When I took my Yaris to the dealer for a coupon oil change, they had a salesman call me to inform me that the car was in horrible shape, not safe to drive and he could get me a great deal on another used car. That was 5 yrs ago and both the car and myself are still alive.
A dealership told me that my water pump on my two year old Camry needed a new pump. 15 years later, the pump is still going strong. Sold the vehicle with the “ bad” pump.
Went to one mechanic for a single bulb replacement. He said that bulbs on both sides would need to be changed, the right kind of bulbs would need to be sent for, the car would have to be left in the workshop, and that with labor costs it would be this, this and this, etc. Took it to another. He looked around in a drawer, found a bulb, fitted it in ten minutes and charged about a sixth of the previous figure quoted. That was four years ago
Unfortunately, the reality is that we (well, most of us) will still have to deal with unknowledgeable and/or unscrupulous companies to get our cars repaired. Most of the time, we will have no direct knowledge of what they're doing to our vehicles, compared to what they're claiming, while they are out of our sight.
As a M. Tech myself I see it doesn’t matter whether you are from a dealer/ independent worker when you show no craftsmen ship or pride in your work you deserve not to touch any cars other than your own. I work on every car just as well as yourself doing on Toyota specially. One thing I can say if you are not aware on a certain vehicle as time to time I run into this is why we have service data. So why thing is doesn’t matter where you work cuz you have crap dealership and independent workers everywhere. Laziness has a lot to do with it and/or have no pride in their work making others like ourselves the dying breed look bad. I am glad to see I myself am not the only one who takes pride in what we do. God bless you and your family and those that you take care of.
A dealership told my sister her AC on her Honda needed 1500 dollars' worth of work. Took it to an independent mechanic, he said it only needed freon. He also pressure tested the ac before he came to the freon conclusion. I was just shocked. This was a dealership we both trusted. Excellent video.
I to dont trust dealers either but freon is not someting that just runs out for no reason you needed it because you have a leak maybe the dealer was actually going to replace the leaking part
I had excellent luck with a '98 Mercedes C230. It had 262,000 miles on the odometer, but I felt it was a ticking time bomb because too much of it was original to the car i.e. transmission, suspension, timing chain, air conditioning, and numerous electronic modules. I sold it, but it still lives in my neighborhood. After 23 years, I never think about it or miss it, you'd think otherwise.
I used to be one of those good honest knowledgeable mechanics. The dealerships I worked at wanted nothing to do with those traits. All that mattered was how much you upsold. This fundamental difference in ideologies led me to 2 choices also. Start your own business or a new career. I chose a new career and walked after 30 yrs. Good for AMD starting his own business educating and making a difference. The words "underpaid, unappreciated and overworked" ring very true. Sad part is I have a head full of knowledge that I can't pass on. Yet the old dealers I used too work for have permanent road signs that state "Techs wanted apply now" yet nothing has changed.
It's a hard business to be in. I used to be your counterpart, a service advisor. I think that honest techs and advisors can survive, but it's not the easy way out and it takes both to make it happen. I would sometimes get less than honest technicians making BS recommendations when we'd first start working together. I would call them out - there's enough honest work out there that we don't need to be dishonest. I stressed to them that they need to be legit with me and I'll make sure I keep them busy and making their hours. I'd keep my word, look out for my techs and we'd have no funny business with my customers. I like to think it made work more pleasant for everybody involved. Unfortunately if the advisor can't sell what needs to be sold or doesn't care then things trickle down, putting pressure on the techs who at the end of the day need to make hours.
@@kft4764 I hear you. Honest Service Advisors are essential as well. Thanks for being one of the good guys. Problem was pressure from above General Manger or Dealer Principle. The honest Advisors I worked with and respected were soon weeded out for "Failure to reach goals". It's not just honest Techs and Advisors needed but honest upper management to make it work. As an example we once had a dishonest tech in the shop who sold brakes on almost every vehicle that came in. 3 of us senior techs took the brake pads from his last job to the G.M (Service Manger did nothing) and said W.T.F. over 50% pad left. G.M. response was go away and mind your business. If a customer requested his old parts back and knew what he was looking at and demanded to see the manager or the G.M. it was always blamed on the "bad tech". I actually had many customers who would request that I worked on their vehicles. The G.M. claimed that was unfair and the mechanics had a rotation for next job so Advisors weren't allowed to comply with the request (Flat Rate here). It lost customers and myself. For upper management it was never about building cliental or a reputation just about how much you could fleece every customer. I couldn't take it any more.
@@redwoodforest3572 That's terrible to hear. I've had greedy bosses that were always pushing for results even when it wasn't reasonable, but luckily haven't had any blatantly tell us it's okay to cheat customers by ignoring it when it happens. At least you know that you looked out for people and that those customers appreciated it and noticed. You can be proud of having done a good job. When I look back at my service writing years, I was typically one of the top performing writers but that's not what I think of. I think of the people I helped out and you sound like the same type of guy that cared about that first. I'm sure the unethical guys don't think back and feel good about how they spent their time.
I’m in a similar situation now, me and my friend (my shop’s service associate) entered this industry at about the same time at the very beginning of last year. I’ve bounced around a couple shops and he’s followed and every manager has appreciated my hard work and dedication, but they hate it when I set up boundaries. I’m not going to sell something the customer doesn’t need, I’m going to do things right every time, and I’m not going to take shortcuts that hurt the customer. That’s why I keep asking for that associate specifically to follow me, because he is the only one I’ve met who understands what I’m actually writing and doesn’t try to sell things that don’t need to be sold.
15:05 This point is so important. Years ago, I once took my car to my local Honda Dealer to get the bakes done. I picked my car at the end of the day right before they closed. On my way I immediately notice the car veering to the right as soon as I put on the brakes, something that never ever hanppened before. I bring it back the next day and tell the service advisor that had worked on the car. He get's all flustered and defensive immediately and says " well.... it's an older car and blah, blah", anway I tell, it only happened after the service. Eventually he ends up grudgingly takes the car. Ater they fix it, he tells me it's fixed. Doesn't tell me what the issues, no apologies, nothing. Just a barely veiled display of annoyance at having to the do the job again.
This is why I try to always work on my cars, I have been let down many times and by Profesional in name only. As a Costumer I will gladly over pay to a good Guy just like you Man. Thank you for being Honest and unselfish to teach us what you know. God be with you and His Blessings.
Amen, brothers! I bought a new Volvo 240 wagon in 1984. It was serviced by the selling dealer only for the 1 year warranty period. I bought as many of the Volvo service manuals as I could afford. I figured I could screw it up or fix it just as well as any of the stealership mechanics could. I kept that car for 34 years. Rest in pieces...
Exactly why I started working on my cars too, and my wife would get so worried haha. Sometimes it would take me 2 or 3 weekends to get the job done but there's only been a couple times I couldn't finish and called someone to help, and there job was easy would be almost finished!
I remember listening to the “Car Talk” guys on NPR years ago say, “…try not to take your car in near the end of the month because the boat payment is due”….they were being funny AND truthful.
I started working on my cars when I was 19. 40 years later, I am still learning great things thanks to people like you. Everyone should at least learn the basics so they don’t get ripped off by shady mechanics.
A real eye opener and thank you for what you do.I had a case recently with my 2014 Lexus LS460L with 100000 miles when I took it to a Lexus dealer in Ontario,Canada to do a warranty repair on the fuel system.As I was leaving they gave me a written report to repair an oil leak on front timing chain area and would be a 2 day repair with having to take engine out etc.with a $5000 bill.Took it to my mechanic who said a few drops were present ,tightened the bolts and I have never had a drop of oil on my garage floor now a year later.
AMD, Now that they found you, I hope the owner keeps it for another 285,000 miles. Did anyone else notice the older, comfortable, boxy Avalons sold in good numbers but when they started making them low, sleek and sporty sales fell through the floor? 🤔
And this is why it’s so important to find an actual mechanic that shows pride in his work and works for you, not against you. Another reason as well to avoid dealerships, they are absolutely the worst in most cases… This mechanic is true to his word. I wish I had him in Florida. Well done sir on another video!
I really need to find myself another trusted mechanic but I've had no luck. Thankfully one of the two Toyota dealers in my city is trustworthy and doesn't try to upsell on services not listed in the service manual like the other dealer does so I've been using them. I USED to have a trusted mechanic but then out of no where his quality just tanked. Last time he had my previous car he had it for two weeks to do an oil change, tire rotation, front brakes, and to replace the rack and pinion he said was badly damaged from an animal I had hit recently. TWO WEEKS. When I got the car back the airbag light was on and he tried to play dumb and ask if the light was on when I dropped it off. I took it to the dealer and they said that some cable that connects to the drivers side air bag was damaged and that they suspect my mechanic broke it because they said some mechanics will take the steering wheel off to do the alignment after replacing the rack and pinion because it's easier and if they don't disconnect the cable first then it will get damaged. Of course my mechanic denied taking the steering wheel off and refused to pay the $700 the dealer wanted to replace it. I had just spent over $2k with my mechanic and I didn't think it was worth dropping another $700 on that and then another $300 on the leaky valve cover gasket that he some how missed and the transmission was starting to slip in the cold weather. So I traded it in to another Toyota dealer and got me a certified used 2017 Camry and have been happy ever since. I still miss my old Camry as it rode smoother than the new one.
This is exactly why I watch this channel! I love my Toyotas, but I don't trust even dealerships to fix/maintain them correctly. They seem to oversell lots of expensive - and perhaps unnecessary services/flushes, but then they won't actual do the work or do it correctly. So here we are - all learning from Ahmed how to do it ourselves if we're not lucky enough to be close enough to have him or somebody else we trust work on our cars.
I always loved it when I'd change out my air and cabin filters and the service person would walk out to the waiting room to show me how dirty my air filters were. They wouldn't even be the right filters for my car. They not only rip you off they think you're an idiot.
Scary for those of us that don’t have a pro anywhere near us like AMD . Very appreciative of his professionalism skill and ethics . He should be a mentor for all young apprentices.
This is why it's so frustrating, all mechanic interactions I've had are similar to what this owner had. It's literally impossible to find someone like you... sadly. If I could find someone like you in AZ, I'd never let them go.
My Dad was a Ford dealership mechanic for many years and I’m a former heavy equipment/diesel truck mechanic. I hate going to the dealership and rarely do so,but when I do go I love listening to the service writers come into the waiting room and tell people about all the expensive repairs their car needs. I’m pretty sure the service writers sell a lot more than the actual salesmen in the showroom.
Thanks again as always Ahmed. Customer was smart to bring it to you, ridiculous how petty some mechanics get when you question them. I hope they returned to the dealership and flaunted their car after it just needing the OCV.
I recall 5 years back during 2nd routine maintenance with 3,000 miles on the car, now 50k miles. Before I leave the workshop I pull the dip stick, the oil was over the MAX. 3 mechanic there said a little over is ok 😄, so I ask them to define MAX (maximum). Immediately I request them to remove some oil out.
I stopped using the dealer in my area because they kept installing a smaller oil filter that was not the correct part number. I researched it and the part number they were using was not an optional one either. I pointed it out to them at the next oil change and they wrote on the bill the correct part number, but when I looked under the car it had the same incorrect filter. Either they put on the wrong ones again or they didn't change it at all. I change my own oil now.
The car repair industry needs more good honest, knowledgeable, people like you Sir. Your business is sure to expand fast when people watch this video. Why are so many dealerships crooked these days???? You have a great You Tube Channel.
Thanks for telling people that. I prefer to work on my own car because I have the ability and for the very reasons you talked about. I want it done right! I've had cars in the past serviced at dealers and gotten them back with hoses misaligned, broken covers etc. When questioned, "that was like that"... no it wasn't ... I'm picky... I don't break things. How do you find a good dealership? That's the million dollar question. My personal saying: Dealers; fix one thing and break 2 more. With oil stains in the car.
These Avalons are great cars. I have one with 300,000 miles. Very comfortable. Tons of rear legroom. Gets great highway gas mileage too (30 mpg on the highway consistently, and I’ve occasionally gotten 35 mpg if I drive like an old lady). Pretty strong engine, that 3.5 liter V6. Toyota’s version of a classic Buick sedan. Toyota basically took the Camry V6 XLE and stretched it to give it more rear legroom and added some sound insulation for a quieter ride. It’s the basis for the Lexus ES 350, just without the Lexus badge. They’re usually kept pretty well because their owners are usually middle aged folks who take care of them and don’t beat them up.
I'm no mechanic, but this is the exact reason I do extensive research on my Camry if or when I have an issue. I will start reading stuff and figure out what the hell is going on before I take it in. If it's something I can do I'll repair it, but if it's something I'm uncomfortable with working on it alone, I'll take it in and tell the mechanics replace this part etc... I love Toyota's but I'm not a fan of the dealership mechanics. I take my Camry across the street to the Honda dealership where I have a couple of buddies who work there. They do quality work and I trust them. They've never steered me wrong. I just buy the Toyota parts and I ask one of them to install the part if I don't know how to do it, and they even give me a military discount.
The dealership wanted to snatch that up for $500 and sell them a car way over price, they knew what was wrong..but they just wanted to steal their car legally
You said it perfectly, "steal the car legally". I used to work at a Toyota dealer, and ended up quiting because I could not stand being a part of the corruption. Dealers work very hard to train, and condition techs to be salesman. My service manager told me I'm a salesman who works on cars.
I feel so bad for people who don't know any better and trust stealerships. Imagine how much money this owner would've saved if they had a knowledgeable, reliable and honest independent mechanic in their life.
Please keep covering this car! I have an 2006 with 175k miles. Excellent condition except the timing cover leak being the big ticket item. I watch every video about this car I hope know you are doing so much good in this world. Dishonest or predatory people aside (both mechanic and customers) it helps you are bridging the knowledge gap. Keep up the good work!
i have a Subaru mechanic who is a great, honest and reasonable person. He used to work for Subaru and decided to open a small three bay shop in Goshen, NY. A family shop witch I accidentally found coming from my storage unit. I had an 2007 Subaru Outback that I bought new and the dealer was ripping me off. I passed by one day and saw he sells used Subaru's. I went in one day and could not believe the way he conducted his business. He gives you an itemized estimate and road test the car and tells you what you need and what you don't. I would travel 50 miles to take my car to him because it is so hard to find good honest auto mechanics like him.
Dealerships are very keen to persuade people to scrap vehicles and buy new (and manufacturers incentivise them to push new vehicles). I wouldn't take their word for anything. The best course of action is to find a good independent mechanic (like you). Even better, learn to repair your own vehicle (I appreciate that isn't possible for everyone).
It's really only the sales side of the dealership that would love for you to get into another car. Service and Sales are basically run as two separate businesses inside the dealership, each looking after its own bottom line. I do agree that if you can work on your car yourself, it's worthwhile to do.
I've been going back and forth about taking my LC 500 to TCCN for routine services. I'm 700 miles away but I think after this video I have no choice but to do it. It's a long way but I don't see any other way to guarantee I get every mile out of this car that she has in her. She truly deserves the kind of care she'll receive. My dealership while very good, they just don't understand how special this car really is.
I know just what you mean. Throw away society has conditioned people not to care and not to cherish or properly care for what they have let alone what somebody else has.
An excellent video! Very helpful. My mechanic told me once that I need to replace engine in my car, that was honda 2.0l with 110k. I spent 3 days searching the internet and found that might be caused by pcv valve. I bought it, took it to my mechanic he replaced and honda didn't burn any oil. The oil change was at 4k. Before I had to add 2 quarts. He would have never expected it. He is regarded as one of the best mechanic in my region.
Man I would like to drive all the way from georgia to your shop. Very rare to find someone who has passion and integrity in the mechanic field. You're awesome!
True, definitely get a 2nd opinion. To fix a few issues brought my car to a shop that's close to my work. Got a call from the shop that my car was done and they recommended that I get the short block gasket replaced. They noticed that it was leaking oil. Got a 2nd opinion and it wasn't a short block gasket that needs replacing. It was the timing belt tensioner that was leaking oil.
A beautiful thing you did for this couple, Ahmed! Personally, I love my independent mechanic shop- only had one comeback that I recall many years ago. Once I get all the work done on my “new-to-me” ES300, I may have to drive to you from New York for your “final approval”! (Seriously thinking about it 😉) May you and yours, your team also, be blessed and kept as well!
I’m glad God gifted us Ahmed, Scotty Kilmore, The Car Wizard , and Your Car Angel . Just solid honest men helping out their fellow human beings. May the Lord bless them and their families greatly .
You wrote to me a while back about your video regarding Toyota Sienna's. You were telling everyone what is right and wrong about those cars. Your video was accurate and I thank you for your channel. Also, thanks for reaching out! I now have a Toyota (not a Sienna but I Prius) and I love it. 🥰
I have a 14 and 20 Prius prime.Will consider a 23 Prius prime. Last year my 14 was selling on the used car lot for what I paid for it new. My 20 was selling for $5000 more than what I paid for it
Hi AMD, I wish your shop was in Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦. I am having a real difficult time finding honest dealership in Northeastern part of the city. They all claim as knowledgeable but you are on a different level of being knowledgeable.
Not only are you knowledgeable, you explain thing thoroughly and make it understood. You seem like an honest, caring guy. If I lived in your area, I’d bring my Toyota to you. And your shop is clean.
You are a good honest man your customers don’t know how lucky they are to have you working on there cars.
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In my book, character counts. Lord bless you with more success in your business. It is always a pleasure to see your honest, straightforward views on the world of automotive mechanics!
I have a 2011 Avalon, the facelifted version of this one. It's at 71k miles now and I don't expect anything major soon, but I take better care of the car than I do my own body. I'm extremely meticulous with its cleanliness and even ensure the engine bay looks like it came fresh off the dealer lot. The cynic in me wonders about the integrity of the mechanics in my area - if I can really trust that they will uphold the same standards that I do, or if I'm gonna open my hood to find sloppily spilled oil, missing covers where they were too lazy to put them back, and worst of all, what happened to this customer - spending so much money thinking they were getting quality maintenance, only for it to be so half-assed it's like they just took her car to the back and sat around for an hour, then rushed something together while charging full price. Shit like this makes me want to just make the drive or have my car hauled to TCCN.
The behavior of the dealer and first "independent" mechanic will be the death of the auto industry. Prices are already pricing out 30-40 percent of buyers who just need reliable transportation. Current supply limits and price gouging are alienating another 10-20 percent. The complexity and additional likelihood of misdiagnosis from "professionals" who don't keep current and don't care will take the rest of the market and make people realize the fixation on "investing" $50k in a new car every 5-7 years that depreciates faster than shares of FTX is toxic to their financial well being.
Awesome videos just got me an 07 Camry with the V6 with 241k miles on it it’s been well maintained no coolant leaks and cost me 1800…..I’m not even worried about the mileage.
An excellent video up to your usual high standard, highly informative. One comment tho, the unfortunate owner of this nice car did in fact get a second opinion. The trouble was that both opinions were worthless. In some situations, one just has to rely on a general feeling of whether the advice sounds right. The give away here was the dismissive nature of the advice - junk the engine, junk the car. Anyone faced with this kind of advice particularly when their experience of driving the car, in this case, acceptable performance with an occasional glitch, should be alert - this is a red flag. My wife has a Toyota Camry 2005 V6 with 352,000 kilometers on the clock (Australia). The power train has no problems, low oil consumption, smooth changes. Toyota really does make long lasting cars. Please keep up the good work. You are much appreciated. 🙂
I'm looking at an Avalon as my next car so I'm absorbing as much info as I can about it. You've been a treasure trove of information and you've gained a new subscriber
The really sad part here is, they brought this Avalon to their "trusted mechanic" and he said the same as the Stealership. Fired!! LOL As always great info/video! Gotta love the 2 month update too!
Picked up my new Hilux from the dealership today. Asked the sales guy to enable Apple car play. Looked at me strangely and said all done mate. Couldn’t get car play to work. Returned to the dealership next day. Two seperate people couldn’t get it to work. In the end the workshop supervisor told me it had not been enabled. Fixed in 15 seconds flat. Welcome to Toyota Australia. God help me.
Ok, watching this makes me want to buy another Avalon. I own a 2011 Limited, and that was the year they began installing backup cameras. I love that Generation! I highly recommend buying one!
I have a mint 2010 Avalon XLS I purchased 4.5 years ago from Boch Toyota with only 38K miles . One owner dealership maintained records . It now has 86K miles and runs just as good . I change the oil myself every 3K miles with Mobil-1. It’s had transmission services, & regular fluid changes . I want 500K out of this car! Fingers crossed 🤞. I wish you were near me I’d have you maintain this car exclusively.
You are absolutely right about dealership maintenance. My wife's 2008 Solara is only maintained by the dealer and they never bother to clean or at least wipe off oil and dust on the engine after change oil. Two days ago, check engine light came on and I scanned it. the code was P036 I think, something to do with misfire and idle was rough. I figured it was one of the ignition coil. After more troubleshooting, it came out to be cylinder # 6. So I called the dealership for ignition coil and quoted me for $200 each which I thought was ridiculously expensive for a piece of plastic with maybe $5 worth of electronic components. So I looked it up in Amazon and they have it for $20 delivered to my house. I installed it, the car ran good just like before and no more code. I know you always preach original manufacturer's parts only. Do you think I made the right decision buying cheaper part? Will it last long and not harm other components? Also the valve cover gasket is leaking on this car and the dealer quoted my wife $1100 for the job. Is that a fair price? I loved your videos I learned a lot , keep up the good work. Thank you, Armand.
Same story on my 2014 Avalon. Car runs like a top with 157k miles and the dealership is always recommending thousands of dollars worth of work. I’m just waiting for it to get to 200k so I can take it to AMD for some work and possibly a video.
Went to 1 dealership for rear differential and transfer case oil change car passed everything after inspection, went to other dealership for transmission fluid change they give me about 6000$ dollars of problems they listed after inspection, 2 Toyota dealership in the same city in under 24 hours wow, so I get under the car every thing looks new car feels and runs great including the front control arm after doing much research of what to look out for of course, thank you really appreciate everything.
There you go again. Doing what you do best and that’s your Honesty to me my friend and Customers that bring there cars to your shop you are Truly a Honest Hard working Top Notch Master Mechanic one more thing I got a total hip replacement and as soon as I get better I’ll have my car and truck service by you ❤ all your videos and keep up the the excellent work you do it would be so nice if there were more honest mechanic like you Sir
That's the pinnacle year for Toyota. That 06-09 range were really something. Plus that's one of my favorite colors. Car looks fantastic. Hope it gets another 300k
Your videos are so impressive. I have a 1998 4 runner with 363 ,000 miles. Minimal problems just have taken good care of it and not at a dealership. It saw a dealership once after I purchased it. Fortunately, I have a mechanic like you. I just recently purchased a 2023 Tacoma 1300 miles now. Boy, they have really cheapened every component. Even with excellent care, I doubt that I can expect the same service from this Toyota. The question for you is,it requires 0-20W oil. The chart in the manual shows a temp range fronm -10f to 80f. I live in Arizona, where we typically see 90f lows at night and 110f to 115f daytime temps for 2 months. Should I not use a different oil at those temps?
I wouldn't be so sure. Plenty of guys on TacomaWorld with over 300k miles already on their current-gen Tacoma. Rust resistance is much better as well. Got an 02 Tundra (with hundreds of k) and a 19 Tacoma (only 45k, but just went east, to west, back to east coast).
You're fine with 0-20 weight in Az. You shouldn't have any issues with that oil weight as long as you keep up routine oil maintenance. Toyota tests their vehicles in Arizona at their proving grounds. Google their press release : A behind the scenes look at the toyota arizona proving grounds. 👍
It is hard to find a knowledgeable and honest mechanic. That is why so many of us are watching your video to become DIY. LOL . I enjoy your video. Thank you
In a previous video, you installed Toyota struts on a Camry. KYB is an OE supplier of struts/shocks to Toyota/Lexus. Do you not believe or support in installing KYB struts/shocks as an aftermarket parts? Thanks AMD for posting another great video.
I wish you had multiple shops all over the country. Your quality work and your knowledge are something that mechanics and dealerships dont have anymore. My 4runner has 254000 miles on it. If anything big happens where it becomes undrivable, engine wise, i would love to bring my car to your shop so we can discuss what can be done
I love and appreciate you! I told my local Toyota dealership that they couldn't have possible executed a thorough inspection for the amount of time they had my car in the bay and they basically told me I didn't know what I was talking about. I worry that lots of shops don't do their due diligence are merely try and get you in and out as fast as possible and it is a bit scary.
Its not that difficult Mike. After you locate it remove the electrical connector . Sometimes the securing clip will break. Dab a bit of silicone across the connector after reinstallation to keep it secure. You will most likely need a wrench or a socket ratchet combo of the appropriate size bolt. Remove the bolt and wiggle the ocv out.Reinstallation is the opposite. More importantly is replacing or cleaning the filter screen which usually is the close to the valve. Remove the bolt there and use a fine tip pliers to pull it out. Clean or renew and reinstall. Hope this helps.
First I would like to say that you're a very honest person to your customers. Second thank you for your videos I enjoy watching them, I learn a lot of information that I can pass on to my customers, I work for a big chain auto parts store. Third I would like to say that not all dealerships are trying to rip you off at least the one I bought my 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD from takes good care of me when I get my 5k miles maintenance done. My dad worked there for years so I trust that they are doing everything that needs to be done properly. The last time I went to get my maintenance done I was going on a 2k miles round trip and was due for an oil change and tire rotation. When I went to pick it up I asked the lead technician who works on my vehicle how much I owed he told me to have a safe trip and that I was all set, I gave him $20 to buy himself lunch.
I am blessed to have a mechanic like you! Honest, trustworthy and reputable. I took my 2007 Corolla in for a service yesterday and the owner of the shop had broken his leg. Yet there he was in a WC overseeing his workers the day before his surgery. I was told that their workers stay with him a long time. I asked them to check my alternator because the man at Autozone said I needed a new one after I had to get a second new battery in less than a year. So they checked my alternator and said it is fine, thereby saving me around $500.00! God bless you, sir! And thank you for educating us! I am happy your new shop is doing so well!
😂I have given On the Bull shit lieing toe rags mech and now I have done The Work done My self and the now works fine the car I now keep the car in perfect working condition at all time
Dealers have an interest in getting you over to the sales department, so don't listen to a service department that tells you this. I would say that generally once you are out of warranty the dealership won't have much respect for your 'old' car. I would never say this will 'always' happen, but it's far too common.
Wish I lived closer there. You are the real deal master mechanic. I wouldn't mind bringing in my suv to have you service it every time. Knowing that you will treat it as if it was yours and you will take great care of servicing it the proper way. I just got fed up with the lies and rip off by the so-call technician that I just DIY it myself do it right. I want my car to last and that takes great care and patience like you said it yourself. Keep up the great job. Love watching all your videos as they are super informatives.
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I’ve also been trading with him for quite some time now and I can assure you that the profit are secured and over a 100% return on investment directly sent to your wallet, I'm a living testimony of his work.
I can relate to those mechanics. As an ICU nurse, I feel underpaid, overworked, and under appreciated, and the hospital can get very hostile. But I love the videos. Seems like I always learn something new. My wife would complain about some intermittent hesitation on our 13 highlander. When i would drive it, i never felt it. Might b the oil control valve. I better look into it. Thanks again for the awesome video. 👌
Thank you for your work. Also, your wife may have (and probably does have) different driving habits than you do. Maybe she's really conservative or maybe she's a leadfoot. You should ride with her and see if she can recreate it for you. It also may be that your transmission fluid is old and needs to be changed. I had my transmission fluid changed at the dealership just because it's a weird procedure on these things and I didn't want to buy the tools.
@MerfishSandwich she definitely has a lead foot. But I have been up to date on transmission flushes. My car has about 130k miles and I have done 3 drain and fills. But I think you may be right. Last time she was complaining of the intermittent hesitation I did changes the tranny fluid. Ever since then, there have been no complaints. Cross my fingers it does not do it again.
I was asking a toyota question online and they posted ur video on how to changed a sealed tranie. I have seen many videos on how to do it but I have to admit that your video is one of best one.
When I took my Yaris to the dealer for a coupon oil change, they had a salesman call me to inform me that the car was in horrible shape, not safe to drive and he could get me a great deal on another used car. That was 5 yrs ago and both the car and myself are still alive.
This is why I change my own oil.
A dealership told me that my water pump on my two year old Camry needed a new pump. 15 years later, the pump is still going strong. Sold the vehicle with the “ bad” pump.
Lol
Went to one mechanic for a single bulb replacement. He said that bulbs on both sides would need to be changed, the right kind of bulbs would need to be sent for, the car would have to be left in the workshop, and that with labor costs it would be this, this and this, etc. Took it to another. He looked around in a drawer, found a bulb, fitted it in ten minutes and charged about a sixth of the previous figure quoted. That was four years ago
@@user-tb7rn1il3q Same here - since 1974!
You definitely make a difference in our community by educating us the viewers. Thank you so much.!
@@chatsworthosbornejr.9153me too !
Unfortunately, the reality is that we (well, most of us) will still have to deal with unknowledgeable and/or unscrupulous companies to get our cars repaired. Most of the time, we will have no direct knowledge of what they're doing to our vehicles, compared to what they're claiming, while they are out of our sight.
@@chatsworthosbornejr.9153 Check out @SouthMainAuto channel. He is another good source of automotive wisdom and trusted experience.
AMD the genius.
Please make a network of like minded mechanics.
As a M. Tech myself I see it doesn’t matter whether you are from a dealer/ independent worker when you show no craftsmen ship or pride in your work you deserve not to touch any cars other than your own. I work on every car just as well as yourself doing on Toyota specially. One thing I can say if you are not aware on a certain vehicle as time to time I run into this is why we have service data. So why thing is doesn’t matter where you work cuz you have crap dealership and independent workers everywhere. Laziness has a lot to do with it and/or have no pride in their work making others like ourselves the dying breed look bad. I am glad to see I myself am not the only one who takes pride in what we do. God bless you and your family and those that you take care of.
so true.
Yep, I’m way more than half dead.
Don't ask Americans to pick up their slack.
A dealership told my sister her AC on her Honda needed 1500 dollars' worth of work. Took it to an independent mechanic, he said it only needed freon. He also pressure tested the ac before he came to the freon conclusion. I was just shocked. This was a dealership we both trusted. Excellent video.
Never trust any dealership
I to dont trust dealers either but freon is not someting that just runs out for no reason you needed it because you have a leak maybe the dealer was actually going to replace the leaking part
Stealership cabrones
That happens with peoples home ac systems ever heard of Beautler?
That's a very common thing unfortunately. Shops that will refuse to diagnose an AC leak and simply quote everything.
281,000 miles can’t complain anymore. That Avalon is a Keeper for sure!
I had excellent luck with a '98 Mercedes C230. It had 262,000 miles on the odometer, but I felt it was a ticking time bomb because too much of it was original to the car i.e. transmission, suspension, timing chain, air conditioning, and numerous electronic modules. I sold it, but it still lives in my neighborhood. After 23 years, I never think about it or miss it, you'd think otherwise.
@@nomebear older ones were just as strong as Toyota and honda
I used to be one of those good honest knowledgeable mechanics. The dealerships I worked at wanted nothing to do with those traits. All that mattered was how much you upsold. This fundamental difference in ideologies led me to 2 choices also. Start your own business or a new career. I chose a new career and walked after 30 yrs. Good for AMD starting his own business educating and making a difference. The words "underpaid, unappreciated and overworked" ring very true. Sad part is I have a head full of knowledge that I can't pass on. Yet the old dealers I used too work for have permanent road signs that state "Techs wanted apply now" yet nothing has changed.
It's a hard business to be in. I used to be your counterpart, a service advisor. I think that honest techs and advisors can survive, but it's not the easy way out and it takes both to make it happen. I would sometimes get less than honest technicians making BS recommendations when we'd first start working together. I would call them out - there's enough honest work out there that we don't need to be dishonest. I stressed to them that they need to be legit with me and I'll make sure I keep them busy and making their hours. I'd keep my word, look out for my techs and we'd have no funny business with my customers. I like to think it made work more pleasant for everybody involved. Unfortunately if the advisor can't sell what needs to be sold or doesn't care then things trickle down, putting pressure on the techs who at the end of the day need to make hours.
@@kft4764 I hear you. Honest Service Advisors are essential as well. Thanks for being one of the good guys. Problem was pressure from above General Manger or Dealer Principle. The honest Advisors I worked with and respected were soon weeded out for "Failure to reach goals". It's not just honest Techs and Advisors needed but honest upper management to make it work. As an example we once had a dishonest tech in the shop who sold brakes on almost every vehicle that came in. 3 of us senior techs took the brake pads from his last job to the G.M (Service Manger did nothing) and said W.T.F. over 50% pad left. G.M. response was go away and mind your business. If a customer requested his old parts back and knew what he was looking at and demanded to see the manager or the G.M. it was always blamed on the "bad tech". I actually had many customers who would request that I worked on their vehicles. The G.M. claimed that was unfair and the mechanics had a rotation for next job so Advisors weren't allowed to comply with the request (Flat Rate here). It lost customers and myself. For upper management it was never about building cliental or a reputation just about how much you could fleece every customer. I couldn't take it any more.
@@redwoodforest3572 That's terrible to hear. I've had greedy bosses that were always pushing for results even when it wasn't reasonable, but luckily haven't had any blatantly tell us it's okay to cheat customers by ignoring it when it happens. At least you know that you looked out for people and that those customers appreciated it and noticed. You can be proud of having done a good job. When I look back at my service writing years, I was typically one of the top performing writers but that's not what I think of. I think of the people I helped out and you sound like the same type of guy that cared about that first. I'm sure the unethical guys don't think back and feel good about how they spent their time.
I’m in a similar situation now, me and my friend (my shop’s service associate) entered this industry at about the same time at the very beginning of last year. I’ve bounced around a couple shops and he’s followed and every manager has appreciated my hard work and dedication, but they hate it when I set up boundaries. I’m not going to sell something the customer doesn’t need, I’m going to do things right every time, and I’m not going to take shortcuts that hurt the customer. That’s why I keep asking for that associate specifically to follow me, because he is the only one I’ve met who understands what I’m actually writing and doesn’t try to sell things that don’t need to be sold.
I'm glad you went out on your own and hope that your business becomes wildly successful. You deserve it.
All dealers want to sell you a new car
15:05 This point is so important. Years ago, I once took my car to my local Honda Dealer to get the bakes done. I picked my car at the end of the day right before they closed. On my way I immediately notice the car veering to the right as soon as I put on the brakes, something that never ever hanppened before. I bring it back the next day and tell the service advisor that had worked on the car. He get's all flustered and defensive immediately and says " well.... it's an older car and blah, blah", anway I tell, it only happened after the service. Eventually he ends up grudgingly takes the car. Ater they fix it, he tells me it's fixed. Doesn't tell me what the issues, no apologies, nothing. Just a barely veiled display of annoyance at having to the do the job again.
This is why I try to always work on my cars, I have been let down many times and by Profesional in name only. As a Costumer I will gladly over pay to a good Guy just like you Man. Thank you for being Honest and unselfish to teach us what you know. God be with you and His Blessings.
Same here. You always get ripped. Always. So I work on my car too. At least I KNOW that the right oil is used. God bless.
Amen, brothers! I bought a new Volvo 240 wagon in 1984. It was serviced by the selling dealer only for the 1 year warranty period. I bought as many of the Volvo service manuals as I could afford. I figured I could screw it up or fix it just as well as any of the stealership mechanics could. I kept that car for 34 years. Rest in pieces...
Exactly why I started working on my cars too, and my wife would get so worried haha. Sometimes it would take me 2 or 3 weekends to get the job done but there's only been a couple times I couldn't finish and called someone to help, and there job was easy would be almost finished!
Costumer? Like you dress up in different outfits?
I remember listening to the “Car Talk” guys on NPR years ago say, “…try not to take your car in near the end of the month because the boat payment is due”….they were being funny AND truthful.
Thats the big difference between a mechanic who does his job only for money... And a master technician who does his job also with a enormous passion
Someone wants a used car ,after they sell you a new one 😂
I started working on my cars when I was 19. 40 years later, I am still learning great things thanks to people like you. Everyone should at least learn the basics so they don’t get ripped off by shady mechanics.
Same here.Cheers
Ditto ! I do my own repairs on everything ! I have never hired anyone to do anything !
@@guyaldrich5878same here 👍💪
A real eye opener and thank you for what you do.I had a case recently with my 2014 Lexus LS460L with 100000 miles when I took it to a Lexus dealer in Ontario,Canada to do a warranty repair on the fuel system.As I was leaving they gave me a written report to repair an oil leak on front timing chain area and would be a 2 day repair with having to take engine out etc.with a $5000 bill.Took it to my mechanic who said a few drops were present ,tightened the bolts and I have never had a drop of oil on my garage floor now a year later.
that is effin criminal!
did you tell them what pieces of shi- they are?
Wonder how those two bolts got loose?
Dealerships can't get money on any warranty work so they make stuff up to reach in your wallet
AMD, Now that they found you, I hope the owner keeps it for another 285,000 miles. Did anyone else notice the older, comfortable, boxy Avalons sold in good numbers but when they started making them low, sleek and sporty sales fell through the floor? 🤔
We have owned 6 of these Avalons but the ones in the 90's were just about Perfect. I agree the newer ones turned into Granny/Grandpa cars.
The entire car market died. Trucks and suvs for space
Avalon's were designed to be nice and comfortable. Adding "sport" to it kills the reason for the car.
@@volvo09 R.I.P. Avalon.
I never liked any model year for its looks. But the ride is very nice
And this is why it’s so important to find an actual mechanic that shows pride in his work and works for you, not against you. Another reason as well to avoid dealerships, they are absolutely the worst in most cases… This mechanic is true to his word. I wish I had him in Florida. Well done sir on another video!
I really need to find myself another trusted mechanic but I've had no luck. Thankfully one of the two Toyota dealers in my city is trustworthy and doesn't try to upsell on services not listed in the service manual like the other dealer does so I've been using them. I USED to have a trusted mechanic but then out of no where his quality just tanked. Last time he had my previous car he had it for two weeks to do an oil change, tire rotation, front brakes, and to replace the rack and pinion he said was badly damaged from an animal I had hit recently. TWO WEEKS.
When I got the car back the airbag light was on and he tried to play dumb and ask if the light was on when I dropped it off. I took it to the dealer and they said that some cable that connects to the drivers side air bag was damaged and that they suspect my mechanic broke it because they said some mechanics will take the steering wheel off to do the alignment after replacing the rack and pinion because it's easier and if they don't disconnect the cable first then it will get damaged. Of course my mechanic denied taking the steering wheel off and refused to pay the $700 the dealer wanted to replace it. I had just spent over $2k with my mechanic and I didn't think it was worth dropping another $700 on that and then another $300 on the leaky valve cover gasket that he some how missed and the transmission was starting to slip in the cold weather. So I traded it in to another Toyota dealer and got me a certified used 2017 Camry and have been happy ever since. I still miss my old Camry as it rode smoother than the new one.
For me, your channel is a must-see for all car owners.
This is exactly why I watch this channel!
I love my Toyotas, but I don't trust even dealerships to fix/maintain them correctly. They seem to oversell lots of expensive - and perhaps unnecessary services/flushes, but then they won't actual do the work or do it correctly.
So here we are - all learning from Ahmed how to do it ourselves if we're not lucky enough to be close enough to have him or somebody else we trust work on our cars.
I always loved it when I'd change out my air and cabin filters and the service person would walk out to the waiting room to show me how dirty my air filters were. They wouldn't even be the right filters for my car. They not only rip you off they think you're an idiot.
CROOKS!!!
Scary for those of us that don’t have a pro anywhere near us like AMD . Very appreciative of his professionalism skill and ethics . He should be a mentor for all young apprentices.
This is why it's so frustrating, all mechanic interactions I've had are similar to what this owner had. It's literally impossible to find someone like you... sadly. If I could find someone like you in AZ, I'd never let them go.
My Dad was a Ford dealership mechanic for many years and I’m a former heavy equipment/diesel truck mechanic. I hate going to the dealership and rarely do so,but when I do go I love listening to the service writers come into the waiting room and tell people about all the expensive repairs their car needs. I’m pretty sure the service writers sell a lot more than the actual salesmen in the showroom.
I expect service writers in dishonest dealerships are directed to sell unnecessary repairs whenever possible.
Thanks again as always Ahmed. Customer was smart to bring it to you, ridiculous how petty some mechanics get when you question them. I hope they returned to the dealership and flaunted their car after it just needing the OCV.
I recall 5 years back during 2nd routine maintenance with 3,000 miles on the car, now 50k miles.
Before I leave the workshop I pull the dip stick, the oil was over the MAX.
3 mechanic there said a little over is ok 😄, so I ask them to define MAX (maximum). Immediately I request them to remove some oil out.
2nd that!
I stopped using the dealer in my area because they kept installing a smaller oil filter that was not the correct part number. I researched it and the part number they were using was not an optional one either. I pointed it out to them at the next oil change and they wrote on the bill the correct part number, but when I looked under the car it had the same incorrect filter. Either they put on the wrong ones again or they didn't change it at all. I change my own oil now.
It's hard to find someone so honest. Keep up the great work.
The car repair industry needs more good honest, knowledgeable, people like you Sir. Your business is sure to expand fast when people watch this video. Why are so many dealerships crooked these days???? You have a great You Tube Channel.
Why?
Greed. Plain and simple.
Laziness, dishonesty and greed
Thanks for telling people that. I prefer to work on my own car because I have the ability and for the very reasons you talked about. I want it done right! I've had cars in the past serviced at dealers and gotten them back with hoses misaligned, broken covers etc. When questioned, "that was like that"... no it wasn't ... I'm picky... I don't break things. How do you find a good dealership? That's the million dollar question. My personal saying: Dealers; fix one thing and break 2 more. With oil stains in the car.
I can’t find a good dealership here in Australia.
These Avalons are great cars. I have one with 300,000 miles. Very comfortable. Tons of rear legroom. Gets great highway gas mileage too (30 mpg on the highway consistently, and I’ve occasionally gotten 35 mpg if I drive like an old lady). Pretty strong engine, that 3.5 liter V6.
Toyota’s version of a classic Buick sedan. Toyota basically took the Camry V6 XLE and stretched it to give it more rear legroom and added some sound insulation for a quieter ride. It’s the basis for the Lexus ES 350, just without the Lexus badge.
They’re usually kept pretty well because their owners are usually middle aged folks who take care of them and don’t beat them up.
I’m a toyota mechanic for 5yrs in Australia. Thanks for your video. Still learning and getting hints for the jobs from you 👍
I'm no mechanic, but this is the exact reason I do extensive research on my Camry if or when I have an issue. I will start reading stuff and figure out what the hell is going on before I take it in. If it's something I can do I'll repair it, but if it's something I'm uncomfortable with working on it alone, I'll take it in and tell the mechanics replace this part etc... I love Toyota's but I'm not a fan of the dealership mechanics. I take my Camry across the street to the Honda dealership where I have a couple of buddies who work there. They do quality work and I trust them. They've never steered me wrong. I just buy the Toyota parts and I ask one of them to install the part if I don't know how to do it, and they even give me a military discount.
It's nice to see that someone really gives some real love to cars ❤
The dealership wanted to snatch that up for $500 and sell them a car way over price, they knew what was wrong..but they just wanted to steal their car legally
Quite possibly.
You said it perfectly, "steal the car legally". I used to work at a Toyota dealer, and ended up quiting because I could not stand being a part of the corruption. Dealers work very hard to train, and condition techs to be salesman. My service manager told me I'm a salesman who works on cars.
They probably had a buyer already lined up for the Avalon, thinking the customer would cave to their B.S.
@@brad3741 A salesman that works on cars but gets none of the commission.
I feel so bad for people who don't know any better and trust stealerships. Imagine how much money this owner would've saved if they had a knowledgeable, reliable and honest independent mechanic in their life.
Please keep covering this car! I have an 2006 with 175k miles. Excellent condition except the timing cover leak being the big ticket item. I watch every video about this car I hope know you are doing so much good in this world. Dishonest or predatory people aside (both mechanic and customers) it helps you are bridging the knowledge gap. Keep up the good work!
I’ve had nothing but problems with my 07. It has 180. It rides beautifully though.
i have a Subaru mechanic who is a great, honest and reasonable person. He used to work for Subaru and decided to open a small three bay shop in Goshen, NY. A family shop witch I accidentally found coming from my storage unit. I had an 2007 Subaru Outback that I bought new and the dealer was ripping me off. I passed by one day and saw he sells used Subaru's. I went in one day and could not believe the way he conducted his business. He gives you an itemized estimate and road test the car and tells you what you need and what you don't. I would travel 50 miles to take my car to him because it is so hard to find good honest auto mechanics like him.
Dealerships are very keen to persuade people to scrap vehicles and buy new (and manufacturers incentivise them to push new vehicles). I wouldn't take their word for anything. The best course of action is to find a good independent mechanic (like you). Even better, learn to repair your own vehicle (I appreciate that isn't possible for everyone).
I feel the whole cash for clunkers scam paved the way and set a whole lot of dealerships up to conduct shady business like that. Plain old greed.
It's really only the sales side of the dealership that would love for you to get into another car. Service and Sales are basically run as two separate businesses inside the dealership, each looking after its own bottom line. I do agree that if you can work on your car yourself, it's worthwhile to do.
Dealers hate people like me. I buy a vehicle once every papal election or two!
Trusted mechanics are hard to find now days.
I never take my car to a dealer unless it is under warranty !
Madam is lucky to service car in TCCN garage. I like this video. Thank you!
I've been going back and forth about taking my LC 500 to TCCN for routine services. I'm 700 miles away but I think after this video I have no choice but to do it. It's a long way but I don't see any other way to guarantee I get every mile out of this car that she has in her. She truly deserves the kind of care she'll receive. My dealership while very good, they just don't understand how special this car really is.
I know just what you mean.
Throw away society has conditioned people not to care and not to cherish or properly care for what they have let alone what somebody else has.
I love that LC 500, what a wonderful car.
You are not only honest sincere man ...but educative and analytical genius of a Mechanic!! Love from Africa
In which African country do you reside?
An excellent video! Very helpful. My mechanic told me once that I need to replace engine in my car, that was honda 2.0l with 110k. I spent 3 days searching the internet and found that might be caused by pcv valve. I bought it, took it to my mechanic he replaced and honda didn't burn any oil. The oil change was at 4k. Before I had to add 2 quarts. He would have never expected it. He is regarded as one of the best mechanic in my region.
Man I would like to drive all the way from georgia to your shop. Very rare to find someone who has passion and integrity in the mechanic field. You're awesome!
I really want to send this video to my local Toyota Dealership...not to piss them off but so they can use it as a training video for the techs.
I think that is a good idea.
Sadly the dealership isn't interested .. they don't want quality service, they want just what was said earlier .. UPSELLING not quality mechanics
True, definitely get a 2nd opinion. To fix a few issues brought my car to a shop that's close to my work. Got a call from the shop that my car was done and they recommended that I get the short block gasket replaced. They noticed that it was leaking oil. Got a 2nd opinion and it wasn't a short block gasket that needs replacing. It was the timing belt tensioner that was leaking oil.
A beautiful thing you did for this couple, Ahmed! Personally, I love my independent mechanic shop- only had one comeback that I recall many years ago. Once I get all the work done on my “new-to-me” ES300, I may have to drive to you from New York for your “final approval”! (Seriously thinking about it 😉) May you and yours, your team also, be blessed and kept as well!
Brother I think you are one of the most fair and reputable mechanics on RUclips doing what is right by the people... thanks 👍
I’m glad God gifted us Ahmed, Scotty Kilmore, The Car Wizard , and Your Car Angel . Just solid honest men helping out their fellow human beings. May the Lord bless them and their families greatly .
South Main Auto is top notch as well. I would trust him with any of my cars/trucks.
Rainman Ray repairs also..
You wrote to me a while back about your video regarding Toyota Sienna's. You were telling everyone what is right and wrong about those cars. Your video was accurate and I thank you for your channel. Also, thanks for reaching out! I now have a Toyota (not a Sienna but I Prius) and I love it. 🥰
I have a 14 and 20 Prius prime.Will consider a 23 Prius prime. Last year my 14 was selling on the used car lot for what I paid for it new. My 20 was selling for $5000 more than what I paid for it
Hi AMD, I wish your shop was in Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦. I am having a real difficult time finding honest dealership in Northeastern part of the city. They all claim as knowledgeable but you are on a different level of being knowledgeable.
Not only are you knowledgeable, you explain thing thoroughly and make it understood. You seem like an honest, caring guy. If I lived in your area, I’d bring my Toyota to you. And your shop is clean.
I only wish your business would be in my state. Your are truly unique
You are a good honest man your customers don’t know how lucky they are to have you working on there cars.
In my book, character counts. Lord bless you with more success in your business. It is always a pleasure to see your honest, straightforward views on the world of automotive mechanics!
Love these videos. Who has not been shafted by a mechanic or dealership in the past, if you owned vehicles over the years?
I have a 2011 Avalon, the facelifted version of this one. It's at 71k miles now and I don't expect anything major soon, but I take better care of the car than I do my own body. I'm extremely meticulous with its cleanliness and even ensure the engine bay looks like it came fresh off the dealer lot. The cynic in me wonders about the integrity of the mechanics in my area - if I can really trust that they will uphold the same standards that I do, or if I'm gonna open my hood to find sloppily spilled oil, missing covers where they were too lazy to put them back, and worst of all, what happened to this customer - spending so much money thinking they were getting quality maintenance, only for it to be so half-assed it's like they just took her car to the back and sat around for an hour, then rushed something together while charging full price. Shit like this makes me want to just make the drive or have my car hauled to TCCN.
The behavior of the dealer and first "independent" mechanic will be the death of the auto industry. Prices are already pricing out 30-40 percent of buyers who just need reliable transportation. Current supply limits and price gouging are alienating another 10-20 percent. The complexity and additional likelihood of misdiagnosis from "professionals" who don't keep current and don't care will take the rest of the market and make people realize the fixation on "investing" $50k in a new car every 5-7 years that depreciates faster than shares of FTX is toxic to their financial well being.
Awesome videos just got me an 07 Camry with the V6 with 241k miles on it it’s been well maintained no coolant leaks and cost me 1800…..I’m not even worried about the mileage.
Thanks broo appreciate your help!!! We need more people like you!!!👍
You are the defintion of a true professional - great job!
thank you very much for your expertise and your willingness to share it!! You make such a difference in the car community on RUclips! Cheers :)
👏👏👏👏
That's why I always looking forward to AMD 🚗 videos since I viewed one of his video 2 years ago.👍
I'm honestly learning alot about cars in his channel aswell it's so informative and straightforward damm!
An excellent video up to your usual high standard, highly informative. One comment tho, the unfortunate owner of this nice car did in fact get a second opinion. The trouble was that both opinions were worthless. In some situations, one just has to rely on a general feeling of whether the advice sounds right. The give away here was the dismissive nature of the advice - junk the engine, junk the car. Anyone faced with this kind of advice particularly when their experience of driving the car, in this case, acceptable performance with an occasional glitch, should be alert - this is a red flag.
My wife has a Toyota Camry 2005 V6 with 352,000 kilometers on the clock (Australia). The power train has no problems, low oil consumption, smooth changes. Toyota really does make long lasting cars.
Please keep up the good work. You are much appreciated. 🙂
Awesome video. As always super honest. Whoever did those rear brakes and didn’t recommend new rotors Doesn’t know what he’s doing.
I'm looking at an Avalon as my next car so I'm absorbing as much info as I can about it. You've been a treasure trove of information and you've gained a new subscriber
The really sad part here is, they brought this Avalon to their "trusted mechanic" and he said the same as the Stealership. Fired!! LOL
As always great info/video! Gotta love the 2 month update too!
Picked up my new Hilux from the dealership today. Asked the sales guy to enable Apple car play. Looked at me strangely and said all done mate. Couldn’t get car play to work. Returned to the dealership next day. Two seperate people couldn’t get it to work. In the end the workshop supervisor told me it had not been enabled. Fixed in 15 seconds flat. Welcome to Toyota Australia. God help me.
Wish more mechanics were like you. Am lucky enough to live not too far from you, am in Rockford Illinois
You are one of the few honest mechanics left in the world.
Ok, watching this makes me want to buy another Avalon. I own a 2011 Limited, and that was the year they began installing backup cameras. I love that Generation! I highly recommend buying one!
I really like the 2011-2012 facelift in that generation.
Are Avalons just a higher end Camry?
Glad to know that you own a 2011 limited Avalon also. I got mine in 2019. I love that generation as well. They are super comfortable.
I have a mint 2010 Avalon XLS I purchased 4.5 years ago from Boch Toyota with only 38K miles . One owner dealership maintained records . It now has 86K miles and runs just as good . I change the oil myself every 3K miles with Mobil-1. It’s had transmission services, & regular fluid changes . I want 500K out of this car! Fingers crossed 🤞. I wish you were near me I’d have you maintain this car exclusively.
We appreciate the Toyota knowledge you share with us AMD! 🙏 👌👍
A Good mechanic is hard to find a good dealership is very hard to find we need more mechanics like you my friend keep up the good work and thank you.🙏
If they have the Noble Prize 🏆 for Honesty, I’ll definitely give it to you. Thank you for your integrity/honesty/and work ethic.
Mad respect.
You are absolutely right about dealership maintenance. My wife's 2008 Solara is only maintained by the dealer and they never bother to clean or at least wipe off oil and dust on the engine after change oil. Two days ago, check engine light came on and I scanned it. the code was P036 I think, something to do with misfire and idle was rough. I figured it was one of the ignition coil. After more troubleshooting, it came out to be cylinder # 6. So I called the dealership for ignition coil and quoted me for $200 each which I thought was ridiculously expensive for a piece of plastic with maybe $5 worth of electronic components. So I looked it up in Amazon and they have it for $20 delivered to my house. I installed it, the car ran good just like before and no more code. I know you always preach original manufacturer's parts only. Do you think I made the right decision buying cheaper part? Will it last long and not harm other components? Also the valve cover gasket is leaking on this car and the dealer quoted my wife $1100 for the job. Is that a fair price? I loved your videos I learned a lot , keep up the good work. Thank you, Armand.
Got the same car 2007 avalon with 238k drives new still, best used car ever just maintain it thats it
Same story on my 2014 Avalon. Car runs like a top with 157k miles and the dealership is always recommending thousands of dollars worth of work. I’m just waiting for it to get to 200k so I can take it to AMD for some work and possibly a video.
Went to 1 dealership for rear differential and transfer case oil change car passed everything after inspection, went to other dealership for transmission fluid change they give me about 6000$ dollars of problems they listed after inspection, 2 Toyota dealership in the same city in under 24 hours wow, so I get under the car every thing looks new car feels and runs great including the front control arm after doing much research of what to look out for of course, thank you really appreciate everything.
There you go again. Doing what you do best and that’s your Honesty to me my friend and Customers that bring there cars to your shop you are Truly a Honest Hard working Top Notch Master Mechanic one more thing I got a total hip replacement and as soon as I get better I’ll have my car and truck service by you ❤ all your videos and keep up the the excellent work you do it would be so nice if there were more honest mechanic like you Sir
Do you know where this mechanic Is it what state I wish he was in Michigan
@@juneallen4926 he is in the Chicago area.
That's the pinnacle year for Toyota. That 06-09 range were really something. Plus that's one of my favorite colors. Car looks fantastic. Hope it gets another 300k
Your videos are so impressive. I have a 1998 4 runner with 363 ,000 miles. Minimal problems just have taken good care of it and not at a dealership. It saw a dealership once after I purchased it. Fortunately, I have a mechanic like you. I just recently purchased a 2023 Tacoma 1300 miles now. Boy, they have really cheapened every component. Even with excellent care, I doubt that I can expect the same service from this Toyota. The question for you is,it requires 0-20W oil. The chart in the manual shows a temp range fronm -10f to 80f. I live in Arizona, where we typically see 90f lows at night and 110f to 115f daytime temps for 2 months. Should I not use a different oil at those temps?
No. Use 0-20W only. There are ultra, tiny passages that only function properly with the thinner oil.
@@tacocin 👍🏽
I wouldn't be so sure. Plenty of guys on TacomaWorld with over 300k miles already on their current-gen Tacoma. Rust resistance is much better as well. Got an 02 Tundra (with hundreds of k) and a 19 Tacoma (only 45k, but just went east, to west, back to east coast).
You're fine with 0-20 weight in Az. You shouldn't have any issues with that oil weight as long as you keep up routine oil maintenance. Toyota tests their vehicles in Arizona at their proving grounds. Google their press release : A behind the scenes look at the toyota arizona proving grounds. 👍
It is hard to find a knowledgeable and honest mechanic. That is why so many of us are watching your video to become DIY. LOL . I enjoy your video. Thank you
In a previous video, you installed Toyota struts on a Camry. KYB is an OE supplier of struts/shocks to Toyota/Lexus. Do you not believe or support in installing KYB struts/shocks as an aftermarket parts? Thanks AMD for posting another great video.
I don't own a Toyota..... But "when I do" I'll be watching you every week...... I like how you say what is right..... Well-done sir.....
If I owned this car I would send an email to Toyota Corporate Customer relations department, and then go to a different dealership in the future.
Agreed.
I wish you had multiple shops all over the country. Your quality work and your knowledge are something that mechanics and dealerships dont have anymore. My 4runner has 254000 miles on it. If anything big happens where it becomes undrivable, engine wise, i would love to bring my car to your shop so we can discuss what can be done
Thank Goodness the owner found you.
I love and appreciate you! I told my local Toyota dealership that they couldn't have possible executed a thorough inspection for the amount of time they had my car in the bay and they basically told me I didn't know what I was talking about. I worry that lots of shops don't do their due diligence are merely try and get you in and out as fast as possible and it is a bit scary.
Thanks for the video! Would like to see how to replace the oil control valve in this engine 😊
Its not that difficult Mike. After you locate it remove the electrical connector . Sometimes the securing clip will break. Dab a bit of silicone across the connector after reinstallation to keep it secure. You will most likely need a wrench or a socket ratchet combo of the appropriate size bolt. Remove the bolt and wiggle the ocv out.Reinstallation is the opposite. More importantly is replacing or cleaning the filter screen which usually is the close to the valve. Remove the bolt there and use a fine tip pliers to pull it out. Clean or renew and reinstall. Hope this helps.
@@abyssalsoul6216 ok awesome, thanks! Really appreciate that
My 2008 Avalon just hit 200k miles today. Like it, live it, love it.
We don’t want to work on your car but we’re happy to sell you a brand new vehicle.😂
First I would like to say that you're a very honest person to your customers. Second thank you for your videos I enjoy watching them, I learn a lot of information that I can pass on to my customers, I work for a big chain auto parts store. Third I would like to say that not all dealerships are trying to rip you off at least the one I bought my 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD from takes good care of me when I get my 5k miles maintenance done. My dad worked there for years so I trust that they are doing everything that needs to be done properly. The last time I went to get my maintenance done I was going on a 2k miles round trip and was due for an oil change and tire rotation. When I went to pick it up I asked the lead technician who works on my vehicle how much I owed he told me to have a safe trip and that I was all set, I gave him $20 to buy himself lunch.
This is exactly why I became a DIY car mechanic.
I am blessed to have a mechanic like you! Honest, trustworthy and reputable. I took my 2007 Corolla in for a service yesterday and the owner of the shop had broken his leg. Yet there he was in a WC overseeing his workers the day before his surgery. I was told that their workers stay with him a long time. I asked them to check my alternator because the man at Autozone said I needed a new one after I had to get a second new battery in less than a year. So they checked my alternator and said it is fine, thereby saving me around $500.00!
God bless you, sir! And thank you for educating us! I am happy your new shop is doing so well!
😂I have given On the Bull shit lieing toe rags mech and now I have done The Work done My self and the now works fine the car I now keep the car in perfect working condition at all time
Best car repair videos out there !
Thank God for u AMD! Thats a nice lookn Avalon! She is very fortunate to have u now! Great job/video as usual! 👍🇺🇸
Dealers have an interest in getting you over to the sales department, so don't listen to a service department that tells you this. I would say that generally once you are out of warranty the dealership won't have much respect for your 'old' car.
I would never say this will 'always' happen, but it's far too common.
Wish I lived closer there. You are the real deal master mechanic. I wouldn't mind bringing in my suv to have you service it every time. Knowing that you will treat it as if it was yours and you will take great care of servicing it the proper way. I just got fed up with the lies and rip off by the so-call technician that I just DIY it myself do it right. I want my car to last and that takes great care and patience like you said it yourself. Keep up the great job. Love watching all your videos as they are super informatives.
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GEN 3 avalon are incredibly reliable....I own 2 currently, and 1 that was just totaled in accident.... they are great
I wish you lived near me. You are truly the best mechanic I have ever seen. I wish you every success.
I can relate to those mechanics. As an ICU nurse, I feel underpaid, overworked, and under appreciated, and the hospital can get very hostile. But I love the videos. Seems like I always learn something new. My wife would complain about some intermittent hesitation on our 13 highlander. When i would drive it, i never felt it. Might b the oil control valve. I better look into it. Thanks again for the awesome video. 👌
Thank you for your work. Also, your wife may have (and probably does have) different driving habits than you do. Maybe she's really conservative or maybe she's a leadfoot. You should ride with her and see if she can recreate it for you. It also may be that your transmission fluid is old and needs to be changed. I had my transmission fluid changed at the dealership just because it's a weird procedure on these things and I didn't want to buy the tools.
@MerfishSandwich she definitely has a lead foot. But I have been up to date on transmission flushes. My car has about 130k miles and I have done 3 drain and fills. But I think you may be right. Last time she was complaining of the intermittent hesitation I did changes the tranny fluid. Ever since then, there have been no complaints. Cross my fingers it does not do it again.
I was asking a toyota question online and they posted ur video on how to changed a sealed tranie. I have seen many videos on how to do it but I have to admit that your video is one of best one.
The biggest challenge in car ownership? Finding an honest mechanic. Your shop is probably booked for the next !. Wish you all the best.
AMD, Scotty Kilmer and Chris Fix are the goats when it comes to anything automotive on RUclips!!!