Services your Pruis shouldn't be this hard

[Mondrin]

So it's time to do my 10k service. I called up the dealer I bought the car from (40 miles away) and they want $95 for it. They add in tire balance and clean/adjust of the rear brakes. They also have the $35 special that gets you the oil change, filter, tire rotation and general inspection. that sounds better. Called my local Toyota (3 miles away) and they want $55 for the service and just do what the schedule says. To add more complication the original dealer uses a Chevron synthetic mix and the local uses the standard Toyota 5-30. I've got the mix in the car at this point.

What a pain.

To avoid the long drive and being chained to my original dealer it seems that I should just go buy the oil I want and give it to my local deal to use (I am not comfortable doing my own services). The local dealer does offer Mobil 1 synthetic 5-30 for an additional $18. I haven't priced oil lately to know what it really costs.

[richard schumacher]

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.

[Bob64]

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.

[bac]

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

[pviebey]

Just had my oil change, etc for $28.95, via a deal sent from 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

[Rotorhead]

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

[Mondrin]

The Express lube coupons are great. My local dealer doesn't participate in that program so no luck. Sounds like I need to go get me 3 quarts of oil, drop the car off for the oil change and then go to my local Begg's Tire and have them rotate the tires for free.