My 30k service tomorrow -- on my dime.

It'll be interesting to see what other maintenance they say u need since its not under Toyota Care

 

Use that coupon to have your transaxle fluid changed. It's only $90 normally.

 

A 30k check consists in changing both air filters, cabin and ICE!, you can do that yourself for pennies on the dollar, so mark that off. Check fluid levels, you can also do that yourself, it's why they put the fluid in translucent containers with fill limit lines! That leaves a oil change, if you bring your own synthetic oil, filter, and O ring. That's pretty much what I did, and my 3ok cost less than 50 bucks!

 

You can reduce your 30k service cost by asking for a minor service (0w-20 oil change, tire rotation and inspection) and having the engine and cabin filters done a-la-carte. Of course, then you won't have the official 30k on file, but who cares...

 

That's why its a good idea its keep all ur service & PARTS receipts

 

I agree!!! Both filters will take less the 5 minutes that will cost you about $20. If you spend more then $50 on the oil change you will be wasting money. I bet the scumbag dealer wants $300 to $400 for this task.

 

If you don't press the console switch to use the cabin filter, would it really get that dirty at only 30k? I have to pull mine and see. I just had the 20k and dealer said it was getting there. I had an 08 Corolla and swapped the filter at over 100k and it was still in good shape, nothing like the engine filter gets at 30k.

 

I had them both changed at my 15k service.

I like to know I'm breathing clean air

 

+1 Agree

Check out the color of my fluid at 34,600 miles. It's a thick opaque burgundy color.

Read more: http://priuschat.com/threads/atf-fluid-changes-are-required.119530/page-5#ixzz2HKtIeKe5

 

The cabin filter is going to be full of leaves and anything(small) that landed on the top of your car, it's not washable and needs replacement, the ~ice filter should be either changed regularly or if it's a washable and re-oil-able filter(k&n), maintained
The cabin filter imho effects the gas mileage, it's much harder to push or pull air through a dirty filter, and it get's very dusty and collects a lot of debris, err, sorta applies to the ice filter too.

 

You guys sold me. I'll check the filters and not screw around, I like clean air and hadn't considered potential mpg impacts by the cabin filter. It doesn't make sense to want to modify and tinker with cars, yet question and cheap out on such easy maintenance.

 

This comment is 100% BS!!! This guy works for a dealer that wants so sell you a $300.00 fee for something you can do for $10.00 . It has no effect on MPG. There is no way leaves get in there. Total BS.

 

Seeds do. It may also be a good idea to at least inspect to ensure unwanted guests haven't taken up residence.

 

I believe that routine maintenance is the best thing to maintain the car and unless it's bottom end engine work or tranny rebuilds, I'd never pay a dealer for maintenance. I keep receipts and will update maintenance I do on Toyota's website. On my previous Toyota, my updates showed up on the database so it's "on the record".
On another note, the Techs checked my cabin filter while they were rotating tires and draining oil. I figure it'll take a couple cleanings to get the handprints off the interior. Is the cabin filter behind the glove box or is there something else there that would've been checked?

 

No it's not, while I agree leaves will NOT be stuck to your filter, I get bits of leaves and other crap in my filter. I pull it every 5K, shake it out, replace every 15K!

 

This carbon filter? Its purpose is when you press the clear air button that it only filters the air in the cabin of the car?

 

I have found all sorts dirt, leaves, and thankfully no mice pellets, in the filter, if it only cleaned the cabin air, it would stay fairly pure and pristine and clean! However, I draw outside air in most of the time! I have dirty air!!
I am just glad the crap is in the filter, where I can control it, and not on the carpet!

EDIT... Since I have just over 35K on baby, it was time to check the filters. Glad I did, here is a pic ....note the leaves....whole leaves at that. Even I was surprised at the amount. I pulled it out, went "Holy Crap", grabbed the camera, here it is!


This is exactly how I pulled it out when I did. It's filter life was up, so I dated a new one and popped it it! Thanks for the reminder!
Here is a area where leaves get into a Gen II...


and the other side.....



We have had Santa Annas roll through LA on and off for the last month or so, and it's fall, so more leaves, and dirt in the air. Since I draw fresh air into the cabin, it's why I buy a good filter, and as you can see, it works so well!!!