Servicing At Mr. T.'s

[Guest]

Our iQ went in for it's 3rd service today, our first since we bought it. It was done on the fixed servicing plan at (Intermediate) £119. The Air Filter was not replaced with a new one, and it's manky! Also, the Screenwash is on the list, yet only the neck of the washer bottle has 'new' screenwash in it, as I usually top it up after a week or less. I use Prestone Summer stuff, it's green too, but lighter than the one they have used. How do I know they have done the plugs? I don't do I. The plugs are not on the list of jobs done on the service, and neither is the air filter. Are they supposed to replace these things automatically? I mean, I paid the 'fixed price' service bill, shouldn't I have had a full service and not a part service? I'm going to give the dealer a call tomorrow and ask what's up. I may shout down the phone, WASSSSSSUP? Then again I might not. More tomorrow.

[aaronfife]

If I were u I would go back and kick up stink. Air filter in my eyes should be replaced every year. It's the breathing of your engine and yes your filter is manky alright!

Once your service plan is up just service it yourself. At least you know what oil when into it! Cost me £40 compared to Mr T's finest £259 for a full service.... No thanks. Servicing an IQ is really straight forward if you have the tools.

[Soeley]

According to the service book for the Intermediate Service:

Replace engine oil and filter

Inspect Cabin air filter

Inspect Brake pads and discs

Inspect Tyres, Lights, Wiper Blades and Washer fluid

Air filter is changed at 4 years or 40,000 miles

Spark plugs are an Inspect item on the FULL service. Normal plugs to be changed at 4 years or 40,000 miles. Platinum or Iridium every 60,000 miles.

[aaronfife]

I would never even think of keeping a air filter in for 4years. Is that official recommend changes yeah? Mind you, I'm very ocd!

[Soeley]

That information is straight from the service book. I suppose you gotta trust Toyota. But I guess if you lived in a very dusty climate, they might change it sooner at one of the Full Service inspections. But that whole be the mechanics call.

[johnan]

I am afraid you are at their mercy really.

I am well capable of servicing my own cars having built an number of different ones over the years, but I just take out a service plan and let them get on with it, but I know the minimum will be done and I am paying over the odds for it.

I know you dont need to have servicing done by a dealer for warranty validity, but at least that way if any software or other tweaks are available the dealer should do them as part of the service, which won't happen elsewhere.

Once out of warranty then I would most defiitely do it myself.

Dealer costs are excessive though,I know they have to make a living but really, must they be so high.

My IQ was in for it's first service last week.It was actually in the workshop for about 26 minutes.

In that time it was looked over (health and safety checks) and oil and filter changed.

For the privilege of this attention I have been paying £15 a month for the last year (direct debit service plan payment).

Over the year that works out to £180, for 26 minutes work, or over £360 an hour.

Seems a bit much.

For that money I would like the wheels off, brakes cleaned, lubrication of anything that moves etc, not a 26 minute poke around.

John

[aaronfife]

I am afraid you are at their mercy really.

I am well capable of servicing my own cars having built an number of different ones over the years, but I just take out a service plan and let them get on with it, but I know the minimum will be done and I am paying over the odds for it.

I know you dont need to have servicing done by a dealer for warranty validity, but at least that way if any software or other tweaks are available the dealer should do them as part of the service, which won't happen elsewhere.

Once out of warranty then I would most defiitely do it myself.

Dealer costs are excessive though,I know they have to make a living but really, must they be so high.

My IQ was in for it's first service last week.It was actually in the workshop for about 26 minutes.

In that time it was looked over (health and safety checks) and oil and filter changed.

For the privilege of this attention I have been paying £15 a month for the last year (direct debit service plan payment).

Over the year that works out to £180, for 26 minutes work, or over £360 an hour.

Seems a bit much.

For that money I would like the wheels off, brakes cleaned, lubrication of anything that moves etc, not a 26 minute poke around.

John

I couldn't agree with you any more.

26 minute job is just not on for what your paying.

[Guest]

If I were u I would go back and kick up stink. Air filter in my eyes should be replaced every year. It's the breathing of your engine and yes your filter is manky alright!

Once your service plan is up just service it yourself. At least you know what oil when into it! Cost me £40 compared to Mr T's finest £259 for a full service.... No thanks. Servicing an IQ is really straight forward if you have the tools.

I called the dealers today, but they don't have service staff in on Saturday. The woman I spoke to made a note and will let them know of my query on Monday. That is, I asked why the plugs and air filter were not changed. Someone who heard her talk about that whilst I was on the phone said the plugs are a 40,000 mile change, which is good, but can't help thinking a clean up of them would have been in order... still, they know about the car servicing more than I do. As for the air filter, also changed at 40,000 miles, seems a little too long in my opinion. Seeing it that dirty, as a Toyota Maintenance Technician (Mechanic) I would have changed it, but again, they don't work that way -it seems- anymore do they? I will discover more on Monday no doubt.

[Soeley]

If I were u I would go back and kick up stink. Air filter in my eyes should be replaced every year. It's the breathing of your engine and yes your filter is manky alright!

Once your service plan is up just service it yourself. At least you know what oil when into it! Cost me £40 compared to Mr T's finest £259 for a full service.... No thanks. Servicing an IQ is really straight forward if you have the tools.

I called the dealers today, but they don't have service staff in on Saturday. The woman I spoke to made a note and will let them know of my query on Monday. That is, I asked why the plugs and air filter were not changed. Someone who heard her talk about that whilst I was on the phone said the plugs are a 40,000 mile change, which is good, but can't help thinking a clean up of them would have been in order... still, they know about the car servicing more than I do. As for the air filter, also changed at 40,000 miles, seems a little too long in my opinion. Seeing it that dirty, as a Toyota Maintenance Technician (Mechanic) I would have changed it, but again, they don't work that way -it seems- anymore do they? I will discover more on Monday no doubt.

It is always a good idea to check the service manual your self before you take it in, that way you know for certain what is expected to be done, and can query anything amiss at the time of collection whilst the mechanics are still there.

Also, looking at the picture of the filter is it actually dirty? as in caked in muck, it just looks more like a discoloration on the picture, so it might not be as bad as you think.

[Soeley]

Johnan,

"Dealer costs are excessive though,I know they have to make a living but really, must they be so high.

My IQ was in for it's first service last week.It was actually in the workshop for about 26 minutes.

In that time it was looked over (health and safety checks) and oil and filter changed.

For the privilege of this attention I have been paying £15 a month for the last year (direct debit service plan payment).

Over the year that works out to £180, for 26 minutes work, or over £360 an hour.

Seems a bit much.

For that money I would like the wheels off, brakes cleaned, lubrication of anything that moves etc, not a 26 minute poke around."

Don't forget that the service plan takes into account for the FULL service as well, you'll be glad you took it out when it come to the cam belt change service as that one is a biggy.

[johnan]

Johnan,

"Dealer costs are excessive though,I know they have to make a living but really, must they be so high.

My IQ was in for it's first service last week.It was actually in the workshop for about 26 minutes.

In that time it was looked over (health and safety checks) and oil and filter changed.

For the privilege of this attention I have been paying £15 a month for the last year (direct debit service plan payment).

Over the year that works out to £180, for 26 minutes work, or over £360 an hour.

Seems a bit much.

For that money I would like the wheels off, brakes cleaned, lubrication of anything that moves etc, not a 26 minute poke around."

Don't forget that the service plan takes into account for the FULL service as well, you'll be glad you took it out when it come to the cam belt change service as that one is a biggy.

Yes, you are correct, I do realise the second service is quite a bit more expensive but I was being a bit simplistic!

Still costs too much for what is done anyway, and on the second one unless you are lucky they try to get you to pay EXTRA for a brake fluid change too!

Actually, re the cam belt: I chose to buy a 1.0l three cylinder IQ as the engine uses a good old fashioned chain drive to the cams so I knew the cam belt change would not become an issue if I kept the car long enough.

John

[mrpj]

"Don't forget that the service plan takes into account for the FULL service as well, you'll be glad you took it out when it come to the cam belt change service as that one is a biggy."

A timing/cambelt change is not normally part of routine servicing and usually an extra, if fitted and when due.

I suspect that anyone assuming the cost for this is included in a service plan or standard servicing price could be in for an expensive shock!

A check of the small print would probably confirm yes or no.

[craggle]

I believe all the iQ engines are chain driven cams. That was a big plus for me when I purchased My iQ3 as well, no dodgy rubber belts to change. :)

Craig.

[johnan]

I believe all the iQ engines are chain driven cams. That was a big plus for me when I purchased My iQ3 as well, no dodgy rubber belts to change. :)

Craig.

That is probably true about the IQ3.

It wasn't on the market when I bought my first IQ2 so I couldn't investigate the engine design with an eye to long term costs but had it been belt driven I would not have been keen. If there is a choice I would go for chain, always.

John

[DFish]

Also recently had my 3rd year service and nothing much was changed. I'm tempted to replace the filter and plugs myself just to see if there's any change in MPG figures. (never know I might hit the 40+ ;) )

The major services are every other year, so 2, 4 and 6. They did try and sell me the plan, but I'll be doing it myself whilst still buying OE parts so I have a record for future buyers. I've always replaced the discs/pads myself as I like my arms and legs where they are. ;)

Yes they charge a premium, but some independents/specialists prices are starting to become just as silly. One such company from my other car are more expensive than the proper dealers prices!

Fish

[Mr Jones]

Being a recent new iQ user... I am wondering if service history with Toyota deal is any different from DIY service with a full service every 18-24months with an independent garage? I'm looking at it from the eyes of reselling mine when my 3 year plan finishes - probably have a family by then so will need something bigger...

[Guest]

Also recently had my 3rd year service and nothing much was changed. I'm tempted to replace the filter and plugs myself just to see if there's any change in MPG figures. (never know I might hit the 40+ ;) )

The major services are every other year, so 2, 4 and 6. They did try and sell me the plan, but I'll be doing it myself whilst still buying OE parts so I have a record for future buyers. I've always replaced the discs/pads myself as I like my arms and legs where they are. ;)

Yes they charge a premium, but some independents/specialists prices are starting to become just as silly. One such company from my other car are more expensive than the proper dealers prices!

Fish

Dan, I don't know yet what I'm going to do, service it myself -unikely as I will need to buy tools for the job- or get it serviced at a decent garage not in the Toyota chain. I thought about getting a new air filter and fitting it myself for the same reasons, performance and economy, plus it's easy. The expense is always too much for us anyway, so the cheaper the better, but quality work is always a must too, shoddy just won't do. Unlike some things in life, paying for what you get costs a hell of a lot more than you think when it comes to cars. The 'service items' aren't too difficult to do, but it's 'them' checking the rest of the car that counts to the safety aspect, and I'm unsure about wether or not another garage would be aware of what to check. Why do they have to be so damn expensive?

[Adam-IQ2]

Third Party supplier

Air Filter only £13.14

or

Toyota Air Filter

£15.92 inc. VAT

if you went to change it your self

[Guest]

Third Party supplier

Air Filter only £13.14

or

Toyota Air Filter

£15.92 inc. VAT

if you went to change it your self

Thanks for that Adam. If I do change it, it will be a genuine Toyota part. Also, due to crossed wires -a very technical term- I didn't get my return phone call from Mr. T., but not worried as now I know it's a 4 year/40,000 mile service item. That was going to be his answer to my question as to why it wasn't changed anyway I'm sure.

[DFish]

I also use OE parts for everything except the brakes, as the discs are discs its just the pads that have a very slightly different compound, which for such a non-performance car isn't an issue.

Fish