Do I have to buy coolant from Toyota Dealer

You do not HAVE to buy it at a dealer.

www.amazon.com/Toyota-Scion-Coolant-Antifreeze-Genuine-00272SLLC2/dp/B018Y2WQRK

 

I just can't see the advantage, buying from a third-party retailer, having a gallon or two flown cross-country, when the product is sitting a mile or two away.

 

And that Amazon price is not really a bargain.
Toyota list price for two gallons is $46.86.
The Amazon link shows two gallons for $51.64.
If you can't get to a dealer, I guess it would make sense.

 

And even if the dealership price was the same, or even slightly more, I'd prefer to support local dealerships. Why not, if they're conveniently nearby?

 

I'm partial to Pentosin coolant. Guess it's because I had a VW that needed it. Pentofrost A4 is made specifically for Toyota/Lexus/Scion applications.

• It's pink
• Available in a lot of auto parts stores
• Name brand product from a German company
• They make every other coolant known to automobiles, and a lot of other fluids
• Cost between $18-22/gal
• Not available on Amazon, but easy to find on eBay
• They also make red Toyota coolant concentrate - Pentofrost A1, if anyone wants to go that route. But that's superceded by the pink.

 

I used the Zerex Asian when I changed my coolant.

Valvoline™ ZEREX™ Asian Vehicle Antifreeze / Coolant : Product Catalog - Valvoline®