I went to the Toyota Dealership for servicing today. Turns out my 2006, 159000 mile Prius isn't doing so hot. I'm very inexperienced when it comes to my car, and cars in general. The maintenance man listed the fixes in order of importance (attached) Considering the age and mileage of my car, which of these changes would be worth it for you? Would super appreciate it. Note: The radiator hose does not have a leak, but it is showing signs of age and likely would start leaking in a year's time. (I'm doing the first 3 since they seem very direct)
1, 3 and 4. #2 looks to be the engine air filter. You can buy it from the parts department and replace it yourself (just 3 clips for the cover under the hood). Cabin air filter is also easy to replace by yourself (it's behind the glovebox). Considering there's a leak in the radiator hose (#4), I'd definitely do that. For #1, I'm not too familiar. I don't think we replaced ours (2005 model) but our Hybrid Battery died around your mileage so maybe we would've had to replace it if the car lasted longer. Check the Toyota maintenance schedule but I believe approximately at your mileage, the spark plugs are due for a replacement. That'll affect your mileage since spark plugs are a key component to your combustion engine. It's ok to delay it by half a year or a year if you need some time to cough up the cash but just note worn spark plugs can lead to misfirings or poor fuel consumption.
I'd do everything but the final 2 items on the list. You CAN change the cabin filter yourself - I don't care how inept you think you are. A drunk monkey can change the cabin air filter. My grandmother can change a cabin air filter, and she's been dead for 25 years. I bet there are 17 videos on YouTube you can watch. Walk in to any chain auto parts store and they will pick the correct one off the shelf for you for about $15. Or order one from Amazon for about 10 bucks. Even a Genuine Toyota cabin air filter (and you really don't need to buy the OEM version) is about $45. It calls me they want to charge you $40 to install it. The fuel injection service is more pure profit. If you get your CAF at a chain auto parts store, ask them to sell you a bottle of Techron while you're there. Dump it in the tank immediately before you get gas. $10.
how many miles have you owned it for? do you know the service history? some of that should have already been done.
I'll go through by item. The water pump seems very expensive. They already will have the belt off for the belt change, so that should remove some labor. This could be done by an indie shop (unless it is the inverter pump, in which case you might better stick with the dealer.) Do not have the dealer (or any mechanic) replace either air filter! The tale of the drunk monkey, while not literally true, is very nearly true. $167 for drive belt? Like I said, they're already removing the belt for the water pump. Slap a new one in when you put it back on.???? Unless it's the inverter water pump. Not sure how much that should be. Any shop could do this. Radiator hose seems expensive, but I'm not sure how involved that is. This could probably be done by an indie shop. Spark plugs could probably be done cheaper by an indie shop. The ATF change is expensive even for the dealer, which should typically be <$120. This could be done at a different shop as long as they use ATF WS or compatible. The brake work I don't know enough about to comment on. The coolant change isn't terrible. Again, don't have anyone but you change the cabin air filter. It's not worth it. I don't know what the fuel system service is, but you probably don't need it.
None of those repairs are worth the cited prices. Find an independent servicer that specializes in Toyota hybrids. As previously suggested, at least change the filters yourself unless you really need to waste money.
wow bend over and pull your pants down. cabin air filter $80 is way overpriced. if you change spark plugs then you should replace the coils as well. radiator hoses are like $20 each and anyone with a Ph.D. degree in screwing in light bulbs can install 2 in under 1 hour which should cost $100-$150 labor. Personally, I would just buy some duck tape, stick it in your trunk, if hose ever tears then use duck tape to get you by till you reach a service shop.
Based on the pricing I see my advice would be to find an independent shop with a good reputation at stated above.
Strange that upper/lower radiator hose replacement is over $700. The transaxle "service" seems overpriced, and vague. If they're in fact doing a drain and fill, $80~90 would be reasonable. @Preet if you type out that list, responders can quote it, refer to it more easily.
