The local dealer wants $350 for 30K maintenance, which includes a lot of work and replacement that doesn't seem to fit with that low mileage, normal driving conditions. What's the practical side of mileage and maintenance for an 03 Highlander that runs perfectly?

how ever many you want to push it to.

I just saw that this original post was done a long time ago, but since I went through the same thing, I think I might as well answer! When I had my RAV4, I would go to the dealership, where they actually wanted me to do all the maintenance schedule, ask for oil change only and a list and estimate of what I would have to do. After that, I would get the list and found that many things were not really important or required that early on a model like mine! So, I went to a friend who is a mechanic and asked him. He told me what I actually suspected, I shouldn't have to do any of those things because it was a brand new car with very little milage on it! I guess at the dealership they saw $$$$ when they saw me. I kept doing it for the first 2 years, they would give me an estimate of $450, and I would get everything they listed done for $200 at Meineke! My car was in perfect condition when I sold it, and never once did I do the maintenance at the dealership!

As long as you have objective evidence that the check or maintenance item was done, you will continue to be covered under warranty.

This is another reason why I keep immaculate service records.

Example: At 30K miles I was supposed to have a complete brake check done by Toyota. I had Midas do the brake inspection for free (they advertise this), and they gave me a piece of paper for my file that it was done. I entered it into my log.

If my brakes had a subsequent problem, warranty would remain valid. I discussed this with Toyota, and they agreed.

I see now that keeping records is really important! Thanks Pongo, as always you are illuminating the highway to a better care for your car! LOL! I will definetly take that into consideration the next time I get a brand new car, or any car for that matter! I have to really get into the whole organization thing when it comes to my car!