07 Prius 15k service....$139.00!!!!!

[alevinemi]

In their defense, I didn't waste any time arguing with them/haggling after getting that quote. I don't haggle with mechanics, because I figure if they feel ripped off, they might rip something off my car. I say 'yes' or 'no'.

If I had tried to get down to what Toyota recommends, they may have charged less. I didn't even look at the line items 'til I got home, and by the way, my wipers are fine.

The sticker shock had me so floored that I had to go to the parts department.

Also, I had to buy an oil filter wrench, so add a few bucks to the $40.12. The guys at Firestone did a good job - I actually SAW them looking at and inspecting the car for a decent amount of time up on the lift before they took off the tires and rotated them.

-->Adam

Originally Posted by jayman

Adam

VERY interesting - What is this Wynn's stuff they're insisting on? A PCV valve every 15,000 miles???

Insane, and that's assuming they actually do any of the work quoted. It would be cute if we all chipped in, somebody donated their personal Prius to that service department, with "witness marks" on things like the PCV valve, and lo and behold, the work wasn't done

[SageBrush]

Forums like PriusChat make it very simple for a car owner to know and understand what basic maintenance is reasonable, and what part of that maintenance can be performed by laypeople who do not have special tools.

Expecting the dealership to not pad a service bill is unrealistic.

[kettledrum]

I'm dealing with the same dealer for service that alevinemi is.

This dealer sells what they call "factory service" and "dealer plus" service. Alevinemi got a quote for the 15k dealer plus service, which is definitely filled with a bunch of unnecessary items. I got a quote for 30k service, although I didn't call it that when I asked for an estimate and they quoted me just under $200 for the factory service. When I told them that I could do the two air filter changes myself and asked for quote taking those out I was quoted $60 something for the oil changes, tire rotations, and visual inspections. Now that's more like it.

Originally Posted by alevinemi

In their defense, I didn't waste any time arguing with them/haggling after getting that quote. I don't haggle with mechanics, because I figure if they feel ripped off, they might rip something off my car. I say 'yes' or 'no'.

If I had tried to get down to what Toyota recommends, they may have charged less. I didn't even look at the line items 'til I got home, and by the way, my wipers are fine.

The sticker shock had me so floored that I had to go to the parts department.

Also, I had to buy an oil filter wrench, so add a few bucks to the $40.12. The guys at Firestone did a good job - I actually SAW them looking at and inspecting the car for a decent amount of time up on the lift before they took off the tires and rotated them.

-->Adam

[Tinkfan40]

Does the warranty or extended warranty dictate that you have to have the service done at a Toyota dealership?

[jayman]

Nowhere in the owner manual or extended warranty documents does it state you have to have servicing performed at a dealership

[Tinkfan40]

Originally Posted by jayman

Nowhere in the owner manual or extended warranty documents does it state you have to have servicing performed at a dealership

Thanks!

[alanh]

In fact, it is illegal for them to give a blanket denial of warranty if you had work done elsewhere. They have to show that the 3rd party work done caused a failure.

Anyway, what's with "adjust rear brakes"? Other than when having the rear shoes replaced, I've never adjusted drum brakes. Aren't they supposed to be self-adjusting? I'd only do this if there was a problem -- reduced braking, pulling to one side, etc.

[jayman]

The rear drums can get out of adjustment, even with use. Not only does this have some effect on braking performance, but a large effect on how the parking brake works.

Forum member Hobbit has a very good and detailed writeup at his website on how to inspect, clean, and adjust the rear drums.

[nthach]

The local dealers charge $40-$70 for an oil change, I DIY all my maintenance work. You can find oil for cheap if you live near a Wal-Mart - you can get Pennzoil or Valvoline dino for $12 or less and some dealers will sell filters cheaper than the aftermarket. I know the wholesale counter guy at the local dealer. The Prius is a very maintenance friendly car - but I would let someone else deal with the brake fluid flush or coolant change.

Wynn's, MOC, and BG are cash makers for the dealership. They get it at a low marginal cost and sell it to you for more. Last time I checked, my job charges $130 for a MOC power steering flush - the fluid is $65 customer cost. Brake Fluid flush is $200 or so, the fluid is $40. Just get a bottle of Techron, Regaine, or SI-1.

[The Critic]

Originally Posted by nthach

The local dealers charge $40-$70 for an oil change, I DIY all my maintenance work. You can find oil for cheap if you live near a Wal-Mart - you can get Pennzoil or Valvoline dino for $12 or less

The 2010+ Prius REQUIRES 0w-20 synthetic oil, so oil changes will now cost about $40 in parts alone. That is, 5 quarts of Mobil 1 0w-20 @ $6.99/qt and $5 for a filter.