Service Department recommendations

I wouldn't mention anything about dirt roads (off-roading); but you can ask them to change the oil based on severe conditions - just based on your time frame and accumulated mileage. If they refuse; ask for the lead service writer/dept manager. You can take it to another dealership as a last resort. Since there isn't a large number of these cars in your area, I'd suspect any additional work they would recommend that's outside the basic Toyota maintenance specification.

Good Luck....

 

you'd be better off treying to find a reliable local mechanic. you won't need a hybrid tech for a long time, and you can always go to a dealer if you do.
dealer service department/customer satisfaction = oxymoron

a diligent inspection is better done on a lift, with the mech showing you what she sees.

 

In the States you're entitled to two free oil/filter changes? Would it matter when they happen? Maybe some dealerships are sticklers for staying with the odometer reading and regular intervals, but as long it's the same amount of labour/parts, it shouldn't matter. Unless you're getting your maintenance done at "OCD Toyota"...

 

I would think they're reimbursed by Toyota USA, for the regular maintenance spec'd in the Warranty and Maintenance Guide, for the first 25K miles. In a nutshell that's:

5K: Tire rotation*
10K: Tire rotation plus oil/filter change
15K: Tire rotation
20K: Tire rotation plus oil/filter change
25K: Tire rotation

* With "visual" brake inspection

There's a lot of extra BS listed, but that's basically it.

Note that at 30K (beyond the free period), the brake inspection language changes. It doesn't mention "visual" brake inspection with the tire rotation, and there's mention of brake rotor "thickness and runout" inspection. Pretty cryptic, but I would interpret that to be a regular, in-depth brake inspection, where the calipers come off, pads/shims are cleaned and fresh anti-seize applied, caliper contact points cleaned and fresh anti-seize applied, and caliper pins cleaned and relubed. (I’d mention the lube I use for the latter, but that’s tantamount to felony to someone here.)

Something like that typically sets you back around $300~400 at the dealership. If you DIY it's basically free, purely an inspection, nothing signif needs replacement. The only expense is a bit of lube, maybe brake cleaner spray, and a shop towel or two.

Attached is a spreadsheet summary of the US 4th gen schedule, I cobbled from the aforementioned guide:

 

Toyota Care only covers Normal condition recommended services, for the first 25K miles. That includes two oil changes at 10K and 20K. It will not cover the Sevier use conditions. But I have read that some dealers may let you use the oil change early at 5K. Regardless, Toyota will be reimbursing the dealer only for the two oil changes during 25Kmiles/24mo period.

ToyotaCare | Car Maintenance & 24-Hour Roadside Assistance

 

Yeah, apart from aforementioned OCD Toyota, what does it matter.

 

technically, your not supposed to cross post, but this seems like a different situation.

report your post, and ask a mod if it would be okay to post in all the forums