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Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by ultragc, Aug 28, 2014.

  1. ultragc

    ultragc Junior Member

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    I have a 2012 Prius currently at 50K. I haven't done maintenance for about a year... figure its time to do one. The dealer quoted me $119 and Pep Boys $69 for the service. So my question is, should I bring it back to the dealer?
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    At 50k, you only need an oil change and inspections. If can opt to do the transaxle fluid change, but I wouldn't trust Pepboys for that job.
     
  3. ultragc

    ultragc Junior Member

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    Thanks JC. So do you know if transaxle fluid is part of Toyota's maintenance service?
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    No that service is not. For $119 you get an oil change, possible tire rotation, and inspections.
     
  5. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Without a list of services offered by both shops, I have no clue.

    Here is a list of what you should get: (45,000 service, as I assume you skipped it, with the oil and filter change from 50,000)

    45,000 miles or 54 months
    Check installation of driver’s floor mat
    Clean cabin air filter (except solar power ventilation system)
    Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
    Rotate tires
    Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
    Replace engine oil and oil filter.
    Inspect the following:
    __ Ball joints and dust covers
    __ Brake lines and hoses
    __ Drive shaft boots
    __ Engine/Inverter coolant
    __ Exhaust pipes and mountings
    __ Radiator, condenser and/or intercooler
    __ Steering gear box
    __ Steering linkage and boots
    Note:
    Driving in heavy traffic, on dirt roads or in urban, dusty or desert areas may
    shorten the life of the cabin air filter. Replacement may be needed if you notice
    reduced air flow from the air conditioner and heater or if the windows fog easily
    when you use the Fresh mode. Consult your dealer if any of these conditions occur.

    http://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/omms/T-MMS-12Prius/pdf/2012_Toyota_Prius_WMG.pdf (page45 of the PDF)

    If it had never been done, I would also drain and refill the Transaxle with WS-ATF.
     
  6. ultragc

    ultragc Junior Member

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    Thanks. I have been taking my car to the dealer for regular warranty (which ended late last year) service. So this is my first time after the expiration.
     
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    isn't that free service for 2 years or 25k miles? You are currently at 50k
     
  8. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    If the question is Dealership or "Pep Boys"?

    That can be a tricky question.

    I think the only reason you choose "Pep Boys" is in an effort to save money.

    However, I have read numerous threads where in an effort to be economical and save a few buck....usually 40 dollars or less...a trip to Wal-Mart automotive or a "Pep Boys" situation de-evolves into a huge problem and eventually a lot more money and trouble than it's worth.

    Of course, in an automotive forum you are only going to hear the horror stories, and not perhaps the countless times these places simply do the job correctly.

    Then there is the reality that "Dealership" service is not a sterling bullet of guaranteed perfection. Also threads of troubles with dealership service.

    If it's me however? If I can afford it, I'm going with the dealership service department. If only because I'm hoping a Toyota service department SHOULD be more familiar with Prius and Toyota.

    Slightly different animal. And do I really want to trust the 20 year old service tech at a generic chain automotive service department to REALLY know whether or how to turn off the Prius before doing the oil change?

    It's a gamble either way. You can have problems with either. But especially while I'm under warranty, and for me, even continuing, at least with the dealership, you have the leverage if problems should arise, that the work was done by a Toyota entity.

    I think there are some very, very good specialty Hybrid shops, that specialize in Hybrid service. However, generic chain automotive service departments are NOT them.

    I'd suck it up, pay the minimal amount more, and establish a relationship with a dealership that hopefully I liked and can grow to trust with service for my vehicle.

    Best of outcomes...and good luck.
     
  9. ultragc

    ultragc Junior Member

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    Correct.
     
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    last time you did an oil change was before 25k miles ago?
     
  11. ultragc

    ultragc Junior Member

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    Good analysis. Thanks
     
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Why not crack open that book with the schedule? Note, it's mileage or time, either can govern. Only you can figure out what's been missed/neglected in past too. I'd suggest you use the dealership, but go in knowing for yourself what's required.
     
  13. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It's either mileage or time.....whichever comes first.

    I would be interested in knowing the currently oil level on the car, maybe OP can check his dipstick real quick to see what level the oil is at?
     
  14. ultragc

    ultragc Junior Member

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    The last factory maintenance was done late last year... ~40K. I assume they changed the oil? Anyway, I just checked the engine oil level. It is about an inch from the tip.

    Like many of you have suggested. I think I am going to have the dealer take care of it.

    Thanks for all your feedback. Love this forum!
     
  15. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    The last of the free services, intended for 25k miles, does not include an oil change.

    The free series of five service visits includes only two oil changes, at visits #2 and #4, nominally at 10k and 20k miles.
     
  16. ultragc

    ultragc Junior Member

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    Thanks. So I am way overdue.
     
  17. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    1 inch from the tip is about half way on the oil level marks. Your car is already burning oil
     
  18. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    50k miles, I would do the following.

    - Oil change
    - Engine air filter
    - Cabin air filter
    - Transmission fluid

    If the dealer can do all of that for cheap, then I would, but since most of this you can do it yourself, I would do it myself, unless you're crunch of time.