Hello: This is my first post. I have a '97 Rav4 and I am the original owner. It has been great to me. I have used it on the beach and in snow storms. It is approaching 200,000 and I hope to keep it for years to come. This is my problem, the dealership offers a complete service which I am sure you are familiar with. This could run up to $1,000. I am about to do this since I want many more miles of trouble free driving. I have talked to a number of people who think this is outrageous, feeling much of the work is unnecessary. They all claim to know someone who could do the job for a fraction of that. What do you think? Would you give a non-dealership mechanic a try? Thanks

Find out what needs to be done first for that mileage and then find a trusted mechanic to perform that work.

I would definantly get a second opinion on the service and cost involved on that type of service. Sounds like alot of money to me.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Good rule of thumb. All it needs is an oil change and some TLC.

Just get the oils changed, filters done, brake fluid changed; brake pipes and system checked; and check for oil leaks on the engine in case any seals need done. Cam belt done depending on what engine is in it. Check that the water coolant isn't leaking anywhere and change that too.
As the guy said - if it aint broke......

Thanks for the advice, I have invested in a Chilton repair manual. I figure there is a lot of things I can do for myself.

The Factory Service Manual is quite good too.

I hate the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." rule of thumb. It's stupid in this context. When you are broke down late at night with a burst radiator hose burst because it may have been old, but not leaking at the time so you didn't replace it, well. you get the point.

If you want to keep driving and not have AAA on speed dial, do a proper PM and take care of things before they become an issue.

Here are some quick tips beyond the normal tune up.

Change all fluids. If it's a liquid, change it. Including brake fluid.
Also change and filters. Don't forget the fuel filter.

Inspect the brakes. While you are in the area, repack the bearing with grease. Also check the rubber brake lines for cracks. I replaced mine at 250k. They looked fine, but I am not taking any chances with my safety. It's money well spent.

Inspect and/or change all belts. Including timing belt if the engine has one.

Replace all coolant hoses. By this point, they should still be good, but not for much longer. Don't forget the heater hoses and any other small hoses that might carry coolant.

Grease the driveline and any other points that need greasing. I think the Rav4 has CV joints. Inspect the boots for cracks.

Check the rubber fuel line that runs from the firewall to the engine. If it looks hard or brittle, replace it. If it cracks and squirts hot fuel on the engine, you get the idea.

Look in the manual and see when/if the valves need adjusting.

I think that about covers it.