Just brought my 2013 Prius in for an oil change and I’m being told it’s overdue for almost $1300 in service for its 100k and 120k mile checkups. I agreed to the oil change and tire rotation ($105.15) and declined the spark plugs ($296.62), PCV Valve ($515.83), and transmission flush ($447). I’ve had this car for over seven years and I have no plans on replacing it anytime soon. I kept my (first) last car until it died after 350k miles (an Acura Integra). Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!
What a bunch of criminals! I charge $120 for spark plugs, throttle body and MAF sensor cleaning including parts. Transmisison flush is less than a hundred dollars (only needs to be done once over vehicle lifespan) and PCV valve is good for life of car unless you're having a diagnosis challenge and want to eliminate that concern. I'd charge just under $150 for PCV valve. Evidently, owner of shop you went to is behind on their mortgage or something.
A Prius does not have a torque converter so you never need to do a "Flush". Only do a drain and refill of the correct ATF which runs just a bit over $100 at my Toyota dealer. It is worth doing one at 30k miles and every 60-90k thereafter. JeffD
You wasted your money on the tire rotation.... But, you are due for spark plugs. PCV valve, maybe. Toyota service book says the transmission fluid is lifetime, so it never needs changing. But, "lifetime" means for the life of the car and emission warranty. It is best to change it at 100,000 miles or so. Then 50,000 miles after that. ALL of these things you can do yourself. Unless you have no mechanical ability. It only takes a few basic tools, all costs would be recouped by not paying someone to do it for you. There is no filter for the transmission. You just drain it and fill it. Don't forget that the engine coolant and the inverter coolant needs to be changed. Both, drain and refill. Funny they didn't mention that.... If you can't do the work, then it would be better to find an independent shop that knows about the Prius.
A PCV valve replacement for $515.00 I think that's a record for a $15 part and less than 1 hour of work
Your spark plugs should be replaced and the transmission fluid should be changed, if it hasn't been in the past. That said, any qualified 3nd party repair shop can perform the job for 1/3 the price you were quoted. No special tools or scanners required. The transmission fluid change is a simple drain & fill - No flush needed. The PCV valve doesn't need replacement, unless it's throwing codes pointing to it being defective. The EGR pathways gets clogged with carbon, so replacing that valve with a clogged EGR kinda defeats the purpose. The entire assembly needs to be removed and 'hot tanked' to remove all the carbon within. Specialty Prius shops can do this job, because it's a well know issue. Hope this helps....
PriusChatters back about 15 years ago studied this and did lab analysis of everyone's Transmission fluid and the data indicated there was a benefit in changing out the original fluid which had initial wear materials in it from when everything in the transmisison was brand new and it would be beneficial to change it out at least once. But changing it out more than once showed very little material / benefits, which is why Toyota used to say that ATF was good for the life of the vehicle.
Spark plugs are due at 120,000mi, right under $300 is average price. Get that done, engine knocks will come knockin. Trans flush is not required for Prius, drain refill only but get that done. Their price is waaay steep for that, $150 - $200 is reasonable price. Mine has 240,000 mi so like you, this car is gonna be driven to the ground.
The transmission fluid isn't a big deal as they classify that as a "lifetime fluid". I would however change it out say every 60-80k miles, just so you have some fresh fluid. This fluid doesn't get contaminated with fuel like your engine oil. So it's not urgent to get changed but it's good to keep it fresh every 60-80k miles or so.
If you keep going back to the dealer and asking for service based on your odometer reading, they're going to rake you over the coals. It's not necessarily bad for the car, but it'll be very expensive. If you learn what services your car needs and ask for them by name, things will feel more affordable. If you give the business to an independent mechanic instead of the dealer, it's likely to get a lot more affordable for the same results.
According to Toyota USA (and going from memory…), 120k miles is: oil and filter change Wheel rotation In-depth brake inspection Spark plug replacement that’s it. There’s also drivers floor mat check, and a multitude of other nonsense that doesn’t need doing (and isn’t done). the $447 “transmission flush” takes the cake lol.
Nothing about throttle body or MAF sensor cleaning, but yes, both cabin and engine filters to be replaced. FWIW, I would only change those if warranted, and wouldn't pay dealership labour rates to have them do it.
