Stupid question re: 15,000 maintenance

There are a few more 'checks' for 15K, but otherwise the only work need done is oil and filter. At 30K, you are supposed to change the engine/cabin air filters.

See the maintenance guide that came with the car; the little blue pamphlet.

 

Basically, you're getting ripped off if you pay that much. Prius does not follow the usual Toyota maintenance schedule. Dan is right. They just check a few things, and change the oil and oil filter. Some would say to rotate tires as well. Refer to your maintenance guide.
Most toyotas get a minor tune up at 15000 and a major tune up at 30000. One of the nice things about the Prius is that maintenance is relatively inexpensive.
Happy motoring!

 

I've not had much luck with the dealers agreeing to do just what is in the blue maintenance guide. I have to take it to a place like Discount Tires and they will do it, but the dealerships around here only want to perform their standard maintenance packages.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I live in Los Angeles and if anyone knows of a dealership that will perform the maintenance as recommended in the manual, rather than their over priced standard packages I'd love to take my car to them.

 

Just say: "I'd like an oil change and tire rotation please". And that's all they can legally do.
If you want to add checks then add:
"and please check <item> and <item>". You should get details here, "check" is a very liberal term.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ClassicalRob\";p=\"85558)</div>

I did my own tire rotation at the 5M check, mainly to measure brake pad and lining thicknesses and learn to use the jack before needing it. I then took it to the selling dealer, who had thrown in the first periodic check for free, and watched their techs so I could do-it-myself where practical. I didn't see them measure tread wear, but had done it myself, and told them not to rotate tires again.

They were very cooperative, and answered most of my questions readily. They billed me $33.02 for oil and filter change, checking hoses, fluids, belts, tires & pressures, then tossed in a complimentary exterior wash, and sent me off with no charge because I had attended an introductory 'seminar' plugging the merit of Toyota service and maintenance.

I had them do the entire 10M check several months later and paid $67.50. They noted that tire rotation had not been done and recorded tread wear (and brake material thicknesses), indicating front tires showing slightly more tread than rears. I rarely use brakes. They have satisfied me that their service is honest and reasonably priced.

The warranty may be at risk if you have only the oil change and tire rotation done, but not if you do the other mandatory inspections the owner's manual lists at each 5M interval and record your findings.

 

The 5,000 mile maintenance schedule listed in the Toyota manual cost me $50 at Morristown Toyota in NJ. Today I went in for the 10,000 mile maintenance which is identical to the 5,000 mile schedule listed in the maintenance manual. They had the nerve to want to charge me $150 for "their" 10,000 maintenance which could not be clearly itemized. I told them to do the 5,000 for the 10,000 and they went on and on that this area in NJ is considered harsh conditions. I drive on paved highways, not in traffic and not in the desert. I lost all trust in Morristown Toyota Service Department. :| Beware of dealer service departments.

 

I no, I no, some dealers prices are high and they are pushing thier packages. We also have packages to,but not near that high ( about half what you were quoted,ClassicalRob ).. You can check out our website ( those living nearby ) for prices/what is done. And for those wanting to strictly follow Toyota's maintenance schedule, just tell them what exactly you want. They may ask if you are sure, but its your car and money. You are the reason dealers are in business. Without you,we will not be needed, . They need to keep you happy,

 

When my Prius was in for an oil change at 10k the service "adviser" said that i should get the 10k maint. package. When i asked him what it entailed he read off their sheet what was entailed and when he got to the end he rather humbly said well we do most of these checks with the oil change anyway, I guess you just want and oil change and the tires rotated, right? I said right and they've never mentioned the packages since LOL.