Alternatives to dealer 30,000 mile service?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Patrick K, Jan 13, 2015.

  1. Patrick K

    Patrick K The Blue Rooster

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    Hello all,

    My Prius c, which is out of warranty, is due for the 30,000 mile service. The dealer wants $179 minus $20.00 coupon so would cost me $159. The only parts included, besides synthetic oil and filter, is a new cabin air filter, which my car does need. Any suggestions on which way I might go to save some $$? Suggestions on buying the cabin air filter thru Amazon or whereever else....and for what price? For the oil and filter, I would take it to a discount place, ie: Pep Boys, Quick Lube, etc. Any reason why I shouldn't? Thanks!

    Patrick K
     
    #1 Patrick K, Jan 13, 2015
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Out of warranty, I'd just get the oil and oil filter change. Through the dealership, that should NOT exceed $60. If you DIY the parts, retail through the dealership parts department, you can save more: up here that costs me $32 Can. plus tax. That's using Toyota 0W20.

    Pick up the cabin filter while you're there and install it yourself, maybe $25 extra.

    Just for reference:

    Capture.JPG
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Jan 13, 2015
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  3. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    I would suggest transmission fluid drain and fill, brake fluid flush, coolant exchange and both air filters additionally. If you have basic mechanical skills, the only one you might pay to have done is the brake fluid, but it's doable at home as well. Posts exist here on PC with the procedures and reasons why. Your call.
     
    #3 frodoz737, Jan 13, 2015
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ask the dealer how much for oil and filter, and compare to pep boys or whoever. they can do the cabin filter as well. if you want to do it yourself, just google your model and year, amazon will provide.
     
    #4 bisco, Jan 13, 2015
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  5. AliIzad

    AliIzad Member

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    Here is the replacement I used to replace the cabin filter; works perfectly. Dealer wanted $29 for the part and 1 hour labor. It literally took me less than 5 minutes.

     
    #5 AliIzad, Jan 14, 2015
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    "Or buy new"?? o_O
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Jan 14, 2015
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  7. vinnie97

    vinnie97 Whatever Works

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    Fair enough point on transmission fluid (I had mine drained/filled at 29k and it was already black; I wonder if I should have done a fluid analysis), but I haven't read about the necessity of doing this for the brake fluid and coolant so soon.
     
    #7 vinnie97, Jan 14, 2015
  8. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    It's your car and you can service it any way you want. It boils down to finding a good and honest mechanic, which isn't necessarily at your dealership. I use personal referrals and on-line reviews myself, but to each their own.
     
    #8 GregP507, Jan 14, 2015
  9. vinnie97

    vinnie97 Whatever Works

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    Since these vehicles were just introduced in 2012, I'll take it as a "better safe than sorry" measure. ;)
     
    #9 vinnie97, Jan 14, 2015
  10. Patrick K

    Patrick K The Blue Rooster

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    Thank you for the replies. Turns out the price for the 30k is $239.00, not $179. They claim they raised the price on January 1st as the cabin air filter was not previously included. They also changed their "Recommended Service Schedule", issued by the dealership, from "Cabin Air Filter - Inspect and Clean" to "Cabin Air Filter - Replace". Sounds like just another way to pull more $$ out of the customer's pockets! I'll definitely buy the filter online and replace it myself.
     
    #10 Patrick K, Jan 15, 2015
  11. John Bergendahl

    John Bergendahl Member

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    I was going to ask this but seems someone already getting near 30 like myself.SO what do i need to do about trans fluid im at 29k miles right now...
     
    #11 John Bergendahl, Jan 15, 2015
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  12. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Drain and fill.
     
    #12 frodoz737, Jan 15, 2015
  13. John Bergendahl

    John Bergendahl Member

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    Some kind of toyota prius cvt special fluid im guessing?
     
    #13 John Bergendahl, Jan 15, 2015
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, get it at the dealer, don't use anything else. and this only if your going to keep the car for well over 100k.
     
    #14 bisco, Jan 15, 2015
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  15. John Bergendahl

    John Bergendahl Member

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    I'm keeping it till as long as i can.after getting the mpg I'm getting it will feel crappy getting anything less then the 45-50 mpg range
     
    #15 John Bergendahl, Jan 15, 2015
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  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    agreed. i'm in for ten years and holding.(y)
     
    #16 bisco, Jan 15, 2015
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  17. Raidin

    Raidin Active Member

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    I recommend RepairPal.com to find a good, honest mechanic shop to do your service, if you would rather avoid the dealer and their high cost.
     
    #17 Raidin, Jan 17, 2015
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