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Expensive Oil Change & Tire Rotation?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PriusPeep, Oct 25, 2020.

  1. PriusPeep

    PriusPeep Member

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    I did an oil change and tire rotation for my 2017 Prius Three at Crestmont Toyota in Pompton Plains, N.J. They recommend the oil change every 5K miles.

    The cost was $111.25. That seemed very expensive to me.

    Moreover, there's an odor when I turn on my fan, but not the air conditioner. They offered AC service for about $120. I declined.

    I know everything is more expensive in northeast NJ, and perhaps I am behind the times.

    Please let me know.

    Thank you.
     
  2. PriusPeep

    PriusPeep Member

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    I meant to add a question mark at the end of my headline. If possible, please add it. Thank you.
     
  3. Dmitriy Sokol

    Dmitriy Sokol Active Member

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    Have you changed your cabin air filter? $25 on Amazon and 5 minutes of your time. Also, 5k oil changes are not necessary, but it depends on your driving style and intervals between oil changes. I do my own after catching the dealer really screwing up basic maintenance. Since they seem to be offering stuff you don’t need and overcharging you, I’d look elsewhere or learn how to change fluids/filters on your own. It’s easy, you’ll do a much better job and save a ton of money


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  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    For a few hours you should be able to edit title; look for a button around peripheral of first post. If not, report it and request revision.

    $111 is a little steep, but not by much. One thing, a lot of dealerships charge less, just to draw you in, then REALLY hard sell you on extras. Sounds like they did some of that too.

    FWIW, 10k miles or 12 months is Toyota USA's spec for oil change. Still, I'm a fan of 5k or 6 mo (3rd gen CDN Toyota spec).
     
  5. PriusPeep

    PriusPeep Member

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    I did try to remedy the odor myself. I watched all the YouTube videos showing the Lysol spray into the air intake. I did that. Then I replaced the cabin filter. It helped but it’s still there when I turn in the fan.

    I do some basics myself such replacing the cabin filter, air filter and hybrid battery filter.

    Incidentally, how often do you guys replace your cabin filter? I guess there’s no set interval. You give it a visual inspection.
     
  6. Dmitriy Sokol

    Dmitriy Sokol Active Member

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    I replace my cabin filter every 15k miles or so. Unless you are driving down dusty backroads, you don’t have to do this often.


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  7. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    I replace mine every year. The expensive filters from Toyota are identical to the $6 Amazon cheapies. I've tried em' all, never had a problem with any of them. A tiny leaf or two sometimes gets in, but the filter never ever gets anywhere close to dirty or clogged.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  8. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Why? Are you driving in severe conditions? If not Toyota says every 10K mikes is sufficient. That does not give as much profit to the dealership though. Service is where they really make their money.
     
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  9. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    What is the recommendation in the Owner's Manual?
     
  10. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Yeah, full synthetic oil and lube $69.99. Tire rotation $39.99. I can see it cost that much. That's why after the free Toyota Care period, I do my own oil change and tire rotation. But if you look for Toyota cupon, you may be able to get an oil change (full synthetic) and tire rotation for around $69.95.

    Edit: The coupon on the link only works at participating Toyota Dealers in AL, FL, GA, SC & NC. So, it would not have worked for OP.
     
    #10 Salamander_King, Oct 25, 2020
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2020
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    same price around here, but i have to pay extra for the odor.

    try some baking soda in the pleats of the filter. if it works, replace it with charcoal
     
  12. pjksr02

    pjksr02 Active Member

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    If you truly received synthetic oil, and they actually rotated the tires, that price isn't totally outrageous, considering the labor. If you have a place, and the time and tools, to do it yourself, you can save $, and you know what is actually done (is that too cynical?).
     
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  13. Dmitriy Sokol

    Dmitriy Sokol Active Member

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    That’s the key to the whole “value” equation. IF, they use decent oil and do a good job. My dealer overfilled the oil twice(enough to have caused serious damage, had I not caught it) and didn’t bother changing the filter on at least one occasion. I gave them a pass once, but the second time was it for me. Their GM called me, apologized and offered free service, but I had a feeling that “free” is going to cost me, so I am never going to that dealer again. So, yeah, $69 is a great deal, IF they do what they suppose to.


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  14. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I keep getting coupons like this:
    IMG_2626.jpg

    Sometimes it's only $10 for synthetic. But I still change my own.
     
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  15. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    Is this car new to you? 5K oil changes are a waste of $$$, as long as you use the recommended 0W-20 grade oil. Toyota only recommends 5K oil changes if you do not fill with 0W-20 or if you drive under severe conditions. This dealer is probably trying to cash-in on the fact that the in-car maintenance reminder is "hard-wired" to remind you every 5K miles since last reset. It would be up to you to keep track of the oil change interval, if you decide to go with 10K intervals. On the odd 5K intervals, you only need to rotate tires and do some inspections.
     
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  16. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Done
     
  17. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Double that man’s pay!
     
  18. Dmitriy Sokol

    Dmitriy Sokol Active Member

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    Good for you and I do the same thing. They just want you to come in, in order to upsell you every service you don’t need. Because of tactics like that, I don’t trust the dealers anymore.


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  19. pjksr02

    pjksr02 Active Member

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    And I thought I was the only one to refuse the Toyota "Care" services.
     
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  20. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I'm sure we could 10x it and still not make much of a difference:whistle:.

    But glad he's still at it after all the turmoil we cause from time to time(y).