Where to get Prius service

[bgrant]

Anyone have any tips on how to pick a good service station for Prius service? I'd rather not pay for dealer service, but I don't have a good sense of how different servicing a hybrid is compared to other cars to know whether a service station with a generally good reputation should be competent to service a Prius. (If anyone has a recommendation specifically in the Bethesda MD area, that would be great.) Thanks.

[JimN]

All you should need are oil & filter changes and tire rotations. Nothing special so DIY or take the Prius where you took your last car.

[Prius_Gnome]

I've never understood why people don't get the oil change and tire rotations at the dealership and insist on a non-dealer. At the dealership, oil change is about 24.95 and tire rotation is about 21.95. There might be some environmental fees and taxes. My dealership regularly sends me coupons so I get the oil change at 14.95. How much would you save per visit if you went to a non-dealer... $10? I see that $20 per year as insurance in case my Prius craps out and I can prove to Toyota that it was properly maintained at one of their dealerships.

[Prius driver]

Car Talk

[rigormortis]

Originally Posted by Prius_Gnome

I've never understood why people don't get the oil change and tire rotations at the dealership and insist on a non-dealer. At the dealership, oil change is about 24.95 and tire rotation is about 21.95. There might be some environmental fees and taxes. My dealership regularly sends me coupons so I get the oil change at 14.95. How much would you save per visit if you went to a non-dealer... $10? I see that $20 per year as insurance in case my Prius craps out and I can prove to Toyota that it was properly maintained at one of their dealerships.

obviously you do not live in california, where the going rate for an oil change + tire rotatation and "free" yes "free" 21 point inspection is $95

if people are going to keep insisting that toyota dealers are "are not that much more expensive then non dealers" im going to start posting scans of actual ads and coupons that prove they are not.

oh yeah and the going rate for changing your cabin air filter is $69.95

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by rigormortis

obviously you do not live in california, where the going rate for an oil change + tire rotatation and "free" yes "free" 21 point inspection is $95

if people are going to keep insisting that toyota dealers are "are not that much more expensive then non dealers" im going to start posting scans of actual ads and coupons that prove they are not.

Each dealer is free to set its own pricing, and each customer is free to shop around. My local Toyota dealer in south OC charges $27 for an engine oil and oil filter change.

[bstanier]

Only $95? Nearly double that in the UK. But they give you extra value by overfilling!

[rigormortis]

and how much more do they want for a tire rotation and the "free" 21 point inspection?

or is it included?



Each dealer is free to set its own pricing, and each customer is free to shop around. My local Toyota dealer in south OC charges $27 for an engine oil and oil filter change.

[lefat1]

generally all that is needed for maintenance is an oil and filter change. most people are scared of the dealer because, in case you dont know, the service writers are paid by commision only and are going to upsell you things you likely dont need. that said, unless you are too green when it comes to service, the dealer is a great place for maintenance as long as you are not afraid to say NO!

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by rigormortis

and how much more do they want for a tire rotation and the "free" 21 point inspection?...

I do all scheduled maintenance myself, so I haven't inquired about that. In general, if you have to pay for tire rotation, you would be better off not having tire rotation done and saving that money for your new tire fund.

If you don't have your tires rotated, then the front tires will wear out relatively quickly. At that point, move the used rear tires to the front and buy two new tires for the rear.

If you like the idea of periodic tire rotations, most tire shops will offer free rotations after you have bought tires from their store.

I rotate the tires myself, and think of that as part of my physical fitness program. However I recognize that most owners do not have the facilities or motivation to DIY.