I will be going either later this week or next week for my 90,000 mile maintenance (I own a 2002) I have no idea what to expect cost-wise and I just wanted to be prepared. (I've been lurking the forums and I'm petrified of what my little car is going to cost me) I'm concerned about cost so terribly much because my sister in law owns the exact year and model I do and she recently had a $800 repair bill when they told her that the $300 battery was failing and then she had to have two filters replaced (yet I have no idea which filters those were!) and a multitude of other add-ons that rang up to that amount. I know that my battery is working fine and I've had no charging issues. The Scheduled Maintenance Guide states that these services should be completed: - Replace air conditioning filter. - Replace engine air filter. - Replace engine coolant. - Replace engine and oil filters. - Replace inverter coolant. - Rotate tires. She also needs an oil change. Bob suggested some time ago to also have the throttle plate cleaned +injector cleaned, have the transaxle oil changed, and replace spark plugs and the PVC Valve. (Is that correct Bob or did I misread? ) I realize I can buy some of these parts on the internet and do it myself, but I have no idea how to work on my car and I'm scared to death to let anyone else touch it. The downside of that is the dealership isn't going to be completely honest with me. If I learned anything from my months of lurking, I know not to be swayed by the dealerships and let them talk me into a service that's not on the maintenance guide. I'd really appreciate some feedback. You guys certainly know more than I do, that's for darn sure! Thanks!
A major service is about $250 to $350 bucks but replacement of the two filters, cabin and engine will run $80 (much cheaper on-line). I do everything myself except the transaxle flush. The things you really need at 100,000 are: Transaxle flush Coolant Flush Things you can do yourself and are likely to need replaced: Cabin air filter Engine air filter spark plugs Oil and filter Other than the things listed above the Prius, as most modern cars, need very little other "real" work. Most of the things the dealers include in their services are "inspections". Which just means a monkey looks at something. You might want to check your brakes but mine are still good at 130,000. The Prius does not need "Lubed". all grease d fittings are sealed and can't be re-lubed as in older cars.
Have you changed the brake fluid? It is a good idea to change brake fluid every couple of years. Brake fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere which lowers its boiling point from a high of 500C when new dow to near 100C when saturated with water. You won't notice this as a problem until you brake very hard, just when you want the brakes to work their best and the fluid will boil then the pedal will go to the floor.
I purchased the car in August certified pre-owned and the brakes were replaced before it was purchased. I am assuming they also replaced the brake fluid as well. I have no worries about my brakes at this time. I just checked online the prices for filters...I guess I didn't realize how cheap they are online. It also doesn't appear to be that hard to replace them in the car. Thanks for all the great information guys. I really appreciate it!
