Miscellaneous questions about upkeep

Verify the price is still applicable with Toyota 0W20. It might very well be, up here I buy liters of it for $5.91. The third and fourth items are mostly nonsense, and they may really be the introduction to upsells. But yeah, $60 for an oil change is reasonable.

Keep in mind tire rotations too, isn't that at every interval as well? If they'll do oil change and rotation for $60, that's good.

If they'll replace the fob battery for under $10, sure go for it. If you just walk into a retail store and buy one or two of the batteries, it'll set you back almost that much anyway. Two-packs are $5~6, retail. Sure you can find them online for less, but it's a hassle, and depending on the source might not last that long. Stick with brand name. It IS a pain opening the fob, it's not a great design, the interior looks fragile.

 

Good.

On some things I am comfortable being gouged by a dealership for peace of mind. For example, AC repair or other major engine component because they come with a warranty. Simpler things like tire replacement and oil changes, I do outside. The problem I've found with the Prius is the 0w20 oil requirement. Every place advertises low prices for an oil change. But you tell them you have a Prius and they gouge you for the oil. At that price I might as well go to the dealer. I've had success with warrantee on a bad AC compressor within a year after replacement at a dealer. No such luck with an ECM replacement that was done outside.

 

who knows. why not use mobil 1 or toyota or something proven that meets toyota spec?

 

No, use 0w20 which only comes in synthetic. The $60 quote you got is likely regular oil. It's probably $20-$30 extra for 0w20.

 

Up here the dealership sells Toyota 0W20 for $5.91 per liter.

 

4.2 liters, 4.4 US quarts.

 

They'll replace it if you ask, and pay.
Actually changing it yourself doesn't seem like that hard a process. Watch the video.
When the time comes I think I'll attempt it myself. I haven't had to do it yet.

Waste of time?
How's that?
If your fob battery is getting low, which after 3+ years it easily could be, I think changing it especially after getting the warning, is an excellent use of time.

 

That doesn't sound right. I've pulled out our engine filter multiple times, no issues. And I don't think there's any sensor in the vicinity. Strike one?

 

I meant if they can take on an oil change and leave your car with warning lights, and tell you it's due to them checking the engine air filter, what can they do: that really stretches credulity: strike one. I don't know that I'd even bother with strikes 2 and 3.

Maybe just contact the service manager by email, this smells.

Maybe someone else will weigh in here? I've never heard of this, suspect it's something else they took upon themselves to do, in the course of their "multi-point inspection".

 

The light should not have gone on because they changed the filter. Are you saying they changed the oil while you sat in the car?

I have two dealers near me -- they both have oil specials a couple times a year that will get you the oil and rotation for under $60 w/tax

Both of my dealers change the batteries for $5 -- but often don't bother to charge you if that's the only thing you go in for.

 

Look in yer book?

And ultimately: up to you.