We have a 2013 Toyota Sienna with 187,000 miles on it. It has been a fantastic vehicle for us and we’ve only had to do normal maintenance. On a recent trip to the dealer for servicing, they said we needed to replace the seals/gaskets at the cam cradles and it would be $4000. I just walked out. We’ve never had one drop of oil leak out of the engine and never been low on oil. Is this a scam or should I seriously look into this? The van still runs AMAZING.
Is the engine burning oil in between changes? No smoking or leaking? Had they been replacing your timing belt?
It sure sounds like a scam based on what you've said.
No smoking or leaking. Never been low on oil. No black or dark exhaust. Engine idles and runs smooth. I think the dealer was just fishing to see what they could get. Needless to say, I sent them a horrible review and told them I will not be returning
Wow that is interesting. If the car doesn't leak or burn oil, I think they may just be trying to milk you for money. I have had similar experiences with my 2006 Sienna at the dealer - my family had been taking it to the dealer for service from new until 2019. As the car got older, they tried to sell us every seal, belt, gasket, and fluid flush you could imagine. My belief is as the car gets older and racks up miles, the dealer just tries to sell you the farm especially if they see you have been consistently meticulous with service, maintenance, and repairs.
I would check with a trusted independent mechanic to be safe, but honestly it just sounds like the dealer is trying to get money from you.
Here's another thought on why dealerships come up with these crazy lists of un-needed service. What would a lot of people do if they saw a bill for thousands of dollars of service on their car? They would trade it in on a new model. And the dealer would make profit on that, and get the used car in question at a large discount (You SAW how much work it needs!)
Thank your favorite deity that the same situation doesn't apply to medical care (WAIT, no, it does!)