Where do you guys prefer to go for oil change/tire rotation after the 25k dealer service is over? I would like to skip the dealership and can get recommendation for a place in LA area.
The pre-paid maintenance plan is for whatever is in the factory maintenance schedule. This includes filters, tire rotations, various fluid changes, whatever. As far as I am concerned, if it isn't part of the maintenance plan, Toyota didn't recommend it, and I am not going to pay the dealer extra for it.
I use top tier gasoline in my Prius, Shell in the location where I live. If you have never added a container of CHEVRON TECHRON to your gasoline, give it a try. I do that about every six months. You can buy it at just about any auto parts store and probably Walmart.
Costco previously said that because they bought gas from multiple suppliers throughout the country, they couldn't sell Top Tier, but instead suggested using Chevron's Techron additive available in their stores. Beginning in March 2014, all grades of gasoline Costco sells are supposed to be Top Tier. Additives should no longer be necessary, and might be a waste of money if one consistently uses Top Tier brands. Googling "Top Tier" will provide explanations of how it all came about between auto manufacturers and gasoline producers. Adding "Costco" will bring links to their history.
I go to Oil Can Henrys for oil change, they do an inspection of the cars various fluids. They also check tire pressure, make sure all exterior lights are working. they do a fine job for me and I opt out of the extras they reccomend, and just follow the maintanence schedule in the owners manuel. For tires I go to costco, they are usually less expensive for michelin tires, and that is what I like. and I don't wait for the 25k service. my car will not go back to stealership unless it has a problem. they always get aggresive in selling unwanted extras.