Substitute for ATF Type IV transaxle fluid?

I recommend Toyota's ATF, but in respect to Penrite's concerns, the Prius does not have a CVT.

By far the most common CVT is a Pully and Belt system, where proper friction is important.
Continuously variable transmission - Wikipedia

By comparison, the Prius uses a multi power source planetary gearset.
Transmission (mechanics) - Wikipedia

It emulates a CVT to the driver, but is mechanically not based on friction.

 

The trouble with Toyota's brand is that it's so damned expensive! When I did mine on the 02, I bought a case of this stuff:

Mobil 1 55221 3309 Automatic Transmission Fluid - 1 Quart (Pack of 12)

Not actually Mobil 1. But very affordable, nonetheless. Here in the US, ATF that's T-IV compatible has it listed on the label. Any T-IV will do. Castrol brand is probably available at your local autoparts store.

 

What's your motivation for considering alternate fluid? Is the specified Toyota fluid difficult to get, or more costly? Have you got a dealership convenient, and how much are they asking for it?

I wouldn't use alternative fluid purely on a whim, in the hopes of using a "better" fluid, or just to save a few dollars: you might be ok, or you might not.

 

Nothing magical about Toyota brand, other than the magical price. We'll just have to agree to disagree, but spec T-IV is just a specification and there's no big difference between Mobil, Castrol, or Toyota brands.

 

What is the price, at dealerships? Anyone care to shed light on this?

I appreciate I'm out of my element here, it's a different fluid, different country, but buying liters of Toyota ATF-WS for my 3rd gen at a Canadian dealership parts counter cost me $9.14 (Canadian).

 

AT-WS is a different product from T-IV. Compare apples and oranges much?

 

Does anyone recall the price for T-IV through dealership then?

 

You are correct different countries, different currency, and different units of measure. I don't know what the dealers price is in the US, but I can tell you what Amazon charges, which is where I sourced the Mobil product. For 12 qts. of Mobil it's us$ 60.20 shipped (Prime.) Amazon also sells the Toyota product for $82 for a 12 qt case, shipped. I have about 3,000 miles since the trans oil change and my low speed shudder seems to have resolved itself But then, clean oil is always better than old, worn out oil..

On a side note, Prestone sells an orange coolant that is Dexcool compatible. No silicates just like our Toyota red and at least $10 per gal (concentrate) less than the Toyota product (which I also got at Amazon.)

 

Could you get on the phone to a local dealership parts department? Sometimes Amazon prices are through-the-roof, basically trying to brush you off.

The one liter bottle of Toyota ATF-WS I can buy at my nearby dealership for $9.14. If I search for it online, amazon.ca says "not available", and amazon.com (US site) will sell me a quart, for $37.94 (US).

 

Mendle, that's for 4 quarts of WS, we don't us WS it's not the one for Gen1 Pri's.

 

Yes I understand. Here's what I'm saying, has anyone got a quote for the Gen 1 fluid, from a dealership parts department, or is all this based on Amazon prices? Consider:

If I buy ATF-WS from dealership, it's $9.14 (Canadian), per liter. If I search for it online, none is available from Canadian sources, and Amazon USA has it, for $37.94 (US) per quart. That's a solid 400% mark up.

Maybe there's a similar 400% (or worse) mark up going on with 1st gen fluid, comparing online prices??

 

Ok, took the bull by the horns: Open Road Toyota Port Moody phone quote, for:

Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV: $9.14 (Canadian) per liter

Same price as the ATF-WS, and he said they've got "lots".

 

The Amazon price is for 4 quarts. Or about $9.50 us for each quart.

 

Perhaps you can order from the Canadian dealer and have it shipped then.

 

The price is about the same. Well, in the same ballpark, not worth sweating over. And so far: nobody has posted price from their local US dealership parts department.

What's required, 4 quarts? For $36, once or twice in a vehicle's lifetime, I would not be trying alternate fluids.

 

They also have 4 quarts for $37.

http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Toyota-Automatic-Transmission-Standard/dp/B00CTUSEMU

 

Just to be very clear, that is for WS spec, not T-IV. Not the right stuff for our Gen1's.

 

I will never understand being cheap on critical fluids.. yes the dealer is overpriced but you are guaranteed the correct fluid for your car.. you might save $10 bucks on other brands but could destroy your car. you might change the fluid twice a year so you will save $20.... if you cant afford the correct stuff you cant afford to have a car.