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15k maintenance question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by billf, Apr 22, 2006.

  1. billf

    billf New Member

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    I recently took my 05 in for the 15k maint. The dealer charged $260. In addition to the tire rotation they did 4 Wheel Alignment and a Top Engine Induction Service.

    I wasn't prepared when I got there, but looking in the manual later I don't see that at part of the 15k service.

    What do you guys think? Did I get ripped off? There is another Toyota dealer in town so I don't mind walking away from the current dealer.

    Thanks
    Bill
     
  2. paprius4030

    paprius4030 My first Prius

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    Yes, I think you got RIPPED off. Why a 4 wheel alignment? If it was off it should be covered under the warranty, or a least i would have argued that unless maybe did you hit a pothole or something? What is Top engine Induction service? Another unnecessary serive. Unless something was wrong all you really needed was an oil change an maybe a tire rotation if the tires were never rotated before.
     
  3. aaf709

    aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan

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    It should be about $150, although that'll vary. Mine was $98.
     
  4. Charles Suitt

    Charles Suitt Senior Member

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    :rolleyes: My 15K service was ~$85. My dealer did exactly what I requested: Oil change (my oil - exactly 3½ qts Mobil-1 5W30), their oil filter, tire rotation (my specified pressures 40/38 psi), Texas State Inspection - and a complimentary wash on delivery. The "maintenance light" was also reset. They also did the SSC-50P ECM recall (no charge of course).

    In the Dallas Texas area, I recommend Richardson Toyota - see Mickey Hagar (Prius specialist service writer).
     
  5. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    you can't align the rear wheels on a prius. those jerks... :angry:

    never ask for their "15k service" or any other name like that, as they put together their own packages, which are mainly profit.

    look up your maintenance requirements, and go ask for exactly what you need. oil change, tire rotation, general inspection, and the occasional air or cabin filter.

    where are you located? if you post your location in your profile or your signature you can get some good recommendations from priuschatters near you.
     
  6. ScottY

    ScottY New Member

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    oh man... another dealer rip off!! :angry:

    My 15k maintenance was $21.95 (with coupon, including a free 25 point check that covers most of the inspections stated in the maintenance book), plus $10 for tire rotation at a tire place.

    Like galaxee said, NEVER ask for "xx mile service." Bring the maintenance book with you and ask them to just do the items shown.
     
  7. daronspicher

    daronspicher Active Member

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    My 15k maintenance is gonna cost me about 12 bucks, take about 20 minutes and happen all within the confines of my garage.

    You could look at it as if you got ripped off, but that's the negative outlook on life.

    Look at it as a contribution to the Toyota Service Charity Fund. Some dealership manager is going to get an extra few bucks in his bonus this month, and it's all thanks to you. You're helping your fellow man be successful, and that's a noble cause.
     
  8. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    1 word. SCREWED
     
  9. Dr Rocket

    Dr Rocket New Member

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    I am at 22,000 miles and have only changed the oil by myself and saved at least $15 each time.

    Check the manual for the services you really need. There aren't that many. Just oil changes, air filter changes, and the AC filter cleaning/change. I think the first tune up is due at 100,000 miles.

    Good luck
     
  10. hycamguy07

    hycamguy07 New Member

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    I took mine in for the 40k service, OMG! $200.00 price tag! :angry:

    I asked what they did to the car that would cost me 200 bucks

    They went down this list of things they do... Blah blah Blah..

    I also told them the rear tires where wearing out on the sides

    end result, I paid 120 and took the car to where I purchased the new tires and they did the $80 tire rotation for free....

    I literaly told the service adviser that I was sorry for leaving the KY jelly at home.. :eek:
    The person I deal with at the dealer wasnt there that day,
    as he would have just done what was needed.. The dealer stated they only have one certified Prius mechanic per dealership and he has Fri,Sat & Sun off so this means I have to take a day off of work to go get screwed at the dealer for 3-4 hrs while the wife drives the tundra to work.. (Wifes terminology: Getting the car serviced is the mans job).

    Galaxee:
    you can't align the rear wheels on a prius.

    ??????????????????????????????????????????????
    What do they do then to fix any issues?


    I also had a 4 wheel alignment done due to the tire were wearing/going bald..
    Example:

    LF= ok
    LR= wear on outside of tire tread
    RR= wear on inside of tire tread
    RF= wear on outside of tire tread

    I have not had a problem since the service was done
     
  11. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusguy04 @ Apr 23 2006, 10:07 AM) [snapback]243928[/snapback]</div>
    funny, the other 2 guys on DH's service team both have hybrid certification, DH is on the way to getting his, and there are 2 other service teams that have at least 1 hybrid tech on them. they have about 5 certified guys out of the 18 there. but they are a very high volume place.

    some shops give their guys fixed days off. some give rotating days off. that depends where you go.

    shims, approved on a case by case basis. at least in the southeast. they'll let minor misalignments go, but ones causing problems are shimmed.
     
  12. billf

    billf New Member

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    Thanks for the info guys. You confirmed my fears. I'll try the other dealer in town next time.

    By the way - I'm in Birmingham AL.

    Thanks again
    Bill
     
  13. bsoft

    bsoft New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(billf @ Apr 23 2006, 09:56 AM) [snapback]243961[/snapback]</div>
    FYI, the only maintenence (other than inspections) that you need on the Prius until 100K is:
    • Oil changes
    • Tire rotations
    • Engine air filter
    • Cabin air filter
    Oil changes can be done in around 20-30 minutes (and around $10-$30, depending on whether you use synthetic or conventional oil), or you can take the Prius to any quick-service oil-change place (make sure they use 5W-30 oil and don't overfill; 3.9qts is the "official" level, but 3.5qts is closer to the half-way point between FILL and FULL).

    Tire rotation requires a bit more involvement, but any tire shop (and most of the quick-service places) can do it for a few bucks.

    The engine air filter and cabin air filters can both be changed without tools in under 5 minutes.

    The Prius is really an exceptionally easy vehicle to service, at least when it comes to scheduled maintenence. There's no reason to pay a dealer $100 or more for services that you can get elsewhere for $40-$50.
     
  14. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Do only what it says in the maintenance guide that came with the Prius. Anything more needlessly helps the dealer with his boat payment.
     
  15. Rancid13

    Rancid13 Cool Chick with a Black Prius

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    As crappy as the sales department is at Toyota of Huntington Beach, their service department isn't too bad. I had my first 5K mile service with them on Friday and was pleased with how upfront they are about prices for services. On their website they have one-time-use coupons for services (updated every month it looks like), their 15K mile service coupon advertises a price of $114.95 and lists all the services involved during that visit.

    I knew how much my 5K mile service would cost before even calling them to schedule an appointment, I really liked not having to guesstimate about how much I'd be paying.

    Service Coupons-Toyota of HB-Click on "Service Specials"