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Dealer Service-Any advice?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by sheeba37, Aug 30, 2007.

  1. sheeba37

    sheeba37 New Member

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    I am a new owner of a Prius. I really like the car. My problem is with the dealer. I took it to the dealer for the 5000 mile oil change. I took in the Toyota Service Bulletin that shows how much oil is suppose to be added after an oil change. The person at the counter hardly looked at it and said "yes, we know all that". So I trusted them to service the car correctly. Well 1 1/2 hours later, the car is done. I got home and checked the oil level through the dip stick and it is above the full mark. I suspect they put more oil in than what it required. I checked my receipt and they charged for 5 quarts. I read somewhere on this site that this is a common practice, they charge for 5 no matter what it takes. So I really have no idea how much oil was put in.

    I took the car to the dealer and spent a little more money for the oil change because I thought they would take care of my car. Well not so. Jiffy Lube could of done the same crappy job for less. I am fed up with getting ripped off, getting shotty service from these oil change places. I want to start changing the oil myself. My question is, if you change it yourself, how do you protect yourself if there is a warranty issue, how do you prove to the dealer that the oil was changed at the time it was suppose to, etc? Also if the oil is over filled, what should I do? Should I drain it and change it again adding the correct amount?

    On a side note, I really like this website. Thanks,
    Jim
     
    #1 sheeba37, Aug 30, 2007
  2. mcbrunnhilde

    mcbrunnhilde Opera singin' Prius nut!

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jim37 @ Aug 30 2007, 03:38 PM) [snapback]504550[/snapback]</div>
    1. There are many horror stories about Jiffy Lube (google jiffy lube complaints), so your car is better off at a dealer or a trusted mechanic if you can't/don't want to change your own. Oil changes on the Prius do not require knowledge of hybrids...it's one of the simplest cars to do an oil change on.

    2. If you take the car anywhere, come with 3-1/2 quarts of your own oil (regular or synthetic) and filter. They should then only charge you for the labor of the oil change. I buy filters from my local dealer's parts department, since I have heard they are very good, and I usually get them for $3.99.

    3. Changing your own oil will not void your warranty. Keep receipts for your filters and oil, and write the date in your warranty book when you did the oil change. Only put in 3-1/2 quarts, and it will be very close to the top mark on the dipstick. You really don't even need ramps to change the oil, although it's a good idea to use them so you can check axle boots, hoses, etc., that you can only see from underneath the car.
     
    #2 mcbrunnhilde, Aug 30, 2007
  3. Bear68

    Bear68 Member

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    Yes, you should definitely get your oil level back to the full mark. Perhaps the best way would be to return to the dealer and ask to speak to the service manager. Tell him/her your concern and have them drain and refill the engine to the proper level. Prius are especially sensitive to overfull oil levels and too much can cause driveability issues.

    Even if you decide to perform your own maintenance from now on, wouldn't it be a good idea to make the service manager aware that his techs are not performing their duties properly? Perhaps you might save someone else from major headaches. Always save your oil change receipts and the mileage at which they were done.

    Professional prejudism coming to the front here, I truly believe dealerships are the best place for maintenance, although you might want to consider finding out which techs are Prius Certified and request that one of them be the only one to service your vehicle. You might have to spend a little extra time waiting for that particular tech to become available but it can be worthwhile in the long run.
     
    #3 Bear68, Aug 30, 2007
  4. sheeba37

    sheeba37 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bear68 @ Aug 30 2007, 07:23 PM) [snapback]504593[/snapback]</div>

    Thank-you for your responses. Sounds like good sound advice.
     
    #4 sheeba37, Aug 30, 2007
  5. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    I watched, and took pictures, of Rudy's first oil change, and I've got to say, it looks dead easy.
    Be sure to buy a quality (not Fram) filter, I like synthetic oil myself, and only use 3.5 quarts. Oh, and there's a crush washer for the oil plug. Those come in a package you may lose before the next change ;)
     
    #5 Rae Vynn, Aug 30, 2007
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