Hi all, I'm planning to pick up a new Blue Solar III today, and they're offering the free 2-yr maintenance. Fine. They are offering an additional 2 years for $440. Is this worth it? He said that the 30k/36mo service was expensive, and getting this upgrade to cover it would pay for itself. Is this true? I've seen some people on here claim that you don't need to do the big maintenance checks, just change the oil and rotate the tires. But is that being too lax? Assuming I do want to do the maintenance as recommended, what is the price of that big 30k/36mo service?
The only thing different for the 30k miles service is the addition of engine air filter, but dealers do overcharge for it (double the every 5k miles service). It's $149.95 plus tax locally. What I do is, since mine already had its first oil change at 5k miles, is take it in every 10k miles (15k, 25k, 35k, etc.) and avoid those overpriced 30k service "specials." This means I'm changing the engine air filter myself and have them rotate the tires every 10k miles instead of 5k. A lot cheaper than $440.
I don't think it's worth it. The engine air filter lists for $21.48 from Toyota and you can install it yourself in about 5 minutes. A common problem with maintenance contracts is that they tie you to one dealer for maintenance, and if they do a poor job and you go elsewhere you loose. Also remember if the dealer wasn't making money on them they wouldn't sell them. Toyota part numbers: ICE air filter is 17801-37020 cabin air filter is 87139-YZZ10.
I just bought the Toyota Maintenance Contract from member Troy at the Warranty Shack. Since Toyota of Greenfield is 3000 miles from my house, I would be a very concerned about being tied to this dealer! I guess I will find out once I bring in my car to my local dealer for the first coupon service....albeit I am a bit unnerved how the nomenclature on the coupons state Toyota of Greenfield as my dealer. I'll probably call Troy tomorrow to make sure of all this.