Hi Prius v Experts, I would like to know if my Dealer ripped me off or not. I took my Prius v Trim 5 for 85k maintenance and a state inspection check. After 1 hr, I got a call from a service technician saying. "Drain and Fill WS. Perform World Standard Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill(Recommended every 50k)":- 189$ "Hydro Flush Special. Flush Brake Hydraulic System, install new fluid. Install all hoses and lines(Recommended every 35k)." :- 152$ I had accepted these and paid for the services. They had suggested other maintenance issues, but I didn't buy them yet. For the above services, they said "immediate." But the service center lied on the "State" inspection, so I got suspicious and checked my 80k maintenance. For 80k systems, all the issues they had mentioned were "Green." So I talked to Service Manager, asking how 5-6 systems went to "RED/Yellow" from all being in "Green" for 80k service. His response was, "80k service technician forgot to mention them in "Yellow/Red" in "Multipoint Inspection"(MPI) report. So I came home and checked Prius Manual; the above services were recommended for 90k service, not 85k service. So my query is, "Did my service center RIP me off?". Based on the lies service center mentioned for "State inspection," I am not confident taking back my Prius to the same service center. I had good service from this service center except for this issue. Thanks in advance.
I would say you are ok. Those services are useful if not essential. Realize dealers often suggest services that are useful but not immediately needed. Technically Toyota's Warranty and Maintenance Guide that came with the car says nothing about changing the transaxle or brake fluids. They do suggest coolants at 100,000 miles and spark plugs at 120,000 miles. The maintenance that is the most important are oil changes at 5k miles, not 10k. That is important because many gen3 prii have oil burning problems which often leads to head gasket failures or blown engines. Some on this board will also say cleaning the egr cooler and intake manifold because of oil induced carbon buildup. You can often get maintenance service for half or two thirds the dealer cost. It is extremely useful to find the trustworthy independent hybrid shop before the high dollar brake booster or head gasket happens. Warranty and Maintenance Guide (see labeled pgs 50 and 53)
Thank you @rjparker, @bisco. It's a relief that you guys confirmed these are valid services. I had a very good experience with this dealership except for the last service. Any suggestions on how to find a "trustworthy independent hybrid shop "? I did a google search but it doesn't return any independent shops.
I normally use a shop in the San Antonio area but I have used Bearden Automotive in N Austin once. My "hybrid repair austin" search also came up with Newmann Automotive on the south side. My point is you test with the less expensive and less challenging things like you just did in order to find a shop with hybrid experience that also provides value. The dealer will always be the high priced option that may recommend services you don't require right now.
Thanks, @rjparker. Looks like "Bearden Automotive" has good reviews. I will take my care to this service center next time.
Yes you use the low cost maintenance jobs to shop around for the day the brake booster, head gasket or engine needs replacement.
This green/yellow/red jazz is purely a dealership invention. Look at the Toyota maintenance schedule before going in, decide in advance if you want something superfluous to the US schedule. When they propose extras and it sounds fishy, odds are very good there’s a kipper amiss. the charge for both the transaxle fluid and brake fluid change both border on larceny; both should be around $100, a bit less for the tran and a bit more for the brake.
Today while driving ABS, Brake, Brakelight, and Traction control system(Car with skid marks symbol). A quick google search mentioned it's never safe to drive with "ABS + Brake" lights on. Planning to take the car back to the dealership on Monday. I am wondering what they screwed on my last service. Within 1 week of maintenance all these issues. Also last week I got all my tires replaced at Costco. Is there any chance this could have caused the lights to go on? Any advice on how to address this issue with the dealership? Thanks in advance.
You may have the Brake Booster failure. If the proper codes are present, Toyota will replace it free under a Customer Support Program. Many have failed including mine several years ago. Both the Brake Booster (Master Cylinder) and Brake Pump are covered. The dealer must see the codes.
Thanks, @rjparker for taking the time to answer my queries. Learning so much from this channel, which I have taken for granted for all these years. So when I take the car to the dealership should I ask them to provide the "code" for the failures? And does the dealership charge for diagnosing this issue?. Sorry for asking too many dumb questions. Never had any issues with the car or this dealership until the last service. Thanks.
They will diagnose by scanning it with Techstream, the factory scanner. If it has the codes needed, the repair and diagnosis are free. If not, you pay for the diagnosis. There are other faults that could bring up those warning lights. Read the attachment. Some owners clear the codes by using a scanner or disconnecting the 12v. Its easy and they feel like it may solve the problem. At that point a free repair, if needed, is lost at least until the codes return, which could be a long period. However clearing codes never solves the root cause. It is important to understand auto supply and most other scanners will not read the specialized brake codes. Just because the car ran flawless for six years does not mean the slew of gen3 issues won't happen to you. My v ran great for almost 150k miles but I have had almost every common issue since.
Thank you @rjparker. I took my car for servicing and the Toyota dealership experience was very good this time. They said the issue is under warranty and replaced everything for free. While dropping off the car I showed the pdf which you had provided. The customer service representative informed me that the cost of the entire service would be around 3000$ without a warranty. Below are the details. Qty Part Number Description Unit Total 1 TO04009-79247 CYLINDER KIT, BRA WARRANTY 1 TO04006-22212 PUMP ASSY, BRAKE WARRANTY 1 TO00475-1BF03 BRAKE FLUID WARRANTY Thank you for patiently answering all my queries. One final question, should I get the oil changed every 5k?
you struck gold! yes, every 5k is a good idea. it is time to concentrate your energies on a full egr circuit cleaning, hopefully to preclude a blown head gasket
Thanks to you, @rjparker @Mendel Leisk, and other members of this group. Because of this group, I am able to ask the right questions when I drop off my car at the dealership. Thanks, I will request an Engine oil change for every 5k and request a 'Full EGR circuit' cleaning at the next service. Can you please provide what is a good price to pay for 'Full EGR circuit' cleaning?
it is usually around $1,000. but you can't count on a dealer to do it right, or do it at all. you would be better off with a private mech if you could find a willing one.
Go back to the original premise of this thread, find an independent. I would buy a used but cleaned egr cooler and then find a shop willing to clean your intake manifold. The $1,000 deal is a dealer installing new egr cooler, valve (rarely bad) and "maybe" a new intake manifold. You should be able to get it cleaned as suggested for $500 all in if you shop. It is not a guaranteed fix or preventative to a head gasket, especially when your car starts burning oil. The smart move is 5k oil changes, no exceptions, ever. This may get you to 150k miles with only a brake booster killing your budget somewhere down the line. This is a half price new unit from Japan. Often used units are fine if they are precleaned, not an easy job which is why dealers don't do it. They would have to charge a couple hours of labor at $150 an hour. https://www.ebay.com/itm/265709368444?fits=Year%3A2012%7CEngine+-+Liter_Display%3A1.8L%7CTrim%3AThree+Wagon+4-Door%7CModel%3APrius+V%7CMake%3AToyota%7CSubmodel%3AThree%7CEngine%3A1.8L+1798CC+110Cu.+In.+l4+ELECTRIC%2FGAS+DOHC+Naturally+Aspirated&epid=655726808&hash=item3ddd83347c:g:HFEAAOSw-spij4cU
