Maintenance of older Toyotas

Question

Hi Scotty,

I have a 2004 Toyota Rav4 AWD with 71k miles on it. It just bought it used. It had a front-end collision.

Toyota's don't need much maintenance, but it would be nice to get a list of essential maintenance.

So far I have:

-Change oil/filter every 5k miles

-Transfer Case oil change/filter every 30k miles

-Change transmission fluid/filter every 30k miles

-Differential Fluid every 30k miles

-Bernies CRF & CRO once a year

One of my mechanic friends though is saying that only the oil change is necessary, none of the other items. He said that changing the transmission fluid could cause the transmission to slip, so wanted your opinion on how essential these items beside the oil change every 5k miles is? And how to make sure they're done properly?

nlord · Accepted Answer

71K is really low mileage, I would not hesitate at that mileage to do a drain and fill asap. Check the fluid though, do your research and make the call. Probably best to go ahead and drop the pan and change the filter. I would also likely do two drain and fills a week or two apart, so you at least got a bit over half changed.

I would also add changing your coolant every five years or so, depending on your driving, did they replace the radiator when the car was hit?

Might not hurt to change out some of the brake fluid at that age, also the power steering fluid.

I would also change the spark plugs, clean the throttle body, and maf sensor.

Being 20 years old, and that low mileage, once you get done with the basic maintenance, and start driving the thing, it will likely run better than when you bought it. Has it been sitting by chance, or just not used much?

Chuck Tobias · Answer

For details on transmission fluid change issues see the site FAQ.

Hixster · Answer

Posted by: @kbenk108 Toyota's don't need much maintenance All vehicles require maintenance. A well maintained Toyota will last longer than one that hasn't been well maintained. Posted by: @kbenk108 -Change oil/filter every 5k miles -Transfer Case oil change/filter every 30k miles -Change transmission fluid/filter every 30k miles -Differential Fluid every 30k miles -Bernies CRF & CRO once a year This is an excellent service schedule, but don't forget your air filter! Using both Bernies CRF and CRO annually is bit overkill tho... 505 CRF alone should be more than adequate.