Just dropped off my 05 Prius for 60k maintenance this morning, I would like to thank galaxee for her list . Otherwise, dealer's "recommended" 60k service is $400! I have them do the following, - Transaxle fluid drain and fill, $60. I also ask them to take a sample for analysis. I use BlackStone for my UOA. - Alignment, $130. Haven't done it since 30k. - PCV valve replacement, $17.80 - Clean and adjust rear brakes, $54.00. - Other inspection listed in the manual, FREE I did the engine oil/filter change over the weekend and changed air filter at 50k. I checked the engine air filter when I change the oil, still looks pretty clean. So I decided not to change it at 60k per the manual. The price is pretty reasonable, I think. This is Competition Toyota located in Middle Island, LI, NY.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Oct 3 2007, 11:27 AM) [snapback]520611[/snapback]</div> Is it? I've done it at another dealership at 30k, it was almost the same price. How much they charge you for alignment doc?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Oct 3 2007, 11:27 AM) [snapback]520611[/snapback]</div> Yes, that seems high. I paid $80.00 from a local Toyota dealer for an alignment. I got 47,000 miles from the OEM Integrities. Recently went to Sams Club for some Michelin X's and was told I was in need of an alignment. Rick #4 2006
130 is high for an alignment. i think it should be more like 80-90 depending on hourly labor costs up there. you're welcome! that's what we aimed for, people not getting screwed.
Nope, did not ask for rotation, and the quote only listed alignment for that price. I thought $130 was the "normal" price. I'll ask other shops next time. Thanks everyone for their input.
Yeah the alignment is way too high!!! When I bought tires(they were on sale) at the dealer they charged me $69.95 for the alignment and that included one free alignment a year for as long as I owned the car.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ScottY @ Oct 3 2007, 08:24 AM) [snapback]520606[/snapback]</div> Alignment seems high. Did that have to use shims on the rear? I can't remember what Les Schwab charged. Only $17.80 for the PCV replacement? Seem a lot more work than that. Transaxle drain and fill doesn't seem unreasonable. Not much labor, but the fluid I guess is $40. Since it's that cheap (I'll ask for numbers before they do it.), I'll have them do the drain and fill and brake, etc. (everything but the alignment) when I get it in next. I'm at 59.2k now. Thanks for the numbers. It'll give me a comparative base with my dealer. I'll ask for the fluid sample also. Dave M.
Just got a call from the dealer. They recommend that I don't do the transaxle fluid change because it is "good till 100k" and I'm wasting my money doing it. I told them that from the analysis data of other Prius owners, the fluid is not in good condition at 60k miles. So I asked them to do it for me anyways and I can share my oil analysis result with them if they like. I think it's nice for them to call me to let me know that I might be wasting money on certain things. Edit: Apparently, the tech left before the service advisory called me. I'm dropping it off tomorrow again to do the transaxle fluid change.
A small and vocal group of Prius people ignores Toyota-talk about the long life of trans. fluid. Group includes me. Alignment cost seems high and maybe the rear brake inspection also. You might do better at specialist-shops in those areas. Less than $18 for PCV sounds real good, considering the amount of excavation required to access it.
Follow up: I went back to the dealership the next day to do the transaxle fluid change again. They finished it within an hour! The sample of transaxle fluid was placed nicely in the front cup holder. And they gave me a free coupon to a nearby car wash! I highly recommend them because of their honesty and friendly service. Just beware of the few high priced items other PCers pointed out. Attached is the analysis of the transaxle fluid. Clearly, it is NOT good till 100k miles like Toyota claims. High wear and insolubles plus low viscosity.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ScottY @ Oct 10 2007, 06:08 PM) [snapback]523856[/snapback]</div> Very interesting. Thanks alot for that. I agree that Toy's claim of 100K makes no sense. Thats a very expensive transmission so it would pay to throw $ 100 at it every 3 or 4 years me thinks. Anything to keep it off the dealers rack.
Thanks a lot for the analysis. Seems like a 30k change out of the transaxle fluid might be prudent. Clearly it was $60 well spent. The alignment price seems about right to me. Remember it is a 4 wheel alignment. I bet those $60 prices are for the front only. Did you get a print out of the alignment results? If you have never changed your air filter I would definately change it now yourself.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Winston @ Oct 11 2007, 02:58 PM) [snapback]524204[/snapback]</div> You are right, it was a 4 wheel alignment, and everything's within spec. I guess changing the transaxle fluid at 30k wouldn't hurt since the fluid was in pretty bad shape at 60k. I've been changing the engine air filter every 25k. I clean and reuse the cabin air filter once in a while. Both are too easy not to DIY. Bob Wilson (bwilson4web) and some others have uploaded their transaxle fluid analysis on Yahoo Group http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius-sat2/files/, if anybody is interested for more.
