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I have a lot of experience the Prius' and their maintenance. First things first, they require no special maintenance versus any other car. The only part of the entire system that is "serviceable" is the gas engine and that works just like any other car. Unfortunately the dealer(stealer)ships feel it's OK to charge crazy amounts for routine maintenance and the Toyota guys like to gouge Prius owners even more.
Here's what needs to be done at this service interval:
-Oil and filter change.
-Tire rotation.
-Engine air filter.
-Cabin air filter.
-Various inspections including brakes.
So, the only thing different than any other service interval on the Prius are the inspections and engine/cabin filter. The inspections are NOT inspections of the hybrid drive system as it is a sealed non-serviceable system. The inspections are for routine things like shocks, CV boots, brakes, etc.
My recommendation would be to take the car to a decent local mechanic. They will be able to change the oil, rotate the tires and perform the regular inspections. The filters are something very easy to buy and change yourself, or just have the local guy do it.
The price if you follow what Toyota recommends should be:
-Oil change: ~$60 do to the price of the recommended oil and this should include the "inspection".
-Tire rotation: ~$10, but if they are doing a proper inspection this should be free, but I wouldn't argue with a good local guy if the charge was nominal like what I listed.
-Filters: ~$40 for the filters themselves and if they are doing the oil change and inspection they should be able to install them for free or another nominal charge like $10.
So, all together you are looking at about $110 for the service you need. Remember, when it comes to maintenance your Prius is the same as every other car on the road. Good thing you got the extended warranty on the battery pack, because a Prius is pretty much a throw away when the batteries go (how green is that?).
The only other area to pay attention to are the tires. The stock Goodyear Integrities are designed for fuel economy and they wear fast and don't perform well in rain/snow. When the current tires are worn it is time to change them out for regular tires in the Prius size. The Prius OEM Integrities are expensive and overall a pretty crappy tire. Also, if the tires on the car are original, you may want to really think about replacing them. Tires have a shelf life, not just a tread life. If your tires are original they are most likely beyond their shelf life and should be replaced.
I have a lot of experience the Prius' and their maintenance. First things first, they require no special maintenance versus any other car. The only part of the entire system that is "serviceable" is the gas engine and that works just like any other car. Unfortunately the dealer(stealer)ships feel it's OK to charge crazy amounts for routine maintenance and the Toyota guys like to gouge Prius owners even more.
Here's what needs to be done at this service interval:
-Oil and filter change.
-Tire rotation.
-Engine air filter.
-Cabin air filter.
-Various inspections including brakes.
So, the only thing different than any other service interval on the Prius are the inspections and engine/cabin filter. The inspections are NOT inspections of the hybrid drive system as it is a sealed non-serviceable system. The inspections are for routine things like shocks, CV boots, brakes, etc.
My recommendation would be to take the car to a decent local mechanic. They will be able to change the oil, rotate the tires and perform the regular inspections. The filters are something very easy to buy and change yourself, or just have the local guy do it.
The price if you follow what Toyota recommends should be:
-Oil change: ~$60 do to the price of the recommended oil and this should include the "inspection".
-Tire rotation: ~$10, but if they are doing a proper inspection this should be free, but I wouldn't argue with a good local guy if the charge was nominal like what I listed.
-Filters: ~$40 for the filters themselves and if they are doing the oil change and inspection they should be able to install them for free or another nominal charge like $10.
So, all together you are looking at about $110 for the service you need. Remember, when it comes to maintenance your Prius is the same as every other car on the road. Good thing you got the extended warranty on the battery pack, because a Prius is pretty much a throw away when the batteries go (how green is that?).
The only other area to pay attention to are the tires. The stock Goodyear Integrities are designed for fuel economy and they wear fast and don't perform well in rain/snow. When the current tires are worn it is time to change them out for regular tires in the Prius size. The Prius OEM Integrities are expensive and overall a pretty crappy tire. Also, if the tires on the car are original, you may want to really think about replacing them. Tires have a shelf life, not just a tread life. If your tires are original they are most likely beyond their shelf life and should be replaced.
OMG, you guys are wonderful! I'm so glad I asked my original question! I certainly won't go to the dealership to get screwed. Thanks so much! (consider that a kissy icon)
its not a lot for preventive maintenance, but its a lot for unnecessary maintenance and what is often times no maintenance at all when it comes to dealer "inspections" and what not
better to find out what the car might really need so far as useful maintenance that will make a real difference down the road if spending that much money. heck, for $400 i could do a lot more substantial things to a car at 30,000m then have the fluids topped off, brakes inspected, and tires rotated.
however this IS a hybrid so maybe it requires special care?
I never said $400 was reasonable for this particular situation. I have no idea what is required for a Prius at 30K. But $400 every two years to keep a car running isn't all that much money. I suspect the Toyota dealer in this case is suggesting more service than required. Just about all dealers to do this.
Over 30K miles - a car should need 4-5 oil changes @ $40 or so. Many vehicles need a transmission fluid change @ $50 or so. Maybe pay someone to check fluid levels.
I wouldn't pay for many of these items since I'd do it myself. But most people don't service their vehicles. They need a mechanic.
My Honda Ridgeline has required far less than $400 per 30K miles. But if it had - I probably wouldn't think it is overall excessive.
I have a lot of experience the Prius' and their maintenance. First things first, they require no special maintenance versus any other car. The only part of the entire system that is "serviceable" is the gas engine and that works just like any other car. Unfortunately the dealer(stealer)ships feel it's OK to charge crazy amounts for routine maintenance and the Toyota guys like to gouge Prius owners even more.
Here's what needs to be done at this service interval:
-Oil and filter change.
-Tire rotation.
-Engine air filter.
-Cabin air filter.
-Various inspections including brakes.
So, the only thing different than any other service interval on the Prius are the inspections and engine/cabin filter. The inspections are NOT inspections of the hybrid drive system as it is a sealed non-serviceable system. The inspections are for routine things like shocks, CV boots, brakes, etc.
My recommendation would be to take the car to a decent local mechanic. They will be able to change the oil, rotate the tires and perform the regular inspections. The filters are something very easy to buy and change yourself, or just have the local guy do it.
The price if you follow what Toyota recommends should be:
-Oil change: ~$60 do to the price of the recommended oil and this should include the "inspection".
-Tire rotation: ~$10, but if they are doing a proper inspection this should be free, but I wouldn't argue with a good local guy if the charge was nominal like what I listed.
-Filters: ~$40 for the filters themselves and if they are doing the oil change and inspection they should be able to install them for free or another nominal charge like $10.
So, all together you are looking at about $110 for the service you need. Remember, when it comes to maintenance your Prius is the same as every other car on the road. Good thing you got the extended warranty on the battery pack, because a Prius is pretty much a throw away when the batteries go (how green is that?).
The only other area to pay attention to are the tires. The stock Goodyear Integrities are designed for fuel economy and they wear fast and don't perform well in rain/snow. When the current tires are worn it is time to change them out for regular tires in the Prius size. The Prius OEM Integrities are expensive and overall a pretty crappy tire. Also, if the tires on the car are original, you may want to really think about replacing them. Tires have a shelf life, not just a tread life. If your tires are original they are most likely beyond their shelf life and should be replaced.
Like I posted, the Prius had only been on the lot for an hour before it's new "Momma" came in. All that stuff should have been done before I took the keys, right? Unless it leaks something, it should still be all set, right? I bought it in December, now that I think about it.
So what do I do, just keep the paper work from where I take it to show I had the work done? Toyota has to accept that work, right? They can't say my warranty is null and void because I didn't take it to the dealership? IDK, I've never had to do this before. My Fords/Mercurys and Saturn, I never balked at the service charge. THIS I am balking at!
Like I posted, the Prius had only been on the lot for an hour before it's new "Momma" came in. All that stuff should have been done before I took the keys, right? Unless it leaks something, it should still be all set, right? I bought it in December, now that I think about it.
So what do I do, just keep the paper work from where I take it to show I had the work done? Toyota has to accept that work, right? They can't say my warranty is null and void because I didn't take it to the dealership? IDK, I've never had to do this before. My Fords/Mercurys and Saturn, I never balked at the service charge. THIS I am balking at!
When you buy a car off the lot you never know what was done previous to you buying it. A certified pre-owned car will have gotten a pretty extensive check up and they ensure you have at least 50% life in your tires and brakes. A non-certified car will just generally be cleaned, any major items such as recalls taken care of and any safety concerns addressed before it is sold. Whether or not they change the oil, or do other recommended services is dependent on the dealer and their practices.
In general you should always keep all service paperwork for your car and any receipts of things you purchased and installed yourself.
A manufacturer CANNOT void your warranty because you paid an independent third party to do the work or did it yourself. They can void it if you fail to perform the maintenance and the lack of maintenance can be directly attributed to the failure.
I've read about people really getting shafted on the cabin air filter change. It's no great mystery--anyone can do it.
Just finding where it is can be a big mystery. Some are near the accelerator pedal, some in the glove compartment, some near the windshield and if caution is not taken, you can bust the tabs that hold the filter in place!
Saw this in a Nissan forum.
Just finding where it is can be a big mystery. Some are near the accelerator pedal, some in the glove compartment, some near the windshield and if caution is not taken, you can bust the tabs that hold the filter in place!
Saw this in a Nissan forum.
Yes.
I think you can get the instructions at Priuschat.com.
If NJGOAT is correct on what this service involves, and I think he is - the price quoted you is IMHO just insane. The only thing that really needs to be done is the oil change, check the engine air filter, depends on how clean or dirty an environment you have been driving in. The cabin air filter will at worst reduce the performance of your heat/aircon -
All this is stuff I very easily DIY. The dealer is wanting to charge you $400 for what I could do before lunch easily on any Saturday...
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Thanks so much! 
(consider that a kissy icon)
THIS I am balking at!
