Can I skip 15,000 mile service?

That isn't a minimum; that *is* the 15,000 mile service. Anything else is simply the dealer taking you for a ride. You might want to change the cabin air filter if it is dirty, but you can do that yourself.

Tom

 

Frankly, I'm disappointed Alex. Haven't you been reading our threads? I cannot make myself any clearer. I'll even give you stepwise instructions:

1. Pull in to your dealer.
2. Say you need an oil change and your tires rotated. Tell him you're at 15K miles but this is all you need. He'll quote you.
3. At some point when pulling up the quote he'll try to upsell you the air filter - THIS IS NOT REQUIRED/RECOMMENDED UNTIL 30K MILES. (He may sneak it in there, saying something like 'We'll also go ahead and inspect the filters" - as if not giving you a choice.
4. REMIND HIM it's not required until 30K miles, then say "No thanks."
5. Ask/tell him, "...but you can do whatever visual inspections required at 15K miles" to make sure that these are done
- His answer, will be "yes" or "of course." -these inspections are free with the oil change; it is their "27 Point Inspection" - as you will see in the service summary at the end.
6. Verify the quote. Again, you should only be paying for oil change and tire rotation - probably about $40-50.
7. Wait in the lobby for your car to be done.
8. Pay. You will get the car service form with your receipt, that tells you what inspections they ran. This is your "proof" that you had the car serviced, should anyone ever ask for it - selling car, warranty claim, etc. Great! Be sure to file it away when you get home.


How do I know all this? I was asking this exact same question you are, 5 days ago when I took my car in for 15K miles, and now that I know the answer, I am trying to share my advice with you!! I wish I had it spelled out for me like this.

In summary, don't skip the service! Pay your $30-40 and be done with it. It's better than not doing it, and it's easier and less stressful than doing it yourself, and your car will run better. My car has driven noticeably smoother this week.

 

Hahaha. Glad I could help. And I wasn't trying to be a smart*** or something. Sorry if it looked that way. I really wanted to make sure you get what you need and end up happy.

Keep posting and welcome!

 

Read the appropriate page in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide. If you don't have the Scheduled Maintenance Guide, see here:
Toyota Parts and Service

Those are the only regular maintenance items needed to keep the car in warranty. Tell the service writer to do those things and nothing else. You should get out for well under $100. Save money by changing the engine air filter and cleaning or replacing the cabin air filter yourself, they're both very easy. If they charge for rotating the tires, save more by not rotating them (rotating only means that you'll buy four tires at a time less often; not rotating, you'll buy two at a time more often).

Expert technician galaxee advises a few items a bit more often than does Toyota, for example changing the transmission fluid. The "search" function is your friend.