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Independent Prius Mechanic in Brooklyn New York ???

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by PRIUS STAR SHIP, Mar 27, 2015.

  1. PRIUS STAR SHIP

    PRIUS STAR SHIP Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2013
    34
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Needing an independent Prius mechanic expert / specialist that is around Brooklyn, New York ???
    So if by any chance, someone from the forum happens to know of a reliable, trustworthy, mechanic. that won't mess-up my Prius Star Ship, it would be greatly appreciated ???

    So far I've found one place, which is PriusKings, but they mainly specialize in hybrid batteries.

    Having issues with the steering wheel pulling left (no vibration), when driving slow, vehicle is bouncy, then at highway speeds the vehicle vibrates. I'm suspecting this issue could have been caused or initiated 1.5 years ago when I had a run in with a massive pothole (aka crater) that caused a blowout of both of the left tires (not a good night). I'm hoping its just a simple issue of the rims being bent (so that they can be replaced) and that the car would just need an alignment to solve the pulling left issue. Not sure if I'll be needing an inspection of the inner/outer tie rods, steering wheel rack, control arm, struts, etc.

    The Prius Star Ship is also in need of all its fluids being changed:
    - Coolants for both reservoirs
    - Brake fluid
    - Transaxle fluid
    - Oil change

    A friend recently had a horrible experience having a basic fluid change for his transmission at @AMC00, on a 2010 BMW. Now his out so far $9000 in expenses, and is taking @AMC00 to court.

    I would like to avoid such a disaster.
     
  2. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2005
    3,686
    699
    2
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Vehicle:
    Other Electric Vehicle
    I do not usually do this but.......:unsure:
    My fair recommendation would be recurring to a Toyota Authorized service center for an estimate.
    Front end alignment may need the use of of an specialized Toyota service tool.
     
  3. Salvage09

    Salvage09 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2012
    38
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    Location:
    Pasadena CA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I emailed them and got a rude, unprofessional answer back. I would run, not walk, in the other direction.
     
  4. PRIUS STAR SHIP

    PRIUS STAR SHIP Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2013
    34
    17
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    UPDATE:

    Went to the StealerShip for a recall software update, and explain the whole crater situation, the vibrations, and the car pulling thing.

    Upon inspection, they claim no parts where bent/damaged (inner/outer tie rods, steering wheel rack, control arm, etc), except for the rims which where damaged.

    Oddly enough I wasn't charged for the inspection (Thank Goodness), but they did want to change the rims at a cost of $2000 and $800 for tires.

    So I had to go aftermarket, got some RTX Sprinter rims for $300 and MileStar Tires for $200, that's $500 (much better).
    Went back to the StealerShip, had the an oil change, rims and tires installed, and an alignment for $250 (too expensive).

    So it cost me $750 to fix this issue, but it could have been worse.
    The car doesn't pull or vibrate anymore, problem solved.