Is Dealer Offered Service Plan For Prius Worth ?

[vishalpal]

I have my first service due at the end of this month and was wondering if I should opt in for the service plan offered by the dealers. I had initially refused the service plan at the time of purchase, but was just thinking of it. Could someone let me know what's the price like for the same and the pros and cons of going in for this. On an average I do around 20K miles a year. Should I look for any hidden terms in the plan agreement if I decide to go in for it.

[johalareewi]

I have my first service due at the end of this month and was wondering if I should opt in for the service plan offered by the dealers. I had initially refused the service plan at the time of purchase, but was just thinking of it. Could someone let me know what's the price like for the same and the pros and cons of going in for this. On an average I do around 20K miles a year. Should I look for any hidden terms in the plan agreement if I decide to go in for it.

From what I have read and what my dealer told me, the first service is just an oil change and check over and should take about 30 minutes. You do need to make sure the dealer uses the correct oil 0W-20 and not the cheaper and more easily available 5W-30. Why not ring a few local dealers for a quote? The Main service (every 20K) is an oil change plus other bits and pieces and should take about an hour so you should be able to work out what pay as you go servicing will cost vs. a service plan.

[vishalpal]

I thought the price for a service was the same across all main dealers. Anyway just called up a couple of dealers and found the price for the first service varies from £125-£155, althought I found that few dealers offer to price match a lower quote if it is genuine. Not sure if this price is high or justified for servicing at a main dealer. All that they do for the first service is do an oil change and an inspection unless you specify additional things to look at. Most dealers do also offer offer the first service as a while you wait service.

They don't seem to give you the price for the service plan over the phone though, maybe they discuss it in person with you during the service and I guess try to strike the best deal they can from you.

[cabcurtains]

Make sure you will still own the car on the 3rd service as you cant transfer or get your money back, its a good way to lock you in. It can be transferred to another Toyota though. Get the prices for the 3 services and then see how they compare to the service plan, make your decision based on this.

[ian rooke]

I have a service plan with toyota for three years I made sure that if I sold the car I would get any money left back

the dealer said that was not a problem and also put the 1st Mot for free in the deal.So it pays to ask

[cootuk]

For the GenII, the service plan I was offered seemed to be odd number mileage about £120, even numbers about £200.

It wouldn't include any extra items needed, so not an insurance policy type to cover unexpected repairs.

Just a way of spreading the cost, but means they have your money to play with before you get a service bill paid out.

[phil4]

It wouldn't include any extra items needed, so not an insurance policy type to cover unexpected repairs.

Just a way of spreading the cost, but means they have your money to play with before you get a service bill paid out.

I had one on my old MR2 roadster, and will actively look to do it again.

* It spreads the cost, so less of a big hit

* It fixes the labour costs, regardless of price hikes

* You can work out how much you're contributing a year, and with a rough idea of the service costs, see whether you're being screwed

* To confirm when I sold my MR2 (part-ex for a Yaris), I was able to cancel the service plan and got back the money paid so far.

Also as mentioned above, be wary that it isn't insurance, and indeed doesn't cover everything, just the things that get replaced as part of the standard planned service (see the service record book for an idea of that).

[vishalpal]

I shall try and see if the dealer is willing negotiate on the price for the service plan else will just pay for the service as and when it is due. With regard to the grade of oil that would used during the service I found dealers tell you that the work and parts used including oil will be as specified and recommended by Toyota for your vehicle model. I shall ask for the checklist and list of consumables that will be used during the service for the prius as I am not sure the prices they specify for the service package includes the 0W-20 grade oil or 5W-30 grade oil. It's a big difference in the retail price of oil for both grades though. I know these guys buy them in bulk at wholesale prices.