Prices on service for fluid changes

The engine coolant change is not easy if it is done correctly with the coolant heat recovery system drained. Further, the correct coolant should be used which is Toyota Super Long Life Coolant and this will cost ~$22 per US gallon, premixed 50% with distilled water. Three gallons will be needed for the engine and inverter coolant loops.

The transmission fluid used must be Toyota ATF WS which costs ~$9 per US quart, four quarts are needed.

The iridium spark plugs must be the correct NGK or Denso plugs, which will cost ~$40 or more if bought locally.

The throttle body needs to be periodically cleaned to avoid engine no-start issues.

You might try Luscious Garage in San Francisco.

 

Those prices sound pretty reasonable to me.

Keep in mind that shop labor rates range from $100-$150/hr and each of the services that you listed, will require 1/2 to 3/4hr.

 

I find it strange the transaxle fluid change is $150, while the coolant change is $100. The coolant is more expensive and takes more time.

 

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That should tell you everything you need to know. That mechanic, while perhaps honest and good-intentioned, just doesn't know enough about the Prius to do it.

pretty much anything involved with programming keys, A/C service, coolant fluid and brake fluid change needs to be done at a toyota dealership. I hate spending more money as much as the next guy, but its critical you understand what truly has to be done at a dealership or shop like Luscious Garage that specializes in the Prius and services them regularly.

 

The mechanic is probably planning to go to Pep Boys or the equivalent and buy the cheapest coolant and Dexron ATF he can find.

 

That's quite the assumption that you're making.

 

Well, we'll see whether the OP reports some strange green or yellowish fluid in the coolant reservoirs after service.

 

Or the OP could just bring the car to my garage and I can do the services properly....and I'll even do them for a lot less.

 

Here again is good link on what this service involves from the Art's Automotive web site.

Prius 30k Service

 

Ask him what fluids he is going to use.

 

That profile is a good start. A competent independent who is Toyota-trained and uses Toyota parts (and fluids) is to be encouraged.

 

San Jo to Berkeley (Art's Automotive 510-540-7093) and San Fran (Luscious Garage 415-875-9030) is reasonably close. Maybe give those two shops a call for price comparison to see if you are truly over/under charged. If you do call, please post the pricing to give others an idea what the market rates are (for the Bay Area at least).

$100 for a belt change seems like highway robbery, esp if you get all those other services done. I did the belt on my own Prius, and it took me about 35 minutes, and I'm just a recreational mechanic. I bet this independent person can do it under a maximum of 10 minutes, with his eyes closed.

 

My labor time guide says 0.5 hour for the belt replacement. The belt stickers for $19, and the shop will probably want a bit more mark-up that just msrp. Labor rates range from $100-$150/hr....so the $100 number isn't too far off.

 

Just had my 2008 serviced and recall-work done at a Toyota dealership (in W. LA). The service rep gave me a deal: $60 to install the serpentine belt I brought in. He said the usual charge was $120 (for 1 hour labor).

For convenience, since I was already there, I opted for the inverter service = $159.
An independent shop had quoted me $97 for same.

Transmission: $189 at dealer; $165 at indie shop
Belt: $95 at indie shop
Spark plugs + tune up: $229 at dealer; $160 spark pl. only at indie shop
Alignment: $70 w/ coupon at dealer; $98 at indie shop

Dealerships have coupons for 10-15% off service work that may make their prices a bit more competitive. Just ask.

Since I haven't found a local mechanic whom I can trust to do the more Prius-specific work, I'm willing to pay a bit extra for peace of mind.
(... though it may be a HUGE leap to presume that dealership techs know their schtuff!)

 

Actually those rates aren't out of line for SO-CAL and if the wrench is honest and fairly competent then I'd recommend going with it.
You're looking at about 450 bucks in labor but you're also looking at some significant work....especially if the tech really does clean the throttle body instead of just spraying a $9 bottle of Tee-Bee-Cleen into your air intake---ask the tech how they do it.

He/she has a shop to run, and there's no telling what it takes to stay in compliance with licensing safety and environmental regulations to say nothing of the taxes, fees, bribes, etc.

An 05 probably needs the work done.

Good Luck!