Are these maintenance charges for real?

Most of these items are not needed. Your dealer is taking you for a ride. At 65,000 miles you need an oil change and a new oil filter - nothing more.

Tom

 

For future reference all that's needed is shown in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide (provided by Toyota, not by a dealer) that came with the car. If you don't have a copy buy one. Show the correct page to the service writer, say "do that", and that's it.

It's easy to vacuum or replace the cabin air filter yourself when needed.

 

I guess with the economy being so bad, these dealerships have to make money somehow

 

Toyota.com lists all recommended services for Prius by model year and mileage.

 

My dealer (Kirk Toyota in MS) charges $43 for the Oil change/Rotation/Inspection. It is possible your dealer has state laws that make it more expensive in CA, but I am skeptical that it should cost twice what I pay. If no dealership is honest near Culver City, I recommend Car Talk | Mechanics Files

For example http://www.cartalk.com/ct/mechx/shop.jsp?id=10345

 

At 65K miles it is possible that the serpentine drive belt may need changing. It will likely have some cracks in it.

 

It is possible that all of the items are legitimate, but they aren't part of standard maintenance at that many miles. Some are pretty unlikely.

Tom

 

Hi Tom,

The serpentine belt is supposed to be inspected at minimum, at 60K miles and then every 15K miles after that period.

 

What about the transmission fluid?
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...hooting/68595-2008-transaxle-oil-changes.html

 

I think this is reasonable. The outside of the belt will get shiny because that side contacts the water pump pulley. Last year I had posted about how to replace this belt. The old belt on my 2004 was glazed on the outside and had many fine cracks on the inside.

 

Take it to another dealer. There is widespread variation in dealer integrity.It's the same in the heating/AC business--in my experience.

 

Took my 05 for a tire rotation at 75K miles the other day. When I came back my car was still in stall with the hood up. I asked why the hood was up for a tire rotation and they said they performed a courtesy check. Then recommended, with a computer printout certain maintenance necessary. New air filter (engine) oil change, new set of tires, rearend alighnment. Total cost: $400.00 plus. Then charged me $25 for the rotation. I had to state that I have a lifetime free tire rotation, The clerk said Oh. I also reminded him that this is stated clearly on thier own computer display, again: mumbled " it is ". I told him I do most of my own maintenance and I would evaluate thier findings. Standard procedure at Firestone to drum up business. They were also very quick to state my tires were under DOT specs, they are quick to use Gov't specs when it may scare the potential customer into unneccesary purchases....so listen, politely decline, evaluate and use your own judgement. BUT remember: "If you don't take advantage of thier offer in 7 days they cannot guarantee those prices" ( another pressure tactic )

 

Avoiding bother and annoyance like that episode is one more reason not to rotate tires. It's generally not necessary on a front wheel drive car.