Independent Auto Mechanics VS. Toyota Service Dealers

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by OILBULL, Dec 3, 2013.

  1. OILBULL

    OILBULL New Member

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    I have 38,000 miles on my 2011 Prius 4.

    Do you recommend Toyota dealers for any work that needs to be done?

    Or is there such a thing as good independent Toyota Prius mechanic?

    How would I verify an independent Toyota Prius mechanic is good?

    Any thoughts on how I can do my research?

    Thank you
     
    #1 OILBULL, Dec 3, 2013
  2. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    Yelp.com is a start. In my area, there are a few independent shops that specialize in the Prius/hybrids.
     
    #2 mediahound, Dec 3, 2013
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's only minor maintenance until well over 100,000 miles. any decent mechanic can handle it. i use the local gas station whose mechanic can fix almost anything. saw him working on a golf cart the other day. if you can't find one by word of mouth, look for a triple a authorized shoppe.
     
    #3 bisco, Dec 3, 2013
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If you go with an independent, choice one that advertised as being Prius specialist, at the least. And not "prius" in a long list of other cars. And then, of course, research online, Yelp and others, for feedback.

    In San Francisco Luscious Garage is very highly regarded.

    If you give a rough location people can be more helpful.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Dec 3, 2013
  5. jlim888

    jlim888 Member

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    I'm also from the Bay Area. Do you know any good Prius mechanics in Fremont, Union City, Newark, or Hayward area?
     
    #5 jlim888, Dec 4, 2013
  6. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    Sorry, I don't.
     
    #6 mediahound, Dec 4, 2013
  7. dan2l

    dan2l 2014 Prius v wagon

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    3ProngPower in Berkley does PHEV conversions. Paul has been very helpful to people with questions. Give them a call, I an sure that they would give you a recommendation if they have experience with someone in your area.

    Thanks,
    Dan
     
    #7 dan2l, Dec 27, 2013
  8. jlim888

    jlim888 Member

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    Dan, thank you for the info. I have just emailed 3ProngPower to request their recommendation of local mechanics in Fremont area.
     
    #8 jlim888, Jan 4, 2014
  9. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    Did he reply? Just curious what he said.
     
    #9 mediahound, Jan 9, 2014
  10. jlim888

    jlim888 Member

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    Yes, Dan did reply. Unfortunately, he doesn't know any mechanic in Fremont/Union City/Hayward area.
     
    #10 jlim888, Jan 9, 2014
  11. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    We're in the Bay Area, but we don't specialize in Prius :(
     
    #11 NutzAboutBolts, Jan 9, 2014
    elementnomore likes this.
  12. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #12 JimboPalmer, Jan 9, 2014
  13. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    I would second the recommendation of Art's in Berkeley.

    Otherwise, if you are willing to go into SF, then Luscious Garage or Pat's Garage.
     
    #13 ericbecky, Jan 10, 2014
  14. jlim888

    jlim888 Member

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    I found a new shop called "EV Battery Doctor" (
    EV Battery Doctor
     ) in Fremont, CA. There are only 5 Yelp reviews, all in Sept 2013. It looks like they specialized in hybrid battery repair & replacement. I think I will wait until a few more Yelp reviews before deciding whether to give them a try.
     
    #14 jlim888, Jan 10, 2014
  15. wliangy

    wliangy Junior Member

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    Hello, Just to check whether you've found a good shop specialized in the Fremont/Union City area? Thanks.
     
    #15 wliangy, Jun 14, 2016
  16. jlim888

    jlim888 Member

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    Sorry, I haven't found a good hybrid mechanic in Fremont/Union City area. FYI, I recently went to Sunnyvale Toyota for my Prius 60K oil change only; and I did the cabin filter change myself.

    I used to go to Fremont Toyota, but they were a bit too pushy.
     
    #16 jlim888, Jul 1, 2016
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