I have changed my oil every 5,000 since I got the car new. The dealership where I bought it wants $79-$109 for a synthetic oil change depending on the oil I choose. Another dealership 10 miles down the rode wants $43. I'm confused to why the price difference and why I would want to go with the $109 oil change. Also I am almost to the point to wait the full 10,000 this time, but still have my doubts and concerns.
Price differences between dealers is not uncommon. They're independent business that set their own prices. Some like to offer specials on things like oil/filter service--often as a loss leader--to get you in their shop for an up-selling opportunity. When I need an oil/filter service, I browse the websites of local dealers and always find a price that's half or less than other dealers. Just be clear with them on the type and weight of oil you need.
Based on UOA every 5k miles up to 30k miles on Mobil 1 0W-20, the 10k oil change interval is safe. Regarding the price difference, the range is too large. The high one is probably using synthetic oil with a crazy dealer mark-up, and the second may be regular oil that has to be changed at 5k intervals. You'd have to ask more questions of each. If at all possible, the best process is to change it yourself. Then you know for certain what's been done!
Are you sure they are both using the correct oil? $43 sounds close to the retail price for 5 quarts 0W20 synthetic oil and a filter. If they are using bulk oil out of a drum be careful, you don't know what's in there. If I were not doing my own I would ask the dealer to use oil in quart containers, or better yet bring my own. Mobil 1 is available at a good price from Wal Mart or Napa. If you are using good quality 0W20 you might as well go to 10K oil changes. UOAs by several of us indicate no problem with 10K miles, in fact I think it would go longer if anyone wanted to.
My Toyota (Team Mall of Georgia Toyota) has bulk 0W20. They also have lots of signage promoting it. There is a sign on the service check in that says, OW20 is the only recommended oil for Toyota Hybrid Vehicles. They charge $24.95 for non-synthetic and $44.95 for synthetic oil changes. Toyota Dealer located in Buford Georgia serving Atlanta area Service Specials
$79-$109 Seems outrageous for a simple oil, lube and inspection. What else are they saying they are doing? Why would you not want to wait the 10k miles, given that this is exactly what Toyota recommends? Toyota who designed, built and warrants the car. It isn't like they say 5k, and someone here says you could go 10k. Toyota itself says 10k with the use of synth oil.
Which is really just oil and inspection these days, since there generally aren't any fittings to lube these days.
There is a Toyota oil recommendation chart referenced in post 4 of this thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/newbie-forum/102560-0w-20-ok-in-08-prius.html According to that chart 0W20 in your '06 is OK.
Toyota 0w20 has been available in the bulk oil program for quite some time for around $3.50-$4/qt in bulk, if not less. Dealers have a source to 0w20 at prices that no one else is able to touch. It does sound outrageous but that is unfortunately the market price. In fact at that price I doubt they are breaking even because the shop labor rate is often $125-$150/hr in our area. They are likely paying techs 0.8 to 1 hour for a minor service. I know that one of the local Infiniti dealers is charging $190 for a minor service and Lexus is charging over $200. Those prices are probably what it really should cost.
yes, no grease fittings, on most cars in a very long time, still called a "lube" job, also you can, and should, still apply grease ocassionally to the door latch and hinges, and the hood latch
