Hello Everyone!

I purchased a 2001 4 Runner V6 4WD last year and have decided to be a more responsible car owner this go around. Due to a very tight budget, I admittedly bargain shopped for car repairs on my previous 1995 4 Runner and after a long string of recurrent extensive repairs (alternator, radiator, alternator again etc.) at random shops she was declared RIP last year. Hence, it appears that my bargains were not bargains after all so it's off to the stealership I go.

My current 2001 was previously leased so it has been well maintained according to the maintenance schedule. My driving entails nothing crazy just typical in the city, highways and suburbs.

In general, I'm wondering if the schedules on the Toyota website are sufficient to go by? I'm taking her in soon for the 60,000 miles check-up and according to the schedule was planning to request the following:

2001 4Runner
60,000 Miles - 48 Months

-Replace engine oil and oil filter
-Replace engine air filter
-Replace engine coolant
-Replace non-platinum spark plugs 3
-Lubricate propeller shaft (4WD)
-Re-torque propeller shaft bolt
-Rotate tires

-Inspect the following:
Automatic transmission fluid
Ball joints and dust covers
Brake lines and hoses
Brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Charcoal canister 4
Drive belts 5
Drive shaft boots (4WD)
Engine valve clearance
Exhaust pipes and mountings
Front differential oil (4WD)
Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
Fuel tank cap gasket
Rear differential oil
Steering gear box
Steering linkage and boots
Transfer case oil (4WD)

Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions:

Driving on Rough, Muddy or Snow-Melted Roads
Inspect nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Towing a Trailer or Using a Camper or Car-Top Carrier
Inspect nuts and bolts on chassis and body
Replace front differential oil
Replace rear differential oil, including limited-slip
Replace transfer case oil (4WD)
Replace transmission fluid or oil

Applicable Footnotes:
3) Required under the terms of the Emission Control Warranty.
4) Inspect at 60,000 miles or 72 months, whichever comes first. Required only for vehicles in California, Massachusettes and New York.
5) Initial inspection at 60,000 miles. Inspect every 15,000 miles thereafter.


Is there anything else I should know or inquire about regarding 60,000 mile maintenance? Any tips for avoiding unnecessary work or "imaginary needed" repairs? In general, is the maintence schedule on the Toyota website the best to follow or is it either too comprehensive or not thorough enough?

Also, I live in San Francisco but am planning to take it to the Concord Toyota Scion on 1090 Concord Avenue in Concord, CA for logistical reasons. I've been there on a couple of occasions for minor reaons and have been relatively pleased with their service thus far. Any thoughts on this dealership or others in my area?

Thank you so much for your feedback so that my "new" 4 Runner can live a longer and healthier life than my last.

Take care and happy holidays![/align]