Need Maintenance

At 50k, you only need an oil change and inspections. If can opt to do the transaxle fluid change, but I wouldn't trust Pepboys for that job.

 

No that service is not. For $119 you get an oil change, possible tire rotation, and inspections.

 

Without a list of services offered by both shops, I have no clue.

Here is a list of what you should get: (45,000 service, as I assume you skipped it, with the oil and filter change from 50,000)

45,000 miles or 54 months
Check installation of driver’s floor mat
Clean cabin air filter (except solar power ventilation system)
Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Replace engine oil and oil filter.
Inspect the following:
__ Ball joints and dust covers
__ Brake lines and hoses
__ Drive shaft boots
__ Engine/Inverter coolant
__ Exhaust pipes and mountings
__ Radiator, condenser and/or intercooler
__ Steering gear box
__ Steering linkage and boots
Note:
Driving in heavy traffic, on dirt roads or in urban, dusty or desert areas may
shorten the life of the cabin air filter. Replacement may be needed if you notice
reduced air flow from the air conditioner and heater or if the windows fog easily
when you use the Fresh mode. Consult your dealer if any of these conditions occur.

http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms/T-MMS-12Prius/pdf/2012_Toyota_Prius_WMG.pdf (page45 of the PDF)

If it had never been done, I would also drain and refill the Transaxle with WS-ATF.

 

isn't that free service for 2 years or 25k miles? You are currently at 50k

 

If the question is Dealership or "Pep Boys"?

That can be a tricky question.

I think the only reason you choose "Pep Boys" is in an effort to save money.

However, I have read numerous threads where in an effort to be economical and save a few buck....usually 40 dollars or less...a trip to Wal-Mart automotive or a "Pep Boys" situation de-evolves into a huge problem and eventually a lot more money and trouble than it's worth.

Of course, in an automotive forum you are only going to hear the horror stories, and not perhaps the countless times these places simply do the job correctly.

Then there is the reality that "Dealership" service is not a sterling bullet of guaranteed perfection. Also threads of troubles with dealership service.

If it's me however? If I can afford it, I'm going with the dealership service department. If only because I'm hoping a Toyota service department SHOULD be more familiar with Prius and Toyota.

Slightly different animal. And do I really want to trust the 20 year old service tech at a generic chain automotive service department to REALLY know whether or how to turn off the Prius before doing the oil change?

It's a gamble either way. You can have problems with either. But especially while I'm under warranty, and for me, even continuing, at least with the dealership, you have the leverage if problems should arise, that the work was done by a Toyota entity.

I think there are some very, very good specialty Hybrid shops, that specialize in Hybrid service. However, generic chain automotive service departments are NOT them.

I'd suck it up, pay the minimal amount more, and establish a relationship with a dealership that hopefully I liked and can grow to trust with service for my vehicle.

Best of outcomes...and good luck.

 

last time you did an oil change was before 25k miles ago?

 

Why not crack open that book with the schedule? Note, it's mileage or time, either can govern. Only you can figure out what's been missed/neglected in past too. I'd suggest you use the dealership, but go in knowing for yourself what's required.

 

It's either mileage or time.....whichever comes first.

I would be interested in knowing the currently oil level on the car, maybe OP can check his dipstick real quick to see what level the oil is at?

 

The last of the free services, intended for 25k miles, does not include an oil change.

The free series of five service visits includes only two oil changes, at visits #2 and #4, nominally at 10k and 20k miles.

 

1 inch from the tip is about half way on the oil level marks. Your car is already burning oil

 

50k miles, I would do the following.

- Oil change
- Engine air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Transmission fluid

If the dealer can do all of that for cheap, then I would, but since most of this you can do it yourself, I would do it myself, unless you're crunch of time.