Need help. Oil change for 50K+/yr? Thanks!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by franktsay, Oct 27, 2009.

  1. franktsay

    franktsay New Member

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    Hi everybody! I am new here. Just got my 2010 Prius, package III 10 days ago. After nearly 20 cars, this is the first car both my wife and me agree on. We are very happy. The MPG was about 46 for the first tank of gas, somewhat disappointed. After that, never under 50, no matter how I drive. Absolutely no complaint about that!

    I drive more than 50000 miles a year, mainly on Long Island Express Way, NY. 10 oil changes at the dealer could be quite expensive and time consuming.

    I have learned a lot, but still confused, about the oil change of 2010 Prius. When I picked my car up, I tried to check the price and maintenance schedule of my new car. Unfortunately, the dealer could not give me any information. They said they are updating information, so there is nothing in their computer.

    It would be most appreciated if anybody gives me some idea how I should do the oil change. I do not need tire rotation. I got it free as a Costco member. Thank you very much!

    I use cruise control as much as possible. Hopefully this car will last for 250K+, or even 350K+ without major expense. Hope you all enjoy your cars!
     
    #1 franktsay, Oct 27, 2009
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    :welcome:. Wow that is a lot of miles! In fact I think your the high miler of this group. Anyway, I think you picked the right car. As far as the OCI, many good threads about it already. Since the Prius is essentially requiring synthetic oil @ 0-20W, I would say that if I were in your shoes (my opinion) I would go for 10K OCI. Get the first one done @ 5K though.

    Peter
     
    #2 spiderman, Oct 27, 2009
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  3. triumph1

    triumph1 Member

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    Why not go with Amsoil and 15-20k OCI's....
     
    #3 triumph1, Oct 27, 2009
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  4. philobeddoe

    philobeddoe ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

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    twice a year with Amsoil SSO 0W30, and you've got it covered
    use a Wix Filter part 57064, change it every 10K, and top off the oil with the SSO, and your motor will last forever

    DIY and your cost will be low, but your benefits high

    here's your oil --> https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/sso.aspx

    here's your filter --> Part Detail
     
    #4 philobeddoe, Oct 27, 2009
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  5. triumph1

    triumph1 Member

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    I forgot to mention that I ran Wix cartridge filters on my Mercedes, and they did fine for the 20k OCI's- I know Amsoil doesn't have one for the '10 Prius.
     
    #5 triumph1, Oct 27, 2009
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  6. philobeddoe

    philobeddoe ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

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    in fact ... Amsoil has done away with ALL its EAO oil filters for Toyota applications
     
    #6 philobeddoe, Oct 27, 2009
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  7. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    Just don't ever need an engine warranty repair...
     
    #7 SW03ES, Oct 29, 2009
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  8. hotbrass

    hotbrass New Member

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    What does the warranty say?

    Please quote the part that will void the warranty if you change your oil less often than recommended.
     
    #8 hotbrass, Oct 29, 2009
  9. a64pilot

    a64pilot Active Member

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    Any part that fails and the dealer claims it was due to your extended oil change interval.
    Of course you have the opportunity to prove they were wrong, good luck with that.
    Dealers if given the opportunity will deny warranty claims, because Toyota pays far less for a repair than you do, so they make much more money if they have an excuse to deny warranty.
     
    #9 a64pilot, Oct 31, 2009
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  10. jburns

    jburns Senior Senior Member

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    Under the law you do not have to prove they are wrong. They have to prove they are right. Big difference.
     
    #10 jburns, Oct 31, 2009
  11. boppo

    boppo Active Member

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    Love the Pioneer Restaurant.
     
    #11 boppo, Oct 31, 2009
  12. jburns

    jburns Senior Senior Member

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    What?? :) In Archdale?
     
    #12 jburns, Nov 1, 2009
  13. a64pilot

    a64pilot Active Member

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    I think their "proof" is the fact that they are established expert and you will have the burden of disproving the "expert". For most people that's unlikely.
    I seriously doubt you would have a problem in warranty anyway. Myself, I have never had a oil related problem in anything that I own, but I don't believe I could go one on one against the dealer and win, even though I have the credentials of an "expert" myself.
    Just be aware that if you chose not to follow the manufacturers maintenance schedule, you may have problems with warranty covering a repair.
     
    #13 a64pilot, Nov 1, 2009
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  14. boppo

    boppo Active Member

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    Yes, take a drive to 10914 N Main St.
     
    #14 boppo, Nov 2, 2009
  15. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Generation III

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    #15 Mr. Bill, Nov 2, 2009
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  16. jburns

    jburns Senior Senior Member

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    Oh I've been there. There's not a buffet within 30 miles of my house that I haven't plundered. Just surprised someone else on here has been there.
     
    #16 jburns, Nov 3, 2009
  17. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    OP -- just change your own oil. Keep your receipts for documentation.
     
    #17 SageBrush, Nov 5, 2009
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