My C got the first oil change at 9k. She's now at 17k so I brought it in for service. Service manager at the dealership said Toyota Care would not pay for an oil change until it gets to 20k. I told him that I drive under heavy conditions and as stated in the maintenance manual I should be getting oil change at 5k interval and it should be covered. My dealership was very willing to help and called Toyota Care but after speaking to the supervisor on the phone they still refused to pay for it. I also called Toyota Care myself to confirm and was told that they only cover standard driving condition, meaning they'll only pay for oil change at 10k and 20k. Is that true that they won't pay for oil change at 5k intervals even if I drive in heavy conditions and even if the maintenance schedule recommends oil change at 5k intervals? I do not see anywhere in the terms and conditions that says it is not covered, and I've seen other people on this forum saying Toyota covered the cost of the oil change at 5k.
Took my PiP in for 5k service yesterday. Dealer specifically wrote down and verbally told me there is no oil change for this interval. I didn't argue as I knew this already and I do not have a severe schedule. Maybe 5k oil change is for models that use non synthetic oil?
My dealership had no problems with me taking the oil changes early. So at 13k, I've already had both of my free changes. Both side made clear that we understood that while I still have several free services remaining, they don't include oil. From now on, I will be paying for all oil changes.
If you are the owner and want the oil change and plan on keeping the car then by all means pay for the oil and filter change. Better safe than sorry.
Toyota defines “special operating conditions.” as a) driving on dirt roads or dusty roads; b) driving while towing, using a car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading; c) repeated trips of less than five miles in temperatures below 32°F / 0°C; and d) extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for a long distance such as police, taxi, or door-to-door delivery use. If you drive primarily in those conditions, change every 5,000 miles or 6 months.
Just got my Toyota Care card. The bottom of the brochure says it excludes those services listed under special operating conditions. Tried to look for it on the Toyota website but couldn't find it.
