Topic: Toy mechanic

[monyman]

My brother is thinking of buying a trail Toyota, but he's not mechanically inclined and so wants to know if anyone would recommend a mechanic (somewhat) near Pleasanton, CA. If no mechanic, then no trail Toyota. Thoughts?

[jimbo74]

there is a pretty awesome toyota place in concord so I have heard... https://toyotapro.com/

there are a lot of people around here that would lend a hand if he is willing to work on it himself

[Gnarly4X]

My brother is thinking of buying a trail Toyota, but he's not mechanically inclined and so wants to know if anyone would recommend a mechanic (somewhat) near Pleasanton, CA. If no mechanic, then no trail Toyota. Thoughts?

Thoughts....

Active trail running, and especially 4-wheeling, typically requires lots and lots of maintenance and repair to a vehicle.  Damage is almost a certainty.  Cost can be a big factor for most of us.  Cost of having someone do that maintenance and repair can be high.

Friends that have shop tools and shop skills is very handy.  Joining a club to gain fellow wheeling friendships can be a big plus.

A daily driver and trail vehicle requires more immediate attention.  A trailer queen requires a tow vehicle and trailer.  There are trade-offs to almost everything.

If paying someone to do that work, choose very carefully and be very aware of what to expect to pay in time and money.

Gnarls.

[gnob]

Imo if you are seriously offroading, you need to know how to turn a wrench. No one, i repeat, no one wants to fix or be stuck behind your broken rig on their vacation.

[Snowtoy]

Anyone who wheels should at least have the ability to diagnose basic issues and change parts, if his lack of mechanical ability is due to not being exposed to it, and he really wants to get involved in wheeling, he needs to buy a stock rig and a factory service manual, and learn the basics from servicing the rig.  From there wheel it stock, go through the general bolt-on upgrades, fix what he breaks, and then when it is time for upgrades that are beyond his ability, like an SAS if he starts with IFS, pay for them to be done. 

[cbeers]

I couldn't agree more.  While I am no mechanic, I am learning a ton about my rig and feel reasonably capable when the time comes for a fix.  Note, not if...when.  it will happen.  All the prep in the world can't account for everything, every time.

I would second Snowtoy's thoughts and if he is serious about learning this hobby, join a club and get real world experience with a support group.

I only have a rig in perpetual park mode so take that for what it's worth   

CB

[monyman [OP]]

Some back story is warranted. He's been wheeling for 15+ years, is a long time member of a Cal4Wheel club, has his ham license, has had 3 rigs (both Toyotas and Jeeps), currently has a very built rig running Fordyce and others, and has resources to keep up with his rig. He's just not overly mechanically inclined and is looking for a mechanic. Thanks for the input and keep it coming.

[jimbo74]

good to go

[Gnarly4X]

Some back story is warranted. He's been wheeling for 15+ years, is a long time member of a Cal4Wheel club, has his ham license, has had 3 rigs (both Toyotas and Jeeps), currently has a very built rig running Fordyce and others, and has resources to keep up with his rig. He's just not overly mechanically inclined and is looking for a mechanic. Thanks for the input and keep it coming.

Wow... your post was VERY misleading! 

 I'm curious what your ulterior motive was. 

Based upon your "back story" if your brother needs help with finding a mechanic he is probably so badly disconnected from the 4-wheeling community he has another problem. 

Gnarls. 

[WizardMaster]

Some 'other' habits are hard to break and need funding I spose. My automotive  mechanic charges $100 hr. Good thing he's a close friend so I borrow from him, what tools I don't have!!