The Real cost to service a V6 Emira

[thisguyinsd]

I appreciate the owners who have the experience, know how, and equipment to service their own vehicles. I haven't serviced anything on a car since 1990. I'm not likely to start with my Emira, even if it is a simple 3.5 L Toyota engine. I would likely do something so stupid, that most here wouldn't have thought possible. I'll just work a little more to pay for the overpriced service costs.

 

[Sanguineous]

Re: dealer $800 oil change (A service)
I’m probably going to do my own B service (oil, filters, brake fluid). I have 2 questions:
1) dealer coordination for checking codes and software updates
2) how best to document

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Last time I went to my annual service in April and I had 6 differents software updated pending... My recommendation here is to be transparent and direct with the dealer for all of those, I would schedule the appointment for the software after you did your own service. I would ask to explain which software are free and which you need to pay... Be sure that you understand well what they will charge you... Some recall/warranty might be free of labour charge, while QoL update might be paid.... I might be wrong, ask questions!

If you are doing your own service while under warranty.... In my opinion... It is petty risky, unless you run a reputable garage yourself. While I'm sure you can do a great job, it gives them an easy way out of a warranty claim that could cost you money/time/effort to dispute.

If you are out of warranty, or really want to do it yourself, then I would buy the official Emira service handbook and ask questions about documenting to DIY expert here in the forum. @ Savanna7 is a great US Emira owner that is active here and run a cool YouTube channel about DIY Emira stuff; I'm sure he would help you!

 

[Matt]

Parts are pretty easy to buy online, but most people don't have a car lift to raise the vehicle. Since you have to remove the underbody panel for maintenance on this car, I just bought better oil and filters myself, then take them to the dealer for the service and pay them for the labor.

 

[Sanguineous]

Parts are pretty easy to buy online, but most people don't have a car lift to raise the vehicle. Since you have to remove the underbody panel for maintenance on this car, I just bought better oil and filters myself, then take them to the dealer for the service and pay them for the labor.

Yes you are right about the lift!

For info, while it is not popular in Canada, there are some place like Here where they rent a garage space with lift for DIY mechanics. You pay a renting hourly rate and can use their lift+tools. If you live close to a big city you can look around maybe something like that exist and you never heard about it!