime, and I am now outside of warranty service. The last time I took it into the dealer, they tried to charge me $1500 for a bunch of items that I knew were not listed for the 90k service. I declined the following recommended services:

SDC Climate Control Service (EVAP service) - $148.99
Blower, Hybrid Battery Fan AND FILTERS - $449.70!
SDC 75W-90 Rr Differential Full-Syn - 64oz - $202.00
SDC Full Synthetic Low Viscosity Transmission Service 1 quart - $314.99

I have cleaned the filter in the back seat panel before, so I'm inclined to skip the second one since I hear the fan running properly while charging.
I think EVAP service is just cleaning the drip tray so the AC doesn't smell, so I'm not sure I want to pay for that either.

However, I read around in this forum about changing the diff oil and I think this one might be needed since I'm pushing 100k miles and I go through river crossings multiple times a year. Also, the transmission fluid change seems to be a good idea near 100k miles as well. I used to do these things myself but now my time is more important than the $.

Which of these are unneeded or rip-offs?

I'm taking it back this weekend because they noted my "lower control arms are starting to crack" (covered under extended warranty).
Click to expand...
Id do the trans and diff. It’s 7qts ATF-WS fluid for both IIRC, widely available, 75w90 has no place in these drivetrains. I think you are getting bad advice. Find an independent shop you trust, those services should be half that.
 
#7 ·
frekin said:
I just passed 90k miles on my 2021 RAV4 Prime, and I am now outside of warranty service. The last time I took it into the dealer, they tried to charge me $1500 for a bunch of items that I knew were not listed for the 90k service. I declined the following recommended services:

SDC Climate Control Service (EVAP service) - $148.99
Blower, Hybrid Battery Fan AND FILTERS - $449.70!
SDC 75W-90 Rr Differential Full-Syn - 64oz - $202.00
SDC Full Synthetic Low Viscosity Transmission Service 1 quart - $314.99

I have cleaned the filter in the back seat panel before, so I'm inclined to skip the second one since I hear the fan running properly while charging.
I think EVAP service is just cleaning the drip tray so the AC doesn't smell, so I'm not sure I want to pay for that either.

However, I read around in this forum about changing the diff oil and I think this one might be needed since I'm pushing 100k miles and I go through river crossings multiple times a year. Also, the transmission fluid change seems to be a good idea near 100k miles as well. I used to do these things myself but now my time is more important than the $.

Which of these are unneeded or rip-offs?

I'm taking it back this weekend because they noted my "lower control arms are starting to crack" (covered under extended warranty).
Click to expand...
I’d personally scan in your evidence of this blatant attempt for useless and harmful upsells (as others have noted your rear diff/MGR takes Toyota WS not 75W90!) and report this dealer to Toyota corporate. Someone needs to get fired.
 
#9 ·
Incredible…Incredible!
I have very good knowledge of automobile mechanics, I learned over time to carry out maintenance and services on my cars. With sites like YouTube I validate my repairs or I ask questions on the forum. I've had TOYOTAs for 20 years, imagine the number of useless repairs we try to do. I can say the list is long.
Surely the other manufacturers are not better, but this forum shows us that Toyota is still trying to scam us in 2024. A chance that some person asks the members if everyone is OK or NOT. If you have no mechanical knowledge, ask questions HERE.
The members will be happy to answer you.
Translate with google..
 
#10 ·
I don't think Toyota is trying to scam us. On the contrary, they clearly list the services that are recommended in the maintenance guides. The dealers (like virtually all dealers) want to do way more than necessary. I don't view Toyota dealers and Toyota the manufacturer as one in the same.
 
#11 ·
The first thing you have to do is mention how much longer you're planning on keeping it. Then go by the maintenance guide (link below), and since you're driving closer to 30k per year I'd go more aggressive on maintenance. You basically always have a car payment. Your loan gets replaced with maintenance. You can save a bit by buying a maintenance plan. Basically, you're buying service at today's labor rates and cost, and protecting yourself from market increases and inflation. Toyota's maintenance plans are much lower than competitor's vehicles. If all else it makes it easier to budget, and yes you need to read the fine print, and get quotes from multiple sources.


This is why I lease, and go with the one-pay option. Also, I'd probably have gone with a normal hybrid for that kind of mileage. You'd get 10mph more on average, and a Camry with better aerodynamics. Cheaper to maintain too.

Good luck!
 
#12 ·
frekin said:
I just passed 90k miles on my 2021 RAV4 Prime, and I am now outside of warranty service. The last time I took it into the dealer, they tried to charge me $1500 for a bunch of items that I knew were not listed for the 90k service. I declined the following recommended services:

SDC Climate Control Service (EVAP service) - $148.99
Blower, Hybrid Battery Fan AND FILTERS - $449.70!
SDC 75W-90 Rr Differential Full-Syn - 64oz - $202.00
SDC Full Synthetic Low Viscosity Transmission Service 1 quart - $314.99

I have cleaned the filter in the back seat panel before, so I'm inclined to skip the second one since I hear the fan running properly while charging.
I think EVAP service is just cleaning the drip tray so the AC doesn't smell, so I'm not sure I want to pay for that either.

However, I read around in this forum about changing the diff oil and I think this one might be needed since I'm pushing 100k miles and I go through river crossings multiple times a year. Also, the transmission fluid change seems to be a good idea near 100k miles as well. I used to do these things myself but now my time is more important than the $.

Which of these are unneeded or rip-offs?

I'm taking it back this weekend because they noted my "lower control arms are starting to crack" (covered under extended warranty).
Click to expand...
At 30k miles servcice, i was subjected to the same thing: lots of items that were not even required or able to be complied with on my 2020 hybrid limited. For example, they had listed the transfer case fluid replacement. My hybrid doesn’t have a transfer case. There were other items too. In the end, I just adhered to the items on the Toyota maiantenance checkist in the manual. I did all the work myself in the end, which wasn’t much more than the usual oil and filter change, inspect the air filters etc. The air filter for the hybrid battery does need inspecting. If clogged, it can impede The aiirflow to the battery cooling system. However, it’s quick and easy to vacuum and take apart to clean. T/he filter only I mean. I wouldkn’t do all the fan and motor. Inspction if it’s not required in the Toyota service book. To me, that stuff either works or it doesn‘t.

I estimated I saved myself around 1,700 bucks by not doing the dealer recommended stuff for the 30k service.
 
#14 ·
John Gibson said:
At 30k miles servcice, i was subjected to the same thing: lots of items that were not even required or able to be complied with on my 2020 hybrid limited.
Click to expand...
When a service advisor tries the hard sell for unnecessary service, I look them in the eye and ask: "Who is smarter? You or the Engineers that designed the car and specified the service requirements shown in the maintenance manual?" Funny the strange responses I have gotten with that question.
 
#15 ·
FKHeath said:
When a service advisor tries the hard sell for unnecessary service, I look them in the eye and ask: "Who is smarter? You or the Engineers that designed the car and specified the service requirements shown in the maintenance manual?" Funny the strange responses I have gotten with that question.
Click to expand...
I'll have to remember that line!
Image
 
#16 ·
FKHeath said:
When a service advisor tries the hard sell for unnecessary service, I look them in the eye and ask: "Who is smarter? You or the Engineers that designed the car and specified the service requirements shown in the maintenance manual?" Funny the strange responses I have gotten with that question.
Click to expand...
If the service advisor is smart (unlikely) he/she will say: "Toyota's recommendations are the minimum needed for the car to perform adequately during the relatively short warranty period. But if you want your car to last, we/they recommend the following . . . " But it's B.S.
 
#18 ·
Robert70 said:
Look in your manual and check what's needed at the service interval. Suggest going on Facebook ask the community for a good local independent mechanic in your area.
Click to expand...
I print out the page from the maintenance manual, cross of any items I do not want them to do and give it to the Service Advisor at the dealership when I check in. I NEVER, EVER just tell the Service Advisor to "Do the xxK Maintenance", because all dealers add items to the maintenance manual list that Toyota publishes.
 
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