dealer maintenance service plans Prius v (lowercase v)

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. Over time, that moisture gets into expensive things like ABS and brake cylinders. And water in the brake fluid can cause a boiling effect under heavy brake use like coming down a mountain. Race tracks require proof of brake fluid changes before they let you on the track.

It isn't necessary to change it (involves a flush of all the old fluid) every year and is something that can be done at home with something called a motive bleeder but isn't a bad idea to do it every couple of years.

Don't ask me how I know, the pain in my wallet is still there.

 

Toyota Canada now says tri-yearly or 48,000 km, for brake fluid change.

 

If you are buying the filters at the dealer, they will install them as part of an oil change. My tires lasted 105,000 miles, so don't discount them so quickly.

 

By God, I knew there was ONE sane man in this man's Navy! Thank you for that, Mendel. I agree wholeheartedly.

The "Free 108 Point Inspection" is a crock. I'm sure they may check a few things... but I've had tail lights burned out that they failed to notice on their "check list", and not once has a dealer ever filled up my windshield washer fluid. (I do it myself anyway.) I believe that multi-point check is just a way for them to come up with some phony problems that they claim needs fixing. (Especially on older cars.)

I've had dealer mechanics ( or the service writer) dribble some fluid or oil on my Camry power steering lines, and then claim I had a serious leak in the hoses AND the rack & pinion gears! Those crooked bastards! I'm very careful about inspecting and cleaning my engine... I would have noticed any leak right away. They also lied about having a "broken engine mount." How stupid!

But the one that REALLY got me, was when I went in for a recall fix... something involving the cam shaft. It turned out to be nothing; however, the service writer claimed they discovered a "big leak" at the valve covers. Even showed me a picture. STUPID ME, I fell for that one. $600 to replace the valve cover gaskets. Afterwards, I got to thinking... My oil level was NEVER low! I never had any oil drip on the driveway! No fluid leaks anywhere! I got taken on that one, but I got very loud in the waiting room and the service manager took off a hundred bucks. I also emailed the "leaking oil photo" to Toyota Corporate, and filed a complaint against that dealer (useless). Toyota told me the "leak" appears to be just very minor "seepage" and grunge build-up that occurs over the years. (While driving home after the dealer had my Camry for THREE days, the "check engine" light immediately comes on! I can't even express how angry I was! They fouled up the engine re-assembly!)

If we owners think that auto dealer "technicians" are competent, you and I are sadly mistaken. Just take a look at the minimal experience/requirements that they need to get hired. They all have to buy their own tools, and some don't even have the right equipment. You ever read those blogs on the Internet... "The secrets of an auto technician"? Those guys chime in with some terrible complaints about working for an auto dealer. It's a racket!








Merged.

Excellent!








Merged.

My 2016 Prius Three maintenance schedule, does not mention ANY transmission fluid change, or any transaxle fluid change, or any brake fluid change. I'm not touching them.

The only fluid change it says to do (besides routine engine oil) is a coolant change at 90,000 miles. That's it.

 

exactly. most people don't, and transaxle failures are quite low. but there are a few here who have done oil testing, and feel it is important. i don't, but if i were going to keep it a few hundred thousand, i would consider it. toyota calls it 'lifetime', and they desire to get a large number through the warranty period without failure.

 

RUN......run as fast as u possibly can

 

I suggest the following;
1. Determine Maintenance Scope of Work
2. If you going to do maintenance yourself
2a. Determine is your time worth.
2b. How much time will take you to gather all parts and tool(s) for maintenance work
2c. Price for all parts and tool(s) in doing maintenance work
2d. How much time will take you in doing maintenance work
2e. Time and price to recycle oil, filter and other items
3. Attain price quote from dealer for same maintenance scope of work.
4. Use information provided by users in this thread and calculate price(s) with the same maintenance scope of work.

Gather all the information and summarize, comparison will provide you better value scenario.

 

I spoke to to a man today who has a 2014 Prius v. He said he can't even locate a transmission dipstick to check the fluid.

I can't find one on my Prius engine. Is that because it's a "CVT" and not a normal transmission?

 

There is no dip stick for the CVT in any prius


iPhone ?

 

That's what I thought. Just checking. Thanks.
(One less thing to worry about )

 

there's no dipstick because toyota doesn't want you to check the fluid level, and it costs them less.

 

Well, whatever it is, I'm liking that "CVT" transmission. The engine growls when accelerating, but it's smooth.

And NO power steering fluid to check or mess with. ( so the service writer can't lie to me about phony leaks again!) The steering does feel kind of "heavy", but it's not unpleasant. It might just be my Toyo tires. I could bump up the air pressure some.

 

The Toyota dealers where I live are total scammers. They rip off people whenever they can by, for example, replacing the windshield wipers for $50 and adding brake and steering fluid to jack up the price.

 

I know it might seem tough especially since the one that you posted about wants to charge you $800+ for a glorified oil change and tire rotation / inspection... That's nuts..

But try to find a dealer that you feel is trustworthy and go to them only. Also check thier website for service specials and or coupons prior to brining your car in. Ask about getting on thier mailing list for service specials and the sort.

I shudder to think just how many people, especially senior citizens, that get taken advantage of by these unscrupulous dealers / service dept's.

 

I go to Mavis Discount Tire for my tire rotations, and make sure they use the proper torque stick (Spec is 76 ftlb, their torque stick is 80 ftlb - close enough...) Anything else (oil changes, air and cabin filters, wiper blades, topping off fluids, etc.) I prefer to do myself. Not because it's cheaper, but I know I'll do it right without taking any shortcuts. My closest Toyota dealer has their service department hidden underground, which should concern anyone...

 

I translate that almost immediately into being a dealer search for "Multi-Excuses" to up sell you things you don't need or that you can do yourself far cheaper.

 

One big variable in maintenance cost is a brake inspection. A thorough, four wheel brake inspection, decades back, would set me back $400. Not a quick glance while the tires are being rotated, a complete opening up, pulling the pads/shoes, lubing, rotor runout and thickness check, drum dimension check, and so on.