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Servicing a 2010 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by jafca09, Aug 8, 2018.

  1. jafca09

    jafca09 Junior Member

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    I have a 2010 Prius (purchased in 2009 new, just shy of 9 years old). It has about 65,000 miles on it.

    According to my local Bay Area dealership, I'm due for 60,000 mile major servicing — but also suggested I get the 90,000 mile major servicing given the age of the car.

    A few questions:
    1. Does the ~$750 cost for the 60k servicing and ~$1100 cost for the 90k servicing sound right? It struck me as quite expensive.
    2. Any advice on which option to pursue? To date, I haven't had any major issues with the car, I've kept up with regular servicing, and it hasn't been in any accidents.
     
  2. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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    I think I would go by what Toyota recommends at 60k not the dealership.
    J
     
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  3. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    It sounds high to me;).

    What dealer are you using in the Bay Area? Do you perform any (or would you if you had the opportunity) of the maintenance yourself?

    If you have any incling to diy, we are coordinating a local meetup for the 25th in Lafayette:


    Possible Monthly install meets. Bay Area-Fremont

    If you want to come out, drop a line in that thread:).

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would ask luscious garage what they recommend. in your case, it is more time than miles.

    btw, there are no major services at 60 or 90k. take a look in your maintenance manual. 120k is the major.
     
  5. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    hmm, luscious garage, why didn't i think of that?(n)
     
  7. Bob Comer

    Bob Comer Active Member

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    Sounds high to me. (my last car was a 2010 Prius) I don't remember anything special at 60 or 90K, and definitely nothing that cost that much until well over 100K
     
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  8. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Maybe a transmission fluid change, I don't think that is in the book either.
     
  9. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    I agree with other posters, there are no "major" services at 60 or 90K. Simple oil and filter changes, plus engine air cleaner, cabin air filter is all you need worry about. If you are really concerned, have them check the brake pad thickness and rotor condition, brake fluid level/clarity, coolant level and clarity. If you log/register at MyToyota.com and enter your VIN number, you can view the Service and Maintenance schedule published at Toyota...
     
  10. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Respects...but I think it's time for you to learn how to do these simple tasks on you own vehicles.
     
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  11. Bob Comer

    Bob Comer Active Member

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    I couldn't disagree more. It's his choice whether he wants to or not. Some people can't do it, some don't want to bother, and some don't have the time.

    I think he did the smart thing by asking others about it...
     
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  12. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    As someone who did his own maintenance when younger:
    The Prius is low to the ground.
    The under cover hides a lot.
    The engine bay is really crowded.

    When I was young, I had time and energy but lacked money.
    Then, I had money and energy but lacked time.
    Now, I have money and time but lack the energy.
    I have business cards that say "if it can be done indoors, sitting down, I volunteer."
     
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  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Just do the maintenance according to Toyota:

    upload_2018-8-9_7-41-51.png
    upload_2018-8-9_7-43-5.png

    The "reality" of the above, all they really need/should do (with estimated cost):

    1. Change the oil and filter. ($50~60)
    2. Rotate the tires. ($20~30)
    3. Inspect the Cabin and Engine air filters. I appreciate it says "replace", but do yourself a favour, just look them over, assess whether or not they actually need replacement. And if you want to start DIY'ing, this is the place to start, very easy check.
    4. Full brake inspection. This is not the "visual" inspection with tire rotation, it's the more complete, in-depth inspection. ($200)

    Everything thing else, the myriad inspections, superfluous fluff, should be waived.

    Ok, now I know they're having you on. Here's the 90K service:

    upload_2018-8-9_7-53-42.png

    Compare to the 60K service shown above: they are exactly the same. This dealership is cooking up their own, "special", "recommended" service schedule. Not uncommon.
     
    #13 Mendel Leisk, Aug 9, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 9, 2018
  14. jafca09

    jafca09 Junior Member

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    Thanks, all. This makes sense. I called back and they gave me a more reasonable $200 quote to do the more minor maintenance. They also suggested replacing the brake fluid; they said it can degrade over time (that it's less tied to mileage). They also said they can't verify that before replacing it. Is that the case? It would be about $100 to replace it.
     
  15. Bob Comer

    Bob Comer Active Member

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    No real clue on that one, but I don't remember replacing it.
     
  16. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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  17. rosencrantz

    rosencrantz Member

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    I’ll put in a vote for replacing the brake fluid. Brake fluid, as Jimbo points out, is hygroscopic. Not sure what/if there are special requirements on the Prius for a brake fluid flush, but, $100 seems reasonable to me.
     
  18. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Toyota Canada recommends tri-yearly or 48K kms, at least as of 2012 they start saying this. For any and all their vehicles.

    Honda's said tri-yearly, regardless of miles, for decades, as long as I can remember. $100 is reasonable. Maybe caution them to test drive it after, and check to make sure they didn't lose any of the bleed bolt caps (you can see them without raising the car).

    DIY is basically the cost of the fluid (2 pints of Toyota DOT3, was about $15~16). I did it, with my wife pushing the brake pedal, about a year back. @NutzAboutBolts has a video on it, in the 3rd gen maintenance forum, pinned at the top.

    But yeah, $100 is reasonable, and a lot less stress, lol.
     
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  19. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    That's nice you disagree with me...and you are right...he is smart asking others about it. I simple gave advise based on the fact that most Prius Owners buy one to save money. Whether you disagree or not with that advise brings nothing to the table though. You're just telling the audience you don't personally maintain your own vehicles...for what ever reason.

    ...and yes jafca09, have the brake flush/pin lube/inspection done, get the transmission fluid exchanged and have both coolants exchanged...if you are not going to do it yourself. ;)
     
    #19 frodoz737, Aug 10, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2018
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  20. Bob Comer

    Bob Comer Active Member

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    So arrogant. You telling people they must maintain their own car doesn't bring anything to the table either.

    Anyway, If you wanted to save money, a Prius isn't the proper car. If you want to save gas and cut co2, than it's the right car.
     
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