(new here!) dealership maintenance suggestions

I'm not replacing my spark plugs until I see evidence of a problem. The tranny drain & fill is a good idea especially if this will be the first time. If the indy shop is cheaper go there.

The belt isn't going to last forever and I don't know the recommended replacement interval. How does it look?

 

Transmission Flush - what does your owner's manual say is the mileage due for this service? If it is due at 103k miles, why are they quoting you $125.99 to do it when you have pre-paid scheduled maintenance? I suspect the answer will be no it is not part of the pre-pay plan but we recommend it to transfer some money from your pocket to ours. By the way, a Prius transmission service is a drain and refill; no flush is performed.

Spark Plug Replacement - Same question and I suspect the same answer. I think the plugs are replaced at 120K but I might be wrong.

 

Toyota's maintenance schedule says to replace plugs at 120K miles. I replaced plugs on my Prius once and it was pretty easy. I also replaced the PCV valve at the same. I don't think parts cost more than $40 and it couldn't have taken an hour. So I think $240 is a bit high, and a bit soon.

You can buy the WS fluid at Toyota for about $40 (four quarts) and take it to anyone to drain and refill. It's easy too with the right funnel or pump. BTW, Toyota calls this a lifetime fluid so it won't ever be included in scheduled service.

 

tranny flush is a good idea, and 125. isn't bad. if your mech is cheaper give it to him.
plugs at 120k, again compare labor, anyone can do it.
have him look at the belt for cracks and/or brittleness. water pump and coolant at the same time isn't a bad preemptive strike.
all the best!

 

absolutely.

 

People reported paying $100 (parts & labor) at the dealership, a few years ago. $126 > $100, but not that much more; don't be afraid to ask for discounts (AAA, Costco, military, dealer parts or service coupon, etc). Whoever performs this, make sure they only use Toyota ATF-WS fluid. You should be able to price shop the fluid too.

timing cover, valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, crank seal are all comical esp the crank seal. That is typically a very high mileage issue. When that seal goes bad, most people just get a different car. Those who can DIY might replace or just get a used engine.

If any of these seals were going bad, you would know as you would have visible leaks. Did they show you any of these leaks?

Ideally, just change the water pump and belt every 10years/100K miles; which ever occurs first. You can always change these items sooner if you want. You could go longer on the water pump, as there are some who are hard core and replace when it leaks. Some people have gone into 200K on the water pump, w/o any leaks. But, if you want to minimize unexpected repairs, 10years/100K miles on those parts should serve you well. Remember everything is a trade off. The longer you go on parts, you maximize your money, but run the risk of those parts failing at an inopportune time.

 

Thats a cheap quote for trans fluiid change. No flush there. And I would def change the belt you can't really see how worn it is when its on the car. I bought an oem belt for $10 on ebay. Its eight years old and worn. Keep an eye on the ice water pump by keeping eye on the coolant level and once in a while get a flashlight and look for weeping coolant spots as evidenced by green specks in the front of the engine.

 

pinkish specks.

Remember Toyota's SLLC is pink in color.