When I purchased my Prius back in Nov. the dealer included 1 years worth of oil changes. Last Fri I took it in with 4,872 miles on it. On the home from the dealer, I noticed a sticker that said when the next change is due, 5-22-08 or 7,872 miles. Now the manual says every 5,000 miles, but as log as the oil change with filter is free for a year, why not every 3K ?.
Because its a waste of "good" oil and your time. I do not know about you, but having to spend the gas to go to the dealer, wait for awhile, and then drive back is a pain. Also, in my opinion wasting oil - especially when lives are lost because of it - is a shame :/
Actually, with the crap bulk oil most dealers use, changes at 3K miles may be appropriate. Remember there is no free lunch, you bought the car, you're paying for the oil. When you pay for it yourself directly, use the "good" oil that Bob suggests and change it every 5K miles.
I did not go out of my way for the change. My mother in-law lives 2 blocks from the dealer, my wife needed to go there anyway. Time was better spent waiting at the dealer, than the other option. She's a good gal, but still.
I just turned 1000/miles and did my first change .Unlike my other cars this one took about 15 mins if you count waiting forthe oil to drain ok a 1/2 hr.You don't even need to lift the wheels off the ground . Very easy .10 filters with washers $45.00.Did not have to deal with my mother in law a big plus .
Don't be blinded by the free oil change. It's a way dealer wants you to come back often and look for a chance to squeeze you any non-warranty items you feel unsure. And like others said, you lost half-a-day everytime you go into the dealer (even for just oil-change anyway), it's a pain unless you like their free coffee and magazines while waiting.
I like both Mobil 1 and Castrol Syntec. I buy whichever just happens to be cheaper when its due for a change, if you go into walmart you can get them in the 5 qt jug usually ranging in the $20 - $23 range. Just buy your filter somewhere else because the fram filters they sell in Wal Mart are crap.
Interesting your dealer is saying to go almost 7900 miles before an oil change, probably because you got them free. My dealer tries to me to do 3000 mile oil changes, because mine are not free. I do my own oil changes, that way I know they are done correctly. Stealership service isn't what it used to be and if you don't know what they are doing to your vehicle...then you are just easy prey to them.
No, when the odometer reads 7,900 miles, then it's time for the next change. 1st change was at 4,900 miles, next change 7,900 miles = a 3,000 mile oil change.
Yes almost exactly the same except one thing, you only need 3 1/2 quarts. (not 4 or 5 like the oil change garage wants to put in it)
Interesting. We have a client who uses their synthetic compressor oil. Not sure why, lot more than the comparable synthetic Imperial Oil or Mobil product. I thought Bel Ray only made motorcycle oils?
I took my 2008 Prius back at 5000 miles, per the owners manual, for my one free oil change. I had gotten a letter from the dealership earlier reminding me to come in at 3000 miles. After calling them on that, they explained that it was a form letter that applies to most of the cars they sell, but, yes, the Prius needs an oil change every 5000 miles. Well, when I took it in, they tried to stick me with a $59.95 bill for rotating the tires. Fortunately I asked the right questions ahead of time and told them I will be rotating my own tires, thank you. After I left the dealership I noticed the sticker on the windshield which indicated I should bring it back in another 3000 miles! Well, I won't be going back there anytime soon, if ever! What a bunch of crooks!!!!!!!
59.95 !! What a hose job. I also had the rotate the tires, but I asked first what it would cost. They said 14.99. I said OK, my free time is worth more that, especially in winter. I do believe they were right on the form letter for 3,000 miles though.
Just did the first oil change on my used Prius. I decided that Mobil 1 full synth would be the best "first mod" on my car.
