This weekly Q&A session answers your questions about cars and trucks. This week explores a 2000 Toyota that got a transmission flush.
Question: 2000 Toyota Sienna
Dear Vincent,
I read your article about transmission fluid flush, and unfortunately read it too late. We took our 2000 Toyota Sienna (100,000 miles) for routine repairs a week before a road trip; it was operating fine previously. Our mechanic, who at the time we trusted, recommended a Transmission Fluid Flush for roughly $80.00.
My wife declined initially, because she was not sure what it was for. He insisted this was part of normal maintenance of a transmission. I then proceeded to ask a friend about this (he was experienced with cars, but not a mechanic), and he stated it was "a scam". My wife again declined our mechanic, and he became very adamant at that time, saying it was important, and stated that he would like to "talk to our friend" about why this was important.
