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Advice on "Prius Service Special" (maintenance at 50k)

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by cassettes, May 6, 2019.

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  1. cassettes

    cassettes New Member

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    2015 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    I have a Prius Plug-in. Before I bought it (used), I took it to a dealer and they told me at 50k it should have had a "Prius Service Special" and it would cost $280. They explained what this entailed but honestly I don't remember. Something about fluid, and having to take a whole thing out, which is different from non-prius cars. I've attached the doc where they listed this.

    Anyway, I didn't do it because I thought I could find a mechanic to do it for cheaper. My dad asked another dealer and they said I just needed to put this canned fuel system cleaner stuff in with an empty tank of gas (pics of this attached). I'm skeptical of this because my dad will often 1. cut corners to be cheap, and 2. lie when questioned about that.

    So my question is, is anyone familiar with this "service special" and can anyone confirm or deny that this fuel stuff is adequate?

    Thanks so much.
     

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    #1 cassettes, May 6, 2019
  2. gallde

    gallde Active Member

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    Plug-in Advanced
    The only thing "special" about the service is the profit it makes for the dealer. I love that they are required to put "Customer request" on it, to dofferentiate from what Toyota officially recommends. And the cabin air filter replacement is about $10 in parts and 5 minutes easy work behind the glove box.
     
    #2 gallde, May 6, 2019
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  3. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    Sounds like a dealer profit builder. Dealers come up with bizarre stuff and try to sell it to you with a straight face. "You had your blinker fluid changed lately? Usually we do that around 45K so you're a little late, but we can get it all straightened out" There any reason you can't pour that little can into the gas tank just as good as they can? It wouldn't cost you much time, work, or money to change two filters if you like that sort of thing. They're easy to get at.
     
    #3 kenmce, May 6, 2019
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  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats and welcome!
    run! as fast as you can. read your maintenance schedule. the only requirement at 50k is oil and filter, tire rotation and a few inspections.
    at 60k, you also look at/clean/replace the cabin and air filter. there's nothing major until 120k.

    all the best!(y)
     
    #4 bisco, May 6, 2019
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Yup.

    If you're missing the Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, you can download at Toyota Tech Info. Just google and go to that, click on "manuals" tab, fill in your car details and search: there's pdf's of Owner's Manual and the aforementioned booklet. A sneak peek:

    upload_2019-5-6_19-27-22.png

    60K is a bit more interesting:

    upload_2019-5-6_19-29-37.png

    The take-away from that:

    * Oil and filter change
    * Tire rotation
    * Cabin and Engine filters: regardless of the statement to "replace", I would inspect, and replace as needed. And this is something anyone can/should do themselves.
    * A full brake inspection. Yup, not just the visual look-over. Should be around $300~400 through dealership.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, May 6, 2019
  6. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    44k made by BG Products is concentrated Techron:).

    If you dump that into the gas tank, have a second car in the same full tank state as that small can is good for 20 gallons;).

    I buy it off of eBay and use it once a year(y).
     
    #6 Raytheeagle, May 6, 2019
  7. SlidingBike

    SlidingBike Active Member

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    I love the way that you chase the innocent away from the evil :ROFLMAO:
     
    #7 SlidingBike, May 6, 2019
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