Gen 1 serpentine belt replacement

You know the funny thing is that on the invoice, there's no difference between list and sale price. I suppose it is YMMV after all.

 

The invoice only list retail prices. But on their computer (which most locations have so you cannot see it) you can see both prices.

 

When considering new automobile pricing, we as consumers are used to seeing one nationwide MSRP for a given model, perhaps with regional variations for shipping charges, but in any event the list price is reasonably constant across the US.

With regards to parts pricing, I believe that you will find that if you look at a dealer which sells parts over the web (such as Champion Toyota in Houston) and compare the list parts pricing shown on its website with the "list" price quoted by many California dealer parts counters, you will observe a big difference. So, not only does the retail sale offer no discount from "list", but the "list" price itself is inflated way above the actual list.

 

Could someone help me with which belt to order from the dealer. The VIN does not specify which one according to the dealer. There is a Bando and a Mitsubishi version. The Mitsubishi(99363-31120) is about $15 and the Bando (99363-91120) is about $25. Any thoughts?

 

Welcome Jonathan! I would use the Mitsu if you're buying at the dealer. Just FYI, the Bando is on closeout $3.46 at Rockauto. I've always had good results from Continental & Gates, Changing the belt on a Prius is relatively easy And belts are all pretty much the same--there are no magic rubber formulas.