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Should I get tires, alignment,brakes from dealership?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by vicky, Jan 25, 2017.

  1. vicky

    vicky Junior Member

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    Portland Oregon Dealership just quote me one 4 new tires, alignment and brake pad change. I need to get both pad change. Alignment for $90, 1 brake pad $289, $111/per tire for 75K miles yokohama + $72 mount & balance. Please advise which service I should get done at dealership. And how do I find a better deal somewhere else. My sister has Costco card.
     
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I show the Costco in Tigard as having
    Bridgestone - Ecopia EP422 PLUS
    Item #: 990198
    Manufacturer Part #: 006614
    Tire Size: 175/65R15 84H
    Season: All-Season
    Warranty: Platinum Pact Limited Warranty
    Sidewall: Black Letter
    $ 83.99 Each
    Regular Price:
    $ 83.99 Each
    Price(Set of 4):
    $335.96

    There is a $15 installation and disposal fee per tire.

    I would have the tires done at Costco and ask them to look at brakes and alignment. (Just to be sure the dealer is being honest) then you will have to decide. I personally would do the brakes at the dealer if needed, a Prius is odd, but the tires and alignment can be done anywhere.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    ^ The above sounds like a good plan. Only comment: if you're not noticing any problems with the car pulling to one side, and tires are wearing even: forget about alignment. Cars don't normally slip out of alignment, only need a check if you've hit curb hard, are noticing problems.
     
    WilDavis likes this.
  4. PosauneGuy

    PosauneGuy Member

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    Costco often has rolling $70 rebates between Michelin and Bridgestone (currently Michelin until 1/29). In addition, for Executive members they sometimes have rebates on the installation charges as well.
     
    markyr17 likes this.
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    costco. how many miles on your car? if it's 75k, early for brakes, but not unheard of.
     
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Might be early for pads, but regular brake service is recommended by Toyota. probably every 3 years or 30K miles. Check your Warranty and Maintenance Booklet. It subtle (and a lot of dealerships seem to be skipping it??), but there are two distinct mentions of brake maintenance:

    1. Visual inspection, when the tires are rotated.
    2. Brake service, every 3 years of 30K miles.

    The second is not brake pad/shoe replacement; it's periodic disassemble, inspection, relube.

    Addendum: yup, checked 2012 Prius c Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, first interval is 36 months or 30,0000 miles for this.
     
  7. vicky

    vicky Junior Member

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    My Prius is old 2010 116K miles. Both of front rear are worn out.
    They suggested alignment if install all 4 new tires.
     
  8. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Of course they do. Alignment is a "high profit" operation.
    As was said, if the old tires show no signs of unusual wear, skip it.
     
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  9. ILuvMyPriusToo

    ILuvMyPriusToo Senior Member

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    Yes, is they test your car and it is within alignment specs, they still get to charge you (for doing almost nothing).

    It would be interesting to know that % of a dealer's alignment jobs are like that. (Of course, they will never tell us!)