robsvdp

My '06 has 24k miles on it. I've done regular oil changes and tire rotations, replaced the air filter and cabin filter, and changed out the brake fluid. Time for it's next oil change, and the dealer is suggesting a "major service" given the "age" (guess 5 years is now old?). In any case, anything I should be doing other than oil and tire rotation with this low mileage and age?

Harold57

You might ask your dealer what he means by "major service". It may not include all that much or it may be extensive. Let us know what all he has in mind.

It is worth changing out the antifreeze every couple of years and probably a couple of other items that aren't coming to my mind right now.

VVTiBob

So your car has 24K or it's 60 months old. Let's take a look at the 60 Month recommended maintenance in your owner's manual. Well that doesn't seem so bad, in fact it's many of the items you do regularly. My question would be what do they think is major besides the factory recommended maintenance below? And remember a lot of the items on the bottom of the list are "inspections". BTW the number 2 footnote on "inspection" is "Required only if vehicle is operated primarily in desert,
on dirt roads or while towing."

cyberlexus

iTrader: (2)

In addition to what you've done, I would do transmission fluid drain & refill.

Sapherynth

I bought my 2002 in November with 35k miles on it and my mechanic suggested that I have the timing belt replaced in the near future because of age and power steering fluid flush. I did the fluids along with a tire rotation. I am going to hold off on the timing belt ($534 @ Currys in Chantilly, Va) until summer which the mech said would be just fine as long as I wasn't planning to set any land speed records ;D.

- Fluid flush was $112
- Road balance for tires $96
- New purchase inspection $140

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

love this topic! been beat to death, but i will still chime in that first of all do a search, but secondly there is a reason why they recommend mileage or months...go with the recommendation-it's like insurance!

Think about it-your car is driving around on five year old (or older) fluids and belts.

I'd do the 30k service for sure. I think that's what they meant, not the 60 month. If they looked in your service history and saw you did not have the major 30k/36 month I bet that's it. 60 month is not a "big" interval for service.

Make sure it includes the transmission flush, radiator flush, brake inspection (turn rotors if needed), power steering flush and rear differential flush. Sicne you've already flushed your brakes once, you should be good.

Some other considerations while you are there-serpentine belt-they typically can start chirping at 5-6 years old and the fuel induction treatment to clean out the carbon build up if your car seems to be lacking some pickup.

Buy the air filter and a/c cabin filter and DIY for half price or less.

do a search...we've talked about it a lot.

robsvdp

Thanks for the info -- often talked about, but I didn't see anything on this sort of intermediate time and low mileage (lots about low mileage '02 and about high mileage though). Appreciate all the advice!

EDIT: I did just see the post on the low mileage '05 -- missed in my original search

robsvdp

So now I'm really confused. Dealer says to do coolant every 3 years or so, but the manual and the coolant bottle say it's good for 10 years. Opinions?

cyberlexus

iTrader: (2)

coolant is cheap ($40 at my local toyota dealer) I wouldn't mind changing it every 3 years

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

+1 especially if you live in extreme temperature areas with a/c and heat running all the time. Sunny San Diego...maybe not!

darnot10

Excellent post. When you have such an incredible SC such as ours a little TLC goes a long way!

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

My 2002 SC had 25k miles on it and was driven very sparingly and I pushed the first 30k or 36 month service to 2006 before I changed out the coolant. I live in Texas and it was a super garage queen to say the least...had 29k on it when I sold it in 2009!

When I changed it, as well as the rear diff and tranny the fluids were disgusting. Specifically when they filled and flushed the second time the sludge came out. I'm sold! Case closed!!!