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Oil Change - Toyota Dealership Suggested?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Boe, Jul 25, 2012.

  1. Boe

    Boe New Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2012
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    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hi folks,

    Please excuse my ignorance. I did some poking around but didn't find anything too conclusive. I need to take my prius in for it's first (since I've owned it) oil change. From what I've read, it's a little more involved than your average car. I live in a pretty rural area, and I'm wondering if you guys would recommend me traveling an hour to the closest Toyota service department as opposed to taking it to Joe's generic quicky lube here in town. I don't really have the resources to change it myself.

    Any advice would be much appreciated.

    -Boe
     
  2. ksstathead

    ksstathead Active Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2007
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    Location:
    Kansas
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I would buy the oil I wanted (Mobile1 0W-20 at Walmart for me) and the OEM filter (over the web in your case), and take them to a quick lube place where you can watch through a window or from just outside the change bay. If I were planning a trip near a toyota dealer, I'd likely use the dealer, and specify the Toyota 0W-20 oil.

    I do my own, and will continue to do so. The only things unusual in changing prius oil are: 1) the filter is a cartridge that drops into a plastic housing, 2) with the filter cartridge comes a new o-ring to go on the plastic housing thread area for a good seal, 3) you have to remove and reinstall 4 plastic push pins to allow the plastic undercover access panel to open for access to the drain plug and filter, 4) you really want 0W20 instead of the usual 5W30 dino oil, and 5) the undercover access panel tends to break off due to over flexing (it is a poor design).

    It is well within the ability of the oil change places, though they will likely destroy your undercover access panel with time. Make sure the access panel is not hanging down after each change, whether by quick lube or by dealer.
     
  3. Jon Hagen

    Jon Hagen Active Member

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    Location:
    North Dakota
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
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    We have about the same situation, I live in a very rural area, 100 miles from the nearest Toyota dealer.
    My thoughts, My 2010 Prius only need the oil changed at 10,000 miles (still looks almost new at those miles)
    Once per year I make an appointment with my dealer to change the 0-20 synthetic oil, check and fill all the coolant and other Toyota only fluids, rotate tires and generally check everything that may need attention.
    Has been costing me around $50-$60 per year(actually about 14 months with my 9000 per year)

    In my opinion, it is good service by people who have all the correct stuff on hand and know how to do it.
    I feel it is reasonable priced peace of mind.
     
    schorert likes this.
  4. Boe

    Boe New Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2012
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    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I appreciate the advice, folks. I think I'll just schedule a trip to the Toyota dealership sometime next week.

    Thanks