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Prepaid maintenance or independent mechanic?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by creativeguy, Oct 25, 2009.

  1. creativeguy

    creativeguy Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I'm trying to decide if I should buy the official Toyota prepaid maintenance package for my new V with ATP. The dealer price I was quoted (over $1500) seems to be a horrible deal. The warrantyshack price doesn't seem to be all that bad for ~10 servicings, including 3 majors... until I read the warranty book and discovered that this car doesn't appear to require 'major' servicings.

    According to the manual, it's really just oil changes, tire rotations, and cabin filter maintenance until 120k when I'll need new spark plugs. I have a trusted independent mechanic (not necessarily a hybrid specialist) who I've known for 20 years, that is perfectly capable of doing everything listed above.

    Is anybody out there taking their Prius (any generation) exclusively to independents? Do you really miss anything by not going to the dealer regularly? I've seen a lot of scathing reviews of Toyota service depts. in my area, so it is a good question on where my car will truly get the best attention.
     
    #1 creativeguy, Oct 25, 2009
  2. yadax3

    yadax3 Member

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    Location:
    Northern Nevada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    We were weighing the same issues just this morning and decided to forego the pre-paid maintenance plan, mostly because we can have the oil changes done by our usual oil change place for $64 and do the tire rotations, brake inspections, and filter cleaning/changing ourselves. I don't see any evidence that suggests we should trust a dealership to do a better job and taking our car to a dealership is much less convenient for us. Also, the premium prepaid plan falls just short of covering any kind of major maintenance, which first occurs at 60K miles.
     
    #2 yadax3, Oct 25, 2009
  3. charansr

    charansr Member

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    Location:
    Concord CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I decided to get mine (Pre paid service) just for added peace of mind.. again just me.. the fact that they use some sort of synthetic oil in the new 2010's and also the fact that since all my services will now be done at Toyota just warrants my case stronger in case of any warranty repairs...

    Ohh i also got mine 4 Yr 55K for only 875.. the service writer also told me that he would extend the 4 yr to 5 yr for no extra fee...there was no way i would pass on this deal :)
     
    #3 charansr, Oct 25, 2009
  4. yadax3

    yadax3 Member

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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Holy moly! I'd definately pay $875 if 5 years = 65K+ miles. Heck, I might even do it for 55K miles. Where did you get that deal?
     
    #4 yadax3, Oct 25, 2009
  5. venom700

    venom700 Just call me Brian...

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    IV
    I bet his is some dealer specific plan, not Toyota's and might not be as good or as inclusive.
     
    #5 venom700, Oct 25, 2009
  6. creativeguy

    creativeguy Member

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    Vehicle:
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    The Toyota plan *is* a 5 year plan in actuality because you have 1 year from the expiration of the 4/55k plan to use up your coupons. $875 is a good price but your salesman isn't giving you a special deal as he claims.
     
    #6 creativeguy, Oct 25, 2009
  7. charansr

    charansr Member

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    Location:
    Concord CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Mine is the one Toyota financial services offers honored by ANY Toyota service center across the US.. i got mine from ...

    Keith Zwickl
    Internet Sales Manger
    (800) 530-5789
    (620)560-6565
    Midwest Superstore
    Hutchinson Ks
    [email protected]
    www.midwestsuperstore.com


    PS : I even called Toyota Financial services just to make sure it was the same as what they offered..
     
    #7 charansr, Oct 25, 2009
  8. charansr

    charansr Member

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    Vehicle:
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    IV
    LOL good to know.....either way i am happy :)
     
    #8 charansr, Oct 25, 2009
  9. creativeguy

    creativeguy Member

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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Are you sure that you purchased the correct plan for a 2010 prius. The 875 amount you listed is suspiciously the same as the cost of the 2009 prius plan. There are many threads that mention the 2010 prices going up $200 due to the synthetic oil.
     
    #9 creativeguy, Oct 25, 2009
  10. charansr

    charansr Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV

    I sure believe so, I even double checked with the salesman (Keith) and Toyota financial services regarding the synthetic oil changes. I also confirmed that the service intervals are indeed @ 5K miles and NOT at 10K as some threads suggest.. I am however yet to receive the paper work (Coupon booklet) and have only received the approved invoice for the purchase. I am hoping to receive the paper work anytime now and can confirm as soon as i have it on hand!
     
    #10 charansr, Oct 25, 2009
  11. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Southwest Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    I use an independent.
    He is cheap, loves the Prius, is conscientious, and comes to my home to service the car.

    I have known him to replace a cabin filter when a simple vacuuming would have been enough, but I really have no complaints. Actually come to think of it, his only fee has been a bentley manual, cost of supplies he buys in bulk over the internet, and cost of ink and paper to print out how-to's from this forum.
     
    #11 SageBrush, Oct 25, 2009
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