2012 Prius C Brake, Coolant and Transmission Fluid Exchanges

Wow! Outrageous prices, but probably typical for some dealers. The first two quotes appear to be for the same service unless I'm missing something. Maybe one meant to say for the inverter coolant. I would ask for clarification. But if you have no maintenance history on the car, then engine coolant replacement is probably a good idea on a 2012 C if its is over 100,000 miles, and inverter coolant if 150,000 miles. I had those done at a dealer 3 years ago, and the charge was just under $100.00 for each service. Any reliable repair shop can do the engine coolant replacement. Not sure about the inverter service and how complicated it might be, but I would get other quotes. Hybrids have been around long enough now that this service is probably well known.

If you know how to check it, see if the brake fluid is low in its reservoir. If it is, buy some at an auto parts store and fill it. Whether you ultimately replace the fluid depends on how many miles are on the car and your knowledge of previous maintenance. But get other quotes.

As for the transmission fluid, you'll find differing opinions from people at this forum. Some will say to change it regularly like in other vehicles. Others will say it needs no changing. My manual says to check it at 120,000 miles. There's nothing in the maintenance schedule about replacement. When I asked my dealer for a quote, they said it doesn't need to be changed. For a dealer to turn down work they could very easily convince most people needs to be done is a rare occurrence, so I am tending to trust that advice for now.

 

Dealer service is not an economical choice once a car is more than a few years old. You can generally get as-good service at substantially lower prices from the neighborhood mechanic.

The caveat is that not all neighborhood mechanics are ready to handle a hybrid. They're all learning and getting better at it, if nothing else it doesn't hurt to ask first- could save you a lot of money and hassle vs. going all the way to Toyota.

The jobs listed are plausibly needed for a 2012 with average miles.

 

Paramount with this proverbial question: what’s your odometer reading?

Toyota USA puts out a schedule, in the Warranty and Maintenance Booklet; give it a read? Both brake fluid and transaxle fluid changes are NOT mentioned (in the US booklet), coolant is though. Brake and Tran fluid changes are worthwhile though, my 2 cents, but those prices are too high.

the dealerships first two items ARE confusing, suspect it’s engine and inverter coolant replacements. Too pricey. About $100 apiece is reasonable.

ditto for the rest:

both brake and tran fluid exchanges should be around $100.

 

While changing the brake fluid, you may want to lubricate the front brake caliper pins and clean the rear drum brakes.