Services your Pruis shouldn't be this hard

That is kinda pricey for doing the Scheduled Maintenance Guide 10K items, but we've heard of a lot worse.

Mobil 1 5W-30 is about $5 per quart at Target. Note that only *three* quarts need be added during an oil and filter change, because about 1/2 quart of the old oil remains coating the interior of the engine and never drains out. Leave three quart bottles in the car for the service tech to use. If you are very nervous buy a fourth quart and keep it with you to be added if necessary (but it won't be; I've been doing it this way for five years now and the final level is always halfway between the "add" and "full" marks).

No matter who does the oil change always let the car sit for ten minutes and check the level yourself before driving away. This can catch many gruesome errors before they become expensive.

 

Or better yet: change the oil and rotate the tires yourself. A cheap hydraulic jack will make the job nearly effortless... ok mebbie not.

Look in the maintenance book, you don't need to clean/adjust your brakes - they're self adjusting.

Instead of using language like "the 10k service" when calling them, ask them how much to: change your oil and rotate your tires. If you call it "the 10k service", they'll rip you off with all this BS that you don't need.

 

Re: Servicing your Prius shouldn't be this hard

Your manual shows you what REALLY needs done and when it needs done. Refer to that, and get those services done wherever you feel the most comfortable, and the price is right.

You have no obligation to get these services done by Toyota. Although, if you find a GOOD dealer [not planning on ripping you off - good luck], it would be my first pick.

... Brad

 

Just had my oil change, etc for $28.95, via a deal Toyota (one good reason to be a member).

Genuine Toyota
Oil & Filter Change
· Includes regular oil up to 5 quarts
29 Minutes Guaranteed...
or your next Express Lube is complimentary!
No Appointment Necessary

1.2​

4 CYL.​

$28.95​

Courtesy Toyota
Expires 02/28/2009 *See Details


Genuine Toyota
40,000 Mile Service

Services included are listed above.

See
Dealer
for
Details​

Courtesy Toyota
Expires 02/28/2009 *See Details


TO REDEEM OFFERS, PRINT OUT EMAIL AND PRESENT AT TIME OF SERVICE.
* For Toyota Models only. Present coupon at time of purchase. Coupon not valid with other coupons. No Cash Value.
One Coupon per customer. Fees, tax, & shop supplies not included.


Also, ask a lot of WHY, and check the actual manual for what's needed (cleaning breaks seems like a ripoff, IMHO).

If you don't trust the dealer, change. I just did for that exact reason... I'm not a money tree for the dealer!

pat

 

I had the dealer do my 15,000 service a few days ago. $40.37 after using the coupon from Toyota. The Toyota dealer has been a pleasant change after being abused by numerous Acura dealers. The Acura was a fine little car but the dealers are out of control.

Mike