[masraum]

Originally Posted by p911dad

I basically take the old 4Runner back to the Toyota dealer for an oil change and inspection once a year, the truck doesn't get too many miles each year anymore.
So- 2 years ago they said it needed a water pump and front calipers and rotors. I said, does it pass inspection? Yes, see you next year. So I took it to my local indy and he said water pump is fine (this is pretty big $ as you need to basically take the front of the car apart to get to it). 2 years later still ok, no leaks. It did need rotors and calipers, ok, done. Last year the dealer said the steering rack is shot, water pump needs replacing and the induction system needs cleaning whatever that means. So again I went to the indy and he said all is well and it needs nothing, I did have him do an alignment and tire rotation for something for his trouble.
So it seems like this dealer's service dept. is simply making needs up to pad the bill. It just reinforces my already lack of trust of the these birds.

I've heard many times that dealerships don't make much on cars, and that most of their money is made from service. I don't know how true that is, but it wouldn't surprise me.