Reputable Shop for Routine Maintenance in Denver Area?

Hi all,

I am looking for recommendations for a reputable shop in the Denver area. I have had nothing but nightmares and issues at two dealers (see my post history... I guess you get what you pay for in terms of the "free" maintenance) and at an independent shop near me. The independent shop came highly rated (now looking back, the five star reviews are probably from soccer moms that don't know any better), but the last two times I've had issues with simple oil changes. Today they overfilled (apparently my Taco takes 7 Qts?) the oil and the time before that I ended up with a small drip in my driveway (looks like the O ring on the plastic oil filter housing wasn't seated properly).

I love my truck, but I am not mechanically inclined in the least. The last time I went to change the oil on a car, I forgot "lefty loosey" and stripped the oil pan. That said, while I am incredibly incompetent, I'm now 100% sure I can get a job as a oil change guy at a local dealer.

As a result, I'm wondering if anyone has any shops they could recommend. Appreciate it.

 

I dont really do oil changes, but you can reach out to me for other stuff in the future. Plugs, diff fluid change, brakes, suspension work, lifts....ect I always torque everything down to specs and take my time with everything. Plus I am mobile as well.

 

None of them are going to pay very well for an oil change tech.

 

might be a good idea to add your model year and other information (4cyl, 6cyl , 2x4, 4x4, MT, AT) to your post information. Pretty sure all of us here have experience with "diy maintenance" but knowing what generation (1, 2, or 3) and model you have will help us help you. Gen3 for me 4x4 V6, AT - LMK.

 

Charley's Garage in north Boulder has been around for over 20 years, works exclusively on Toyotas. He has taken good care of our vehicles, seeing two of my last 4Runners to 275K and 315K miles before I sold them. You have to schedule out a few weeks in advance since Covid changed the world, but it's worth the wait. (There are people who consider north Boulder to be Denver area....)

 

Just had an update: there's a small drip in my garage under the truck. Looks like it's coming from the oil filter housing based on where the drip is. I haven't had a chance to get under the truck yet (thanks to the high winds we've had). I'm hoping the drip is coming from my skids since I have a TRD OR (factory skids) and I know shops like to cut corners and leave the skids on when doing an oil change. This is what happened when I first took in my truck to the dealer for my first "free" maintenance.

Oil was changed by the independent shop in question last Friday (I will name and shame them based on how well they handle this). Had to take it back immediately on Friday since I noticed my paperwork said they put in 7 Qts. Checked the level, and sure enough it was high. Took it back, they said they drained a little and rechecked everything. Been driving it ever since and I do check my garage for drips. I noticed the spot (about the size of a half dollar) after coming home today (and doing nearly 100 miles round trip).

Not happy. To date here's what's happened with the truck:
1. First oil change: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toyota-care-nightmare.676534/. I watched the shop foreman from the dealer drain the oil and there was about as much as I'd expect in there. Likely the "leaks" I was seeing were due to my skids getting coated when they drained the pan.
2. Second oil change: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toyota-care-nightmares-continued.710816/. Started using the independent shop that caught that the second dealer forgot to put on the oil filler cap.
3. Third oil change: used independent shop, had to come back immediately due to a noticeable drip. They made it right after me coming back. It appeared to be the oil filter housing based on me getting under the truck.
4. Fourth oil change (you are here).

At this point, I'm thinking that some damage might have been done due to the sub-optimal operating conditions of my truck. I love the truck, and can't afford to trade for something else right now due to the market being stupid.

 

I would check out ATLR in Arvada. They specialize in Toyota and Lexus. I’ve taken my truck there a couple of times and have had nothing but positive experiences.

 

I just posted this today in the 1st Gen forum. Chad has always taken care of me.

Several years ago I found an incredible mechanic in Wheat Ridge CO. Adler Automotive. They only work on Toyotas and Lexus but specialize in Toyota pickups. They not only do great work they won't do unnecessary repairs.

I just got my '02 with 275K miles back from them. I took it in because my clutch pedal wasn't returning all the way and for some other routine maintenance (driveline fluid change, plugs, etc). Chad reminded me that my timing belt needed to be changed in 4000 miles so I had them change it, the water pump and thermostat. They called and said my steering rack bushing was shot and that all my clutch needed was to replace the spring and bushings. They also found that my lower radiator hose had started to leak and replaced it and all of my belts at no charge.

Last year I had my check engine light come on. I stopped by Adler's, Chad read the code in the parking lot, told me to go to Toyota and buy a new gas cap and come back and he'd reset it. I offered him $40 for his trouble but he refused.

If you're in the Denver area and need a reliable, honest repair shop I highly recommend Adler Automotive on West 44th in Wheat Ridge.