My vehicle is a 2-door Toyota Prado (known as a Land Cruiser in North America) and it is now three years old.  I purchased it when I moved to Panama and it was probably one of the best investments I made, as far as vehicles is concerned.

Today, I was assisted in selecting a local garage to change the oil and filter, grease the joints and change a brake light.  I had been servicing my Prado with the dealer over the last three years but after the last bill, I have decided that it is no longer necessary to use the dealer.  That bill was over $300. for not much more than an oil change.

The garage I was directed to told me to buy the oil and filter.  Two gallons of Shell Rimula 15W40 oil for my diesel Toyota Prada, an oil filter, and the rear brake light bulb came to a total cost of $36.47.  Then I went to the garage for the work.  They charged me for their labor $8.00.   So, total cost was $44.47. 

While I was there, they informed me of other services. To “detail” my vehicle would cost $80.00.  This isn’t too bad, however, when I go down to the condo by car, I can have work done in Rio Hato by my friend “Len”.  He is a wonderful guy who has just recently opened a garage and the last time I spoke to him, he said he would “detail” my Prado for $40.00. 

Len Melso owns Panamauto in Rio Hato and he can do both mechanical and body work on vehicles.  He worked for Toyota in the US for many years and has retired in Farrallon.  He did my last oil change for $40.00 so he is very reasonable, as reasonable as the garage in Boquete (which is located just across from Los Establos Mall). 

I’m happy that it was so easy, so practical and so economical to have my vehicle serviced.  It is nice to know there are other reasonable options apart from car dealers !  $44.00 to change the oil of a diesel SUV is good, isn’t it?