QuestionMy 2002 Camry is due for its 30k maintenance. I've called several dealers asking for quotes, each have given prices ranging from $350 - $400.
To a varying degree, each suggests the following:
oil and filter change, tire rotation, replace air conditioning filter, replace engine coolant, replace spark plugs, replace transmission fluid, clean fuel injectors, adjust brakes, adjust timing, adjust drive belts, service battery, and visually inspect a host of other components.
How much of this is necessary and required and how much is fluff intended to escalate the price? What is a reasonable price for a 30k check-up?
AnswerHere is what you actually need to have done:
Change the oil and filter(I recommend every 3000 miles)
Rotate the tires
Replace the cabin air filter
Clean and adjust the brakes
Replace the engine air filter
Toyota uses a long life coolant(LLC) which does not need to be changed until 90,000 miles
The spark plugs are iridium tipped and also will go 90k miles
The transmission fluid I would recommend change at 60k miles
The fuel injector cleaning is totally unessesary
The timing is not adjustable, it's controlled by the on board computer
the drive belt has an automatic tensioner and is not adjustable
The battery is not serviceable
Call one of the dealers and tell them that you would like to have the items done that I recommended it should not cost more than $200. I am giving you this information because you asked, remember that I also am employed at a toyota dealer and giving you this information in confidence and ask that you not reveal my name to any dealership that you contact, you can also consult your owner's manual it should contain the maintenance schedule and recommendations.
