Chicago Prius Mechanics - Where do you go?

First, Welcome!

I am in NW Indiana so perhaps not much help but I take mine to TEAM Toyota on Rt. 30 in Merrillville as it is close to me. I have also taken it to Planet Toyota on the far south side (I-57 and Rt 30 I believe). Good experiences at both (Make sure to talk to the Prius tech as the others appear clueless about the hybrid system).

The Prius isn't hard to work on yourself if you are familiar with such things. I bought the Bently service manual and do all of the routine maintenance myself.

 

I have been ripped off to many times so I will never let a "Stealership" or thug mechanic touch my Prius, unless it is warranty work that costs me nothing. I do my own service, it is easy and I have learned so much about the car.

 

I take mine into my garage which is beside my house. I find this quite convenient as it is where I store the vehicle. Sorry, not useful I know but that's just who I am.

 

Buy the Bentley repair manual.

 

St. Charles Toyota has done satisfactory work for me. However, it was done under warranty so I can't give you an opinion on the cost of repairs.

 

Libertyville Toyota gets an A+ from me. I have purchased 6 Toyotas from them over the years (RAV4, Camrys, MR2 Spyder---how I miss that vehicle---and of course my Prius) and their service has always been outstanding at a fair price.

My wife drives a Lexus RX350 and got so fed up with all the upcharges and extras associated with just a simple oil change and tire rotation at her Lexus dealer that she has her vehicle serviced at Libertyville Toyota. Less than half the price as the Lexus dealer!

I even get coupons every few months from them. Additionally, I got a "service contract" for 4 oil changes and two tire rotations for $90. Sweet! Just took my Prius in last week at 40,000 miles---got the oil changed and tires rotated...no charge!

Best thing about them, they don't pressure you to have additional service done. They will suggest it, but once I say no thanks, that's the end of discussion. Do I really need that 40,000 mile checkup, that really doesn't do anything but lift a couple hundred out of my wallet?

BTW, I have been informed by the GM of Libertyville Toyota that I am number 2 in line for a 2010 Prius! Woo hoo!

 

I service my own vehicles. The last time the Prius was at the dealer was when it was picked up in September 07. I check the tire pressure weekly since I run higher than normal and change the oil at Amsoil intervals.

 

Has anyone found an INDEPENDENT mechanic specializing on Toyotas (ideally on the north side?)

 

Did some research on Yelp, here's a good recommendation:

Motor Care Chicago on Western Ave. Based on feedback, sounds like the guy used to be at Northside Toyota, 90% of the work is Toyota.

I've got my 60k maintenence coming up and wanted to save a little $, I think I'm going to give them a try. Any other recommendations would be appreciated.

 

Bumping this thread.
anyone have any new mechanics in Chicago proper that they use and are happy with?

Even though the Prius has been around for a long time now, I'm not willing to take it to just anybody.

 

Another bump. Anyone know any mechanics in the south suburbs, around 55 and 294. Anywhere mid to south west Chicago would be great too.

 

Since the only real work I ever had done on my last Prius was a water pump at 175,000 miles, I just went to the dealer. my local mechanic wasn't familiar with the car. Price at the dealer was fairly competitive.

 

I asked few shops near 60089 (Including Car-X and Midas) to replace my ATF, - "Ohh, we are not touching hybrids... OMG we're afraid.... soooorry..."

 

Do it yourself. Super easy...

 

Yes.
I've got ATF and torque wrench and seals.
I need to get ramps or raise it otherwise....

 

bump...Chicagoland best Prius mechanic???

 

Any recent updates/info?
(bump)

 

Prius mechanics are more common these days in the Chicago suburbs than they used to be. What are your problems? Battery? Suspension? Electronics?

 

Oddly generic response. Can you recommend your mechanic?

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