When I took PiP for 15k service, dealer offerred to extend it for 45k for $299. Service advisor said that it costs close to $350 for the 30k service and that alone would make it worth it. I was not sure, obviously one thing was that you are getting locked to the dealer once you buy that extension. I dont believe it can be used in any other dealership. Any of you have any experience with this? If what I heard is true, it sounds too good to be true, why would a dealership offer something at a give away price?
There's nothing special about the 30k service. Read the maintenance schedule. You're looking at 2 additional oil changes at 30k and 40k and two additional arguably useless inspections and tire rotations at 35k and 45k. (Plus maybe a couple of air filters.) The average oil change price I've seen at the dealer around us is $90. Coupons bring it down to $50 if you look hard and time it just right. All this adds up to about $250 for basic maintenance at the dealer up to 45k miles. I would pass unless you insist on doing a lot of things at 30k. This would include a coolant flush, transmission flush, valve adjustment, etc. I'm bringing my car in for the 30k oil change next month. I got a coupon for $50 at Piercey Toyota. That is all I am doing. Living in the Bay Area, I already know the cabin air filter and engine air filter is good for another year.
I've yet to look for the Prius, but some dealers pump up what is "required" for a service. Compare what they list to the owners manual. The Subaru dealer near me has the 30k service for my Outback at nearly $700. I'm guessing that is way overblown.
I am sure this varies by dealer, but I was offered an prepaid maintenance package from Toyota which would be honored at any Toyota dealer. But as mmmodem indicates, there is a significant question as to whether the prepaid maintenance package is worth it.
Unfortunately the other dealers seem to have aligned themselves on this price point. My favorite part of it is the nearly $90 upcharge for synthetic oil. The car takes 7 quarts I think. $90? Really?
