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Newbie: sacramento area (central valley)

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by D_n_D, Aug 8, 2016.

  1. D_n_D

    D_n_D Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2016
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    Location:
    Auburn, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Well after years of being skeptic of a prius. Picked up a used 1 up in auburn, ca.

    13 prius v 3 for 15k after everything.
    Decent shape 73k miles.

    Currently looking for the best places to go for oil change and drain & fill.

    Possibly a place I could do it myself.

    Any tips from anyone would be appreciated. I've combed thru the forum for a couple years or so.

    Garage47 quoted me 4.5qts of oil when I keep reading 3.9qt. Also they use peak oil which in my experience is about the lowest grade you can get. And won't let you bring in your own Oil.


    Wife works in rocklin and currently live in carmichael. But moving to auburn soon.

    Well enough for now Hopefully my first post gets some good local tips.
    Prefer from roseville to auburn area.

    Ps please don't say norcal I don't consider this norcal lol.
    I use to live in norcal and socal but first time living in central valley/north central cali lol.

    If I posted in the wrong place I apologize as we don't have a computer just cellphone.

    Also anyone local with techstream? And what's best mods to make?

    Also best tinting?

    Already removed the hubs and put knockoff toyota center caps from amazon for $9.
    Debating what tint to get all around and keep it as legal as possible.

    Looking into remote start also. Partial waste but will help cool/warm the car for getting in with our daughter that turns 1yr in less then a month.

    Also trying to remove water spots on the glass after going to crap quack in carmichael. Tried pure vinegar with no effect and a few other things.

    Starting to use optimum rinsless with wax and I like it.
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2012
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    Location:
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    For water spots on glass, get a glass polish with a mild abrasive.

    Congrats on the new to you v. :)
     
  3. D_n_D

    D_n_D Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2016
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    Location:
    Auburn, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Any suggestions on what works the best?
    I have read so many mixed reviews of what works and don't. Ie most say vinegar does the best and didn't work lol

    Thanks again.
     
  4. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Walmart, target, etc probably sells glass cleaner/polish. Look for a cream or paste, not a liquid like 409 lol. The cream or paste needs to have mild abrasive compounds like aluminum silicate. Takes a bit of elbow grease, but you'll be able to buff out the water spots.
     
  5. D_n_D

    D_n_D Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Auburn, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Lol @409.

    Found a site that does say 4.4qts for 2010 up. But on pc I keep reading 3.9 or 4qt.

    But I won't use peak oil. Prefer Castrol or m1.

    Ps thanks for the replies.
     
  6. DLW1953

    DLW1953 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2016
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    Location:
    Folsom, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I have used Bruce's GSR for water spots. Through Racy Enterprises in Fair Oaks, CA.
    But at Walmart there's Invisible Glass Water spot remover. A bit more mild than Bruce's but it works and windows look great.
    I use Brake Masters to do the oil changes and tire rotations; plus they keep an eye on my brake wear too.

    Oh, vinegar works great in cleaning coffee pots and shower heads but don't waste your time with a car window.
    Mainly car spots are baked on with the sun and it needs the added elbow grease along with the abrasive materials.
    And you'll need someone the size of a baby to crawl underneath a Prius to do an oil change. They sit too low.
     
    Scribe and D_n_D like this.
  7. D_n_D

    D_n_D Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2016
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    Location:
    Auburn, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    I will give brake masters a call and see if the would do cvt drain and fill also.
    Be nice to have a local sub forum lol
    Not sure if your water is as bad as carmichael but hopefully something works without a detail lol

    That bit of vinegar info would have helped me save a hr of time scrubbing lol. I almost got out the 0000 steel wool and remembered it didn't work on my previous car like it did on my old civic.

    And ya my baby girl is too small to do a oil change and my wife hates going under the car lol. But hopefully a shop in roseville gets back to me as they rent out a bay with a lift. Just need to get more details.
     
  8. DLW1953

    DLW1953 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2016
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    Location:
    Folsom, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Walmart or any auto parts store has these water spot removers and they really work.
    I've had water spots from Citrus Heights, Marysville, Fresno and now Folsom and they are all severe but I've tried so many things with minimum results until I found Bruce's.
    Yes, I asked the wife too but they have these large bumps that prevent them from being much use with car repair, mainly they just drive and use up all my gas. Auburn; way to go!
     
  9. D_n_D

    D_n_D Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Auburn, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Lol too early for me took a few reads to get it lol. Wife don't have that issue haha. Very petite and don't use the gas since she don't drive yet.

    We can't wait to move to auburn just waiting on a official date to move in. (Brand spanking new apt)

    Will have to check out that stuff as you would be dealing with the same water issue. Which makes a huge difference.

    Ok found ace carries bruces for 6.49 I believe it was. I believe 10oz plastic tub.

    Will try and stop there after dropping wife off at work. And get a tub. Thanks for that referral of bruces never heard of it.

    Hopefully it works good for me and not too much muscle work needed lol. So miss having a buffer.

    Ok picked up the bruces glass spot remover. Tried it on the slider and man it got rid of what I couldn't with glass cleaners. Can't wait to try on the car.

    Also dug a little deeper on the bay rental prices aren't that bad.

    autoservicerosevilleca.com/pricing

    Also brakemas terse will charge 20 for oil change either bring in my own or there cheap stuff. 50 for there synthetic valvoline. Better then 60 for peak.

    Now to dig a bit further on what all tools I would need for oil change and t-ws change. Then some pics to make sure.

    Also brakemasters is not sure about doing the drain and fill. Due to toyota recommendation.

    Just need to find the right shops and places to buy stuff.
     
  10. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Have you called Roseville Toyota and some of the other local Toyota dealers to see if they will let you bring your own oil? I live in Fairfield and 3 of the local dealers will let you bring your own oil. Not that this helps you but Vallejo Toyota quoted about $29 for an oil change and filter if I bring the oil. Momentum Toyota of Fairfield quoted $33 and I forget what Vacaville Toyota said. For your reference and comparison :). I use Mobil One.
     
  11. Lit Lit

    Lit Lit Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2016
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    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Welcome! I'm also in the Sac area.. When I first picked up my Prius, fist thing I did was took off the wheel covers. Then tinted the window 40% in the front and 5% in the back. I hated those long antennas so I got a 3inch antenna from Ebay to give it a more sporty look. Then I bought some weather tech window deflectors (which I'm selling) lol also converted all lights to LED then 55 watt HID 6000k

    This is what my car looks like now after a year of modding. It's been fun! Lol

    IMG_7076.JPG


    iPhone ?

    IMG_7140.JPG

    I forgot just installed these Valenti tail lights last week.


    iPhone ?
     
  12. D_n_D

    D_n_D Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2016
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    Location:
    Auburn, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Sweet ride. Color combo looks nice.
    We are trying to figure out where and what tint to get now. Wife wants it done bad.

    If you don't mind me asking why ya getting rid of the weathertech guards?

    We are thinking about them to keep the windows open a bit.

    Especially since no moonroo and solar lol. That's the original I wanted.

    Thinking about brakemasters or walmart for oil change with my own Oil etc.

    We also hate the antenna look if the shark fin was cheaper we would do it.

    Unsure about fogs and hid.

    Would love to drop it but having a baby and bad back don't help lol. Love driving lowered cars though haha.

    I won't step foot on roseville toyota lot. Too many annoying Sales kids and way over priced. They were asking 20k for a 11 prius 3 with solar package and over 80k miles. Personally never seen good deals with them.

    But ya I called around and even called 2 to 3x talking to different people. Quotes get higher and higher. Elk Grove toyota had the best prices currently for dealers.
    Even cheaper then garage47.

    I personally wouldn't goto them after prices I've heard people pay and finding out they use peak oil. Walmart even uses better Oil lol.

    Ok having issues posting on pc. Tried multiple threads even mine. Hopefully it's not duplicated or triplicate. Sucks only having a cell.

    So will post it this way lol

    I have to definately say thank you.
    Bruces works great.
    Takes a little muscles or else just do it a couple times.

    Only thing I hate is getting it out from under the rubber etc.

    Oil change is due tomorrow so either brakemasters or walmart sofar lol

    Update walmart charges about 10 bucks if you supply you own oil/filter.
    Roseville location guys/gals are cool.
    Although the guy couldn't get mine done.
    Atleast they do filter first and pan 2nd.

    Most likely due to using wrong style wrench. 3 pring claw feet and ratchet.

    Will probably pick my own up and have them use it.

    Oil finally changed at brake masters roseville next to lowes.
    I believe it was the manager I spoke to.
    Asked about transmission/transaxle drain refill on a 2013 prius v. He asked manual or automatic. I'm like neither its cvt/ecvt.
    He asked again manual or automatic I'm like automatic cvt prius doesn't come with a manual.

    He said 139 to flush it. I'm like you can't flush it you can only drain and fill.
    He said we flush many prius vehicles. Then I stepped away waited for oil change to finish. He hid after making some calls looking for cvt fluid. I told him it's toyota ws lol

    I believe he hid seeing I knew more then him after I made him look stupid in front of customers. After he went to the back couple customers we're amazed and also saying they won't be returning to that location. 1 said if I knew it would take 3hrs to change front discs I would have done it myself. They told them 1hr.

    Update to brakemasters review to corporate. The guy I spoke to from Arizona was not to happy that the manager didn't know a thing about the prius and how my experience was.

    Had a good chat and pointed him to PC for all his prius info (as he has a prius)

    He is also sending me a voucher to goto any BM location for a free oil change I believe even to cover my m1 as that's all I use.

    It never hurts to contact corporate. I honestly was not even expecting a thing in return. I just wanted them to know about the location.

    2013 Prius v not V for the Prius v wagon 3

    Well a couple days ago a brute trash can flew into my lane. I couldn't change lanes and couldn't slow down fast enough to dodge it.

    Ended up with slight road rash possible to rub out. Yet it cracked the bumper cover.

    So now to keep a eye out on a good bumper cover to hopefully match my paint. (787 clear stream metalic)

    So now to study what's involved to swap them and how long it will take.

    PS moving to auburn later this week.

    Posted via the Galaxy S5?.
     
  13. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
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    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Check out some of the auto recyclers in Rancho Cordova. They have many Prius parts from wrecks all over the place.

    They might even have a bumper cover in your color;).
     
    D_n_D likes this.
  14. Scribe

    Scribe Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2014
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    Location:
    DeLand FL
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Wow, traded for an off lease 13 v not V for the Prius v wagon 3 for a shade under 16k with 30k miles, CA must be really crazy. Buy a set of Ramps from Harbor Freight and an oil wrench that fits a Lexus oil filter. Find a level spot carfully drive up on the ramps, gently pull the pins out of the plastic rivits and fold the pan down and out of the way. (I took 2'x3' sheets of 7/16 OSB and attached 2x4's to capture the fronts of the ramps so they don't creep and scrape the driveway) I bought a case of filters (12) from son in law that ran a parts store for $35 for the gen3 which fit the v not V for the Prius v wagon, 0w20 synthetic is good for 10 to 15,000 miles, this ain't rocket science folks.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  15. D_n_D

    D_n_D Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2016
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    Location:
    Auburn, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Ya each city is different. California is way over priced.

    I would love to do my own oil changes again but living in a apartment they don't allow it.

    I could have got it cheaper if I wanted to drive 500 miles. We are already at 80k miles. As we drive more now since we save money. Car actually costs us about 50 a month more then our previous car.

    Gas savings pays 100 of our payment. So leaves us with 50. Now when gas prices go up it will be different.

    Galaxy?
     
  16. D_n_D

    D_n_D Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2016
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    Location:
    Auburn, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Been a while since posting or logging in here.
    Just quit smoking again. Back to vaping lol.

    Auburn toyota told be 350 to change the ecvt fluid. I'm like that's the most any dealer told me for a drain and fill. Then he comes up oh that's for a full change of fluid. I'm like it only takes a drain and fill.
    Then he quoted me 200. I'm like for 100 I will do it. But won't pay any more then that. Even with a costco discount.
    I'm already around 90k miles lol.

    Auburn toyota said 15 for oil change if I bring my own. Which I plan. Got a 25 coupon for mobile. Sadly only advance auto parts aka car quest.

    Using a K&N oil filter since they are cheaper and look better then a few others I looked at.

    Also thinking of the K&N cabin filter.
    Still need a tint.
    Would like scratches fixed via airbrush and a new front bumper but hey its a car lol.
     
    bisco likes this.
  17. D_n_D

    D_n_D Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2016
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    Location:
    Auburn, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Got the job done. Doesn't seem like they used my oil. And they didn't return my jug with the extra quart.

    Usually when using mobil1 I get 4mpg+ for the first 2 tanks. It was worse and back to when I bought the car.

    I so need yo make some friends locally where I can do the work at there place or something.

    Left negative review with toyota manager called me at 7:52am left voice mail. I'm not bothering calling them back it was such a ripoff and joke.

    The shuttle or shuttle driver stunk like super dirty laundry and b.o. I would be scared to get back in it.

    I have not found a good dealer around here. And the shops I'm unsure who to trust. Service people really need to learn before they speak and quote.

    Still need to find a fix for the front seats the lumbar and headrest kills. And the console cup holder rattle err.
     
  18. Synthetic

    Synthetic Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    El Paso
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    The best water spot remover available is Driven Premium Acid Gel. Got ours from Amazon. Previously tried all the home remedies and wasted hours with almost zero results. This stuff works. You do need to expend some effort but the results are worth it. It also works on shower doors and I'm now doing an annual touch-up on those.
     
  19. Synthetic

    Synthetic Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    El Paso
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Also will mention that the Toyota dealers often have specials - on my last visit, two weeks ago they had a full synthetic 0W-20 oil change special for $44.95... and that included the tire rotation, and 125K mile inspections.
     
  20. D_n_D

    D_n_D Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Auburn, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Not bad but I don't trust our dealers. Rather go someplace cheaper lol

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.