Is the 30,000 mile service necessary?

We all are.

 

Unfortunately I lost my Free Oil Change coupon from the dealer, so I had to reconsider my options for this 30k mile service. I decided that I didn't want a $20 oil change from Jiffy Lube, Firestone, Precision, etc etc. because I thought I needed a total vehicle inspection to satisfy this "major" service. Those quick lube places include a courtesy check with the oil change but don't include a complete vehicle inspection (it's usually another $20). The dealership charges $40 for the Oil Change and a 27-point inspection, which I thought is more comprehensive than a "courtesy" check. So I went to the dealership this one time only.

My question: Was it smart of me to spend $40 for the oil change+27 point inspection at Toyota? Or could I have gotten the same thing at another place (eg. Jiffy Lube) for half as much?

Obviously I like going to the dealer. They do a good job. The only thing I don't like is their price. I just want a better idea of what to do for the next major service at 60,000k. If I don't have to go to the dealer for the same thing, I won't next time. Thanks!

 

mac, I would NEVER take my Prius to a quickie oil change place.

$40 for an oil change and all the inspection points that you wanted done sounds fine. You've also bought some peace of mind, knowing that there were real, trained mechanics available if anything was wrong.

 

I think you've answered your own question. For $40 at the dealer, it's hadly worth sweating the $10 saved when some (most?) of the staff at jiffy lube are learning their trade on your car!

 

yah I think it is something that should be done.

 

I have had over 130 vehicles in my life and do my own services. I was going to a business near the dealer and thought that I would get lazy and have the dealer do the oil change. They asked what oil and I said mineral oil. I got a condescending sharp reply that Toyota does not use anything but synthetic oil. They refused to do the change and told me to go to Jiffy Lube.

I gave him a loud nice person chewing. The car was a 10 Camry SE it came with mineral oil . When the dealer did the complimentary fist change they used mineral oil. I had purchased an 06 Avalon Limited, 06 Tacoma quad cab Sport, 08 Highlander Limited, the 10 Camry, a 10 Tundra quad cab TRD and the 10 Prius from them.

I wrote a letter to management and they never responded. I will never purchase a car at that dealer.

Since then I have purchase and 11 and two 12's. I drove them to the dealership and showed the salesman that I bought all the others from.

He acknowledged the dealer was wrong and should have performed the service that I asked for.

 

Mineral oil?

Is that some weird way of saying conventional (dino) oil?

 

Yes, but not commonly used to describe engine oil, more commonly it means....

 

Yes, as opposed to Olive Oil, which is used in Italian cars and Popeye cartoons.

Tom

 

what is the situation with my car warranty if i do the filter replacements and oil change myself? i have done my own
oil changes with toyota filters up til now...

 

Keep all the receipts as evidence that the work was done and you are covered. Google "Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act".