Hey guys! I just found the Prius 2008 with 25000 miles needs to replace the air filter. The dealer asked for $30 (labor included) and I think it does not make any sense. So I decided to change it on my own. But the problem is, where can I get it. Should I order the part directly from the dealer, or is there any reliable online seller that you can recommend? Or do you recommend me to purchase other brand instead of Toyota? Thanks!
Ring around a few dealers and see what price you can get (for part only). There is practically zero labor involved in putting it in.
You'll probably pay ~$20+ if you buy the filter from a local dealer. If you order online, you can buy the filter for around $14 plus shipping from a number of Toyota dealers that sell parts @ ~25% discount from MSRP. For example: Champion ToyotaWorld However, there's a minimum shipping charge of around $10 so buying online doesn't make sense unless you buy a large enough $ value of parts to leverage the shipping charge. For example, you can stock up on engine oil filters, cabin air filters, windshield wiper blade inserts, accessories such as all-weather mats, etc.
Hey, then he can get a free all-weather mat update later in 2010, when Toyota makes those available via SSC. (The mats probably are no longer available for sale now.)
It looks like someone is selling Toyota Air Filter for $13+$6 shipping. Can I trust these sellers on eBay? TOYOTA PRIUS 04-09 GENUINE OEM ENGINE AIR FILTER NEW:eBay Motors (item 250529109200 end time Dec-11-09 13:17:21 PST)
I believe you can do better. www.metrotpn sells the filter for $14 and if you buy enough the shipping will be less than the sales tax. Other dealers also fill orders from their websites but don't expect to pick up at the Parts Counter.
Any local auto parts store can get and sell you an air filter for 10-14 dollars. I wouldn't waste the gas going to a dealer for one. Good Lord. It is just an air filter. If they told me to use only Toyota Gas, I wouldn't do it either. Why, I might even use Mobil, Shell, Havoline, Valvoline, TropArtic oil. I use "aftermarket" tires as well, so I wouldn't worry about and aftermarket air filter.