Tacoma Longevity, Just Hit 180k

Finally hitting the 180k mile mark on my third gen. No problems or complaints aside from dealing with Toyota dealers for maintenance. I'm a little worried about longevity. My issue is the dealer I was going to told me I didn't need transmission oil changes because it has "Lifetime fluid", and even denied me a transmission oil change all the way up until I hit 111k when i finally started getting a transmission shudder. Then they advised I get it flushed, and the flush fixed the issue. I just got my second transmission oil change at 165, but i'm a bit worried about if the damage has already been done to the transmission due to the lack of transmission maintenance. Dealers really have no idea what they're doing. I want this truck to go 500k+ if possible.

I change oil every 5-7k, got front diff changed at 60k, and rear diff changed at 120k.

Anyone have any insight??

 

Some of the transmission guys on the site recommend platinum lube guard additive. Of course you want it to be added earlier than 180k

 

Be sure you are checking out the Maintenance Map.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2-7l-update-3rd-gen-maintenance-maps-get-300k-miles.789809/

Here is a good video from post #1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aEkJhPr5u4

 

Strange. I had an independent shop and the dealer tell me I needed it done. 62k miles.

 

180k.... sweet.... ( applauds )

Lifetime fluid?...
Yea. Right.
Ask them to define 'Lifetime'... 100k?.... 200k?.... 500k?

I got some ocean-front property in Kansas I'll let it go for a real good price.

 

I am surprised to hear dealers are still turning away customers wanting an ATF change. They could at least question the customer to see if he/she meets special operating conditions. The maintenance schedule for all non hybrid Toyota and Lexus vehicles I have seen states to do an ATF change at 60K if the vehicle meets certain driving conditions, such as towing, off-roading, commercial-use, etc…

 

I have 109k on my supercharged taco. Maggie was installed at 45k, and has been flawless. I have no doubt it’ll last another 109k without issues. All recommended maintenance has been performed by a local toyota dealer.

 

1st Gen dude lurking. Call me when you hit 277k. ( Company just started us on 50/50 in office/home mix. Haven't been driving much in the last 3 years. I suspect I'll be at 300 in no time. )

As for the dealer snubbing you on the trans fluid. That should be done around 60k miles. 3rd Gen's should be the same/similar. 100k in the diff fluid is also cringeworthy. I do diff, trans, and transfer all at 60k. Coolant too, it will get acidic after a while and eat at things in the engine. Look at the Car Care Nut channel video he just posted about V8's blowing head gaskets. He thinks coolant played a part.

 

My neighbor is a master Toyota wrench dude and says 100k for tranny juice. Just hit 69k so I’ll take his advice as well as a coolant, brake fluid and PS fluid swap.

 

My 18 has 30k and I had a retired Toyota mechanic do all the fluids front and rear diffs, transfer case, serpentine belt, plugs, tranny drain and fill, radiator flush, AC service just because it's coming up on 7 years old. Never had the vibrations or funky transmission issues and I can tell a difference as its so much smoother now but it could be in my head.

 

Any dealer that is pushing you away from fluid changes and then recommending fluid flushes needs to be flushed themselves. I wouldn't go back.

 

That's what I get for taking advice from a "Tech" who pushes tune-ups and cleaners every time I would go. I am not the mechanic type, so I was hoping the dealership I bought the truck from would steer me in the right direction. I guess not. So would you say I am screwed and need to get rid of the thing asap before it breaks? I was thinking I could trade it in for a newer 3rd gen with 30k miles so I can do it the right way this time.

 

Lowe toyota in warner robins GA. Yes, I'm putting them on blast because hopefully this will save someone else from the same issue.

 

Nice!!! 277k is awesome! I'm so frsutrated right now at this point because it just seems that dealerships are bad all-around. Sales, maintanence, and just all-around. And they fake their own reviews to cover their tracks!

 

No one knows the outcome, you did what you can do, you can go back in time. I wouldn't sell it off or stress over what you can't control. Any high mileage (whatever one considers that to be) can and will have problems; that is the risk we accept, when are reaping the rewards of not paying for a new vehicle.
Enjoy your truck and don't sweat it.

 

Thanks for the advice! I think i'll keep it

 

No need to panic, just stay on top of the fluids, and take care of it. Plenty of people have held off the trans fluid, you aren't the first. Just don't buy "lifetime" anything. Take what people say and find a reasonable middle. Some will say 100k is fine (I don't) but most advice will average out to around 60k. Fluid is cheap-ish compared to transmissions and the associated downtime from a failure. Same w/ other fluids.

I do all my own fluids (trans, transfer case, diff, brake, steering, coolant)/maint myself. 3rd suspension, plugs, wires, coils, starter, alternator, radiator, valve cover gaskets, O2 sensors, plenum gaskets, brake calipers, rear drum cylinders, all pads, shoes, carrier bearing, UCA's, all bushings, leaf springs, fuel filter, trans filter, master cylinder, brake booster, idler pully, hoses, thermostats. I'm probably forgetting something lol. Go get your hands dirty.

 

Best gen 3 diy maintenance channel on you tube

 

If it’s running fine , why would you be nervous. Just do it every 60 k going forward . As much a people complain about out auto trans , it’s pretty much bullet proof . Yes it has little things here and there but it sounds like you will be fine . When you do the fluid try not to do a flush , it stirs up a bunch of debris. Just do a drain and refill like I said every 60 k

 

Sounds like it’s doing well.
I thought our 3rd gens were supposed to self destruct by 100k