Prepaid maintenance or independent mechanic?

[creativeguy]

I'm trying to decide if I should buy the official Toyota prepaid maintenance package for my new V with ATP. The dealer price I was quoted (over $1500) seems to be a horrible deal. The warrantyshack price doesn't seem to be all that bad for ~10 servicings, including 3 majors... until I read the warranty book and discovered that this car doesn't appear to require 'major' servicings.

According to the manual, it's really just oil changes, tire rotations, and cabin filter maintenance until 120k when I'll need new spark plugs. I have a trusted independent mechanic (not necessarily a hybrid specialist) who I've known for 20 years, that is perfectly capable of doing everything listed above.

Is anybody out there taking their Prius (any generation) exclusively to independents? Do you really miss anything by not going to the dealer regularly? I've seen a lot of scathing reviews of Toyota service depts. in my area, so it is a good question on where my car will truly get the best attention.

[yadax3]

We were weighing the same issues just this morning and decided to forego the pre-paid maintenance plan, mostly because we can have the oil changes done by our usual oil change place for $64 and do the tire rotations, brake inspections, and filter cleaning/changing ourselves. I don't see any evidence that suggests we should trust a dealership to do a better job and taking our car to a dealership is much less convenient for us. Also, the premium prepaid plan falls just short of covering any kind of major maintenance, which first occurs at 60K miles.

[charansr]

I decided to get mine (Pre paid service) just for added peace of mind.. again just me.. the fact that they use some sort of synthetic oil in the new 2010's and also the fact that since all my services will now be done at Toyota just warrants my case stronger in case of any warranty repairs...

Ohh i also got mine 4 Yr 55K for only 875.. the service writer also told me that he would extend the 4 yr to 5 yr for no extra fee...there was no way i would pass on this deal

[yadax3]

Originally Posted by charansr

Ohh i also got mine 4 Yr 55K for only 875.. the service writer also told me that he would extend the 4 yr to 5 yr for no extra fee...there was no way i would pass on this deal

Holy moly! I'd definately pay $875 if 5 years = 65K+ miles. Heck, I might even do it for 55K miles. Where did you get that deal?

[venom700]

Originally Posted by yadax3

Holy moly! I'd definately pay $875 if 5 years = 65K+ miles. Heck, I might even do it for 55K miles. Where did you get that deal?

I bet his is some dealer specific plan, not Toyota's and might not be as good or as inclusive.

[creativeguy]

The Toyota plan *is* a 5 year plan in actuality because you have 1 year from the expiration of the 4/55k plan to use up your coupons. $875 is a good price but your salesman isn't giving you a special deal as he claims.

[charansr]

Originally Posted by venom700

I bet his is some dealer specific plan, not Toyota's and might not be as good or as inclusive.

Mine is the one Toyota financial services offers honored by ANY Toyota service center across the US.. i got mine from ...

Keith Zwickl
Internet Sales Manger
(800) 530-5789
(620)560-6565
Midwest Superstore
Hutchinson Ks
keithzwickl@salespoint.dealerconnection.com
www.midwestsuperstore.com


PS : I even called Toyota Financial services just to make sure it was the same as what they offered..

[charansr]

Originally Posted by creativeguy

The Toyota plan *is* a 5 year plan in actuality because you have 1 year from the expiration of the 4/55k plan to use up your coupons. $875 is a good price but your salesman isn't giving you a special deal as he claims.

LOL good to know.....either way i am happy

[creativeguy]

Originally Posted by charansr

I decided to get mine (Pre paid service) just for added peace of mind.. again just me.. the fact that they use some sort of synthetic oil in the new 2010's and also the fact that since all my services will now be done at Toyota just warrants my case stronger in case of any warranty repairs...

Ohh i also got mine 4 Yr 55K for only 875.. the service writer also told me that he would extend the 4 yr to 5 yr for no extra fee...there was no way i would pass on this deal

Are you sure that you purchased the correct plan for a 2010 prius. The 875 amount you listed is suspiciously the same as the cost of the 2009 prius plan. There are many threads that mention the 2010 prices going up $200 due to the synthetic oil.

[charansr]

Originally Posted by creativeguy

Are you sure that you purchased the correct plan for a 2010 prius. The 875 amount you listed is suspiciously the same as the cost of the 2009 prius plan. There are many threads that mention the 2010 prices going up $200 due to the synthetic oil.

I sure believe so, I even double checked with the salesman (Keith) and Toyota financial services regarding the synthetic oil changes. I also confirmed that the service intervals are indeed @ 5K miles and NOT at 10K as some threads suggest.. I am however yet to receive the paper work (Coupon booklet) and have only received the approved invoice for the purchase. I am hoping to receive the paper work anytime now and can confirm as soon as i have it on hand!