Need Toyota AWD service referral in N. California

why do you need an "evaluation"? what problem are you experiencing?

Pre-purchase eval. Need someone familiar with this drivetrain who can know the history of weak spots and tell relative health of components (ie, middle diff, auto trans, etc.)

Thanks.

just take it to aaa. nobody else is impartial on a rare vehicle like this - there's nothing particularly radical that warrants "specialist" knowledge above and beyond normal 4wd inspection.

but frankly, if you don't already have the knowledge on how to keep it on the road, and you apparently don't, it's not the vehicle for you. it is so rare and old, parts are hard/impossible to get. you'll definitely be disappointed by average used parts market and i doubt toyota still carry transmission parts since like many manufacturers, they drop non-common item support after about 15 years. on that basis, you're either going to have buffoons mess it up for you, or in the rare event you find anyone what actually has prior experience and you can still get the parts, they'll charge you a fortune. and they should since specialist knowledge and experience is valuable.

I appreciate your reply. Thanks.

Has anyone a recommendation in the SF area?

Thanks, Dave

yeah, aaa on hayes/van ness. pre-purchase vehicle inspections. don't even need to be a member.

(From Yelp): "This service is no longer available at this location (unfortunately)."

it's not their /only/ location - sheesh.