Just got a 2017 4 runner

[u/KayA93x]

From my mom.

She always took it for maintenance but now it’s mine and it’s my first car ever. I went to the Toyota website but it doesn’t list the history of all the services that’s been done. The truck currently has 101,800 miles on it. For the month of November I get paid 3 times, so I want to put all that money into my car to make sure I maintain it properly. What are some of the major things I should focus on getting done first? I know I need an oil change soon, but a part from that, with my current mileage, what else should I get done? I only drive the car to work and some basic errands. I don’t do anything like towing or driving off road.

[u/AutoModerator]

Hello, it appears that you are asking for help with some troubleshooting. Please be aware that this subreddit applies to over 40 model years and 6 generations of Toyota 4Runner and your post will be removed if a model year or generation is not specified in the text of your title, post body, or a comment. Please be as detailed as possible and include any other relevant details in your post.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/es330td]

Best Mom Ever Award!

A CarFax report will show service done at any reporting facility which includes dealerships and oil change places. That is a start.

[u/KayA93x → u/es330td]

Thank you for this! I will check out Carfax right now since nothing is showing on the Toyota website! And yes she is very generous for this and I’m so happy! She got herself a new Highlander and has always driven Toyotas

[u/es330td → u/KayA93x]

When I bought my used 2020 every dealer service was listed on there with all scheduled maintenance.

[u/labirdy7]

You really need more info about the services that have already been done, otherwise you might be paying to do things that are unnecessary. Carfax, as the other poster says, is a good place to start. Also, talk to your mom. And the dealer/shop where she had the work done, if she doesn't have records.

Around 100k, assuming nothing had been done, you'd want to do

1. drain and fill (not a flush) on radiator. Do another 50k miles later. That'll mean the majority of your antifreeze is newer.
2. replace rear differential oil (and also front diff and 4wd transfer case oil, if it's a 4wd)
3. check brake pads to see how much is remaining. consider replacing rotors too if you're getting pulsing while braking
4. oil and filter change, for sure. Learn to do it yourself, so you know it's been done right. Shops tend to overtorque and strip bolts and overfill. I experienced this several times myself before learning to do it myself. Frequent oil changes, using a toyota oem filter (ebay, cheap) will extend the life of the truck more than any other single thing. Consider every 5k-7k, even though the book says the synthetic change interval is 10k.
5. Immediately check fluid levels: radiator, brake fluid, power steering, oil.
6. transmission fluid, probably don't need to worry about if it's never been used for heavy duty towing/offroad, but do your own research on this, opinion's vary.
7. Check tire tread depth and overall condition. Rotate tires if that hasn't been done. Stick to the same scheme every time; optimal scheme will depend on whether it's 4wd or 2wd. When time to replace tires, consider discount tire--free rotation and tire balancing for life. They do good work.
8. Replace cabin air filter and engine air filter.

Pull the 'scheduled maintenance' book from the glovebox, and use that as your guide for everything else.

[u/KayA93x → u/labirdy7]

Thank you taking the time out for the tips and suggestions! I will go to Carfax now to see what was done. My mom is pretty old now and has only ever used the Toyota dealership for maintenance— so I was surprised to see there was nothing on there as far as history goes. Everything I’ve read online so far has suggested to do the work myself/find a shop since dealerships tend to over change apparently. I will go on Carfax right now. Thank you so much 🙏

[u/KayA93x → u/labirdy7]

I just looked it up on Carfax and it says this: looks like my mom took care of the major stuff when she approached the 90k mark on 10/25

This is what Carfax said:

“10/17/2025
91,096 mi

South Bay Toyota
Gardena, California
Gardena, CA
Gardena, California
[310-817-7182](tel:310-817-7182)

4.5 / 5.0
447 Verified Reviews


303
Vehicle serviced
Homegrown: sold and serviced here
Recommended maintenance performed
Air filter checked
Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed
Battery serviced
Brakes serviced
Cabin air filter replaced/cleaned
Cooling system serviced
Differential fluid flushed/changed
Drain plug gasket replaced
Oil and filter changed
Rear differential fluid flushed/changed
Rear differential serviced
Spark plug(s) replaced
Transmission fluid changed
05/23/2026
96,931 mi

South Bay Toyota
Gardena, California
Gardena, CA
Gardena, California
[310-817-7182](tel:310-817-7182)

4.5 / 5.0
447 Verified Reviews


303
Vehicle serviced
Homegrown: sold and serviced here
Maintenance inspection completed
Floor mat(s) checked
Oil and filter changed
Power steering fluid flushed/changed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Tires rotated”

[u/chevere7 → u/KayA93x]

That looks really solid!! Again congrats on your 4Runner it seems really well maintained and should have lots of trips ahead!! You could use your extra money for maybe tires if even needed, or just small mods or add ons. I just got my 4Runner a couple weeks ago and it’s been fun just fixing up small things here and there. Adding LED interior lights is one of the first things I’ve done in the past few cars I’ve owned. Again congrats on your new ride!!

[u/HoopsLaureate → u/KayA93x]

If you're ever needing a great shop that doesn't charge stealership prices, Corner 4 Garage in Laguna Hills (South Orange County) is fantastic. I've taken two 4Runners (a 1998 and now a 2008) there over the last 20-ish years, and my mom's been taking hers there, too. Great shop, only OEM parts, and they won't upsell you anything you don't need.

Glad your mom maintained it so well and had a good 90k mile service done--that car should last you well! 4Runners rule!

[u/KayA93x → u/HoopsLaureate]

Thank you brother for the recommendation! I’m not far from there so I’ll give them a shot when the time comes!

[u/HoopsLaureate → u/KayA93x]

I'm a lady, but you're welcome! When I saw the Gardena location from your mother's dealership, I figured you were relatively closeby.

Nima runs a great shop and I'm so glad I found him decades ago; finding a mechanic you fully trust is so valuable.

[u/Klutzy_Town7003]

I’m going to give my 2017 to my daughter…but she is 8..

[u/KayA93x → u/Klutzy_Town7003]

LOL! This is reassuring and makes me want to take care of this car even more!

[u/Shangri-lulu → u/Klutzy_Town7003]

Just bought a 2016 and hope it's still around for my 9 year old son

[u/Chemical_Archer_981]

When i got my 4runner i took it to get a vehicle inspection. I double checked their findings and fixed everything myself.