Dealer service or not?

If I was going to get professional service, I'd be inclined to go with Toyota dealership, since they have the techstream software if there's any issues, are THE choice for warranty work, have the kosher oil filters, and on and on.

Not considering DIY?

 

Sometimes, it depends on ones pockets, and maybe tgr expertise that might be offered.

 

Most everybody here will agree that Toyota dealer experiences vary widely. I believe most are tilted toward the negative though.
I drove 150 miles to get my Prius because of the clueless local dealer sales. The 5K mile check on my Prius was a joke too.
Other than recalls, I avoid our local dealer service. I would need to use them if I get trouble codes on my Prius that I cannot read with my inexpensive code reader.

 

Ask the indy shop if their "hybrid tech" is the only person in the shop qualified to change your oil. If the answer is "yes" then don't return as anyone can change oil.

As already mentioned, if it is a warranty issue take it to the dealer and have it fixed on Toyota's dime.

Routine maintenance is oil and filters. Change the air filters yourself. Having the students at the local vo-tech school change the oil could be another option.

 

Castanea, although the vo-tech school has a Gen 2 Prius I don't know if anyone in the auto shop class worked on a Gen 3. I figured I would give them an opportunity to maybe learn something and they did replace a missing fastener. I know one of the students got an education that day as it was very obvious he was driving a Prius for the first time. How are the kids going to learn anything if they don't have cars to work on?

I'm sure you'll have a better time at the school's shop than you had hanging around Firestone's.

 

Since they have a Gen 2, they are somewhat familiar with Prius.That is worth something.

 

I'd find an independent that specializes in Toyota hybrids, and pays their techs hourly or salary. Stay away from places that pay flat rate. Document everything in case there's a warranty issue, which must be done at the dealer. Dealer is for warranty repairs.

Independent shops have access to all the same tools as the dealer, and good ones have OE tools, like Techstream.

 

Maybe it's just my local Toyota dealership, or maybe it's Toyota's policy. When I took our '17 PC in for its 5K service, one adviser wrote up the RO, then the tech reviewed the RO with me, and finally a different adviser closed the RO. At no time did an adviser give me a business card, introduce himself to me, or even make me feel like he appreciated me coming in. I felt like I was on an assembly line-in, out, bye. The dealership was not trying to encourage any loyalty from me. Or, does Toyota think all the people at the dealerships are interchangeable? I plan to try a different Toyota dealership for the 10K service.

 

Or you could do like me, and change the oil & filter yourself so you are sure it is done correctly. According to the paperwork, they set the tire pressures at a very low 32 after rotating them on my 5K check.
I try to only use my local dealer for Toyota recalls of if dealer-only parts are needed.

 

If it was me I would continue with Firestone unless it was Hybrid specific. Other than the hybrid system the Prius is built like a lot of other cars on the road. JMO

 

Sorry, posted in the wrong place!

 

My Prius has never seen the inside of a Toyota service department since I drove it home from the dealership. I'm very fortunate to have an experienced competent mechanic that works on all of my cars. Aside from basic maintenance, there really isn't much to do on a Prius. I've read too many stories about unscrupulous dealers, and have experience this on past cars myself. I only bring my vehicle to a dealer for service when I have to, which is essentially never. Good luck!

 

That's like me, although I gave them a chance with my free 5K service.The only benefit from that is I had them change the reverse beep.
I did not even buy my car from the local dealer. Too unknowledgeable and would not even try to match the better price I got elsewhere.

 

Same here. I went online, and made my best deal with a dealer 45 miles away. There are a half dozen other dealers that are closer.

 

You are fortunate. I drove 150 miles for mine to buy from a Gen 1 Prius owner. Our family has bought several cars from him over the years. (3 Prius, 1 Corolla & another Corolla from a different salesman at the same dealer)

 

I have no problem with my local Toyota dealer but I am a do it yourselfer and find it inconvenient to make appointments. I hate making appointments.

 

hi
Anyone have update on prius c 1.5 year 2013 lock receive short circuit.

Recently i had problem not able to unlock my car. Than i use key to unlock and
drive to toyota service center
1. they ask me to replace aux battery
still the problem is not solve .

2. they ask me to change lock receiver and smart key ecu.

Did anyone have suggestion or update on this problem

 

That's frustrating. Know anyone with a garage with slab, or even just a level driveway? Outskirt of some parking lot? There's gotta be a way.

I know it's not Reverse Osmosis, but what the heck is that, just curious. Something Order I assume?