I just had my 2008 Prius serviced by the dealer, an oil change at 70,000 miles. The dealer is recommending I change out the water pump because there is some seeping going on. The price is $450. They also want to change out the brake fluid for $125, which I have never done on other cars I have owned and they want to do a fuel and air induction system service, which is cleaning the intake valves and ports for another $195. As the service advisor said, nothing has to be done today, however they are recommending this at my next oil change. Looking for advice, as I want to keep the Prius up to date, however I don't want to spend money on it where it is not necessary. Much appreciated Wally
Call around on the water pump, it might be possible to get it done for $100 cheaper elsewhere. Skip the brake fluid and fuel/air cleaning services.
I had a water pump seal failure last fall. That part is required if it's leaking. Brake fluid should be changed every 5 years or so on any car. It absorbs water from the air and corrodes the wheel cylinders. Whether you do it or not is up to you. Intake cleaning is a dealer money grab. It's recommended by Toyota but isn't really necessary unless there is a problem, such as running rough, poor mileage, or obvious dirt when you look into the throttle body. It's not necessary to "clean the intake valves", just the throttle body.
Just had new water pump installed two weeks ago. $106.19 for pump, $210.00 for labor = $316.19 total.
Walmart offers the 2-step fuel system cleaning service, which is similar to what the dealer offers, for $25. The water pump price is about right, but around here the labor rates are $145/hr at the dealer. Two hours labor, around $100 for the pump, 1 gal of coolant...and $450 is about right. The water pump seems to be a common failure on these cars. I would flush the brake fluid every few years even though it is not required. The prius brake system will still allow the fluid to absorb moisture so periodic brake fluid flushes are good preventative maintenance.
