Non-Franchise Servicing

[revmotors]

I'm just about to book my 07 Prius in for it's 4 year service and am wondering whether to use my regular non-franchise garage (very high standard and trustworthy) or go to Toyota where it's been done by the previous owner.

The local guys have been servicing my Lexus and my wife's BMW without fault and have all the diagnostic kit.

Does anyone have any experience of using independents with the Prius?

Advice welcome!

[capnbirdseye]

The 4 year service includes the first time replacement of the air filter and if you take a look at it now you will find it is really dirty and will have certainly affected your mpg so why Toyota stipulate this length of time is rather bizarre compared to other vehicle I have owned. So make sure this is changed wherever you take it.

My 2007 T.spirit has done 30,000 miles and the filter was full of flies and leaves etc so I blew it out with compressed air and my mpg has stabilised at around 56mpg over the last 320 miles inc lots of short trips

[revmotors]

That's significant! My guess is that its going to be filthy as the last owner lived under a load of trees. Every rain channel was totally clogged with rotting vegetation. Mine's the same age, spec and mileage as yours cap'n - had it 6 weeks now and absolutely loving it!

[capnbirdseye]

That's significant! My guess is that its going to be filthy as the last owner lived under a load of trees. Every rain channel was totally clogged with rotting vegetation. Mine's the same age, spec and mileage as yours cap'n - had it 6 weeks now and absolutely loving it!

Only had mine since Jan 4th , it takes just a minute to open the air filter casing, snap open the four clips and be prepared for a shock !

Just thought, how come your having four year service at 3 yrs & 30,000 miles?

[dwilson]

Just thought, how come your having four year service at 3 yrs & 30,000 miles?

Guess for the same reason as I am taking my wife's 07 Auris in for 4 year 40,000 mile service even though only done 16000 miles. Annual service comes around quick and car will be 4 years old March 1st.

David

[capnbirdseye]

Just thought, how come your having four year service at 3 yrs & 30,000 miles?

Guess for the same reason as I am taking my wife's 07 Auris in for 4 year 40,000 mile service even though only done 16000 miles. Annual service comes around quick and car will be 4 years old March 1st.

David

Ah, mine is 4 yrs old end of Nov

[revmotors]

Yep, 4 yrs old on 31st March with just 30300 miles on.

But back to the original question: any reason to be worried about quality non-franchise servicing on the Prius?

[dwilson]

Yep, 4 yrs old on 31st March with just 30300 miles on.

But back to the original question: any reason to be worried about quality non-franchise servicing on the Prius?

Not tried it so can't really help. I do have a 1996 Micra that my daughter uses when she is back from uni and I use a non-franchise garage for servicing that. Must admit I am wondering whether the Auris is getting to an age when I may do the same for that next year. My Prius has free servicing for two years as part of the purchase deal.

David

[capnbirdseye]

Yep, 4 yrs old on 31st March with just 30300 miles on.

But back to the original question: any reason to be worried about quality non-franchise servicing on the Prius?

In my case I've taken out a 3 year service plan @ £480 which is £160 each and of course includes the air filter (£25+) next time

Be aware of reports of non franchise garages running the Prius onto the ramps and then because the engine is off they don't realise the vehicle is still switched on.

They unscrew and drain the oil which triggers a sudden engine temperature drop so the engine suddenly fires with no oil in the engine so you can imagine what happens

[Grumpy Cabbie]

^^^^ See what Mr Birdseye has said! Many Prii have met their end this way

[britprius]

From what i understand about the workings of the Prius the engine ECU has to see oil pressure before it gives spark and fuel making engine start with no oil unlikely.

[britprius]

Sorry double post.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

lol, you risk your expensive engine on that assumption

Seriously there are many many reports on the US forums about it happening. The US warranty stipulates that the oil is changed every 5000 miles, but you can take it anywhere. Many have gone to QuickiLube or whatever to save some money and ended up with knackered engines.

I have almost experienced this when my car was getting its Taxi test. The inspector had it on the ramp and he assured me it was switched off - I wasn't convinced though. He was then checking under the car pulling on suspension arms etc when the engine suddenly fired up making him jump. It was all my fault and the fault of these stupid hybrids, but not his fault for not bl**dy turning it off despite me triple checking!!!

So glad it wasn't a service he was performing!

[kithmo]

Yep, 4 yrs old on 31st March with just 30300 miles on.

But back to the original question: any reason to be worried about quality non-franchise servicing on the Prius?

I'm more worried about Dealer/Franchised servicing than non-franchised after the fiasco with SWBO's Gen 2.

She bought a gen 2 last year, part of the deal was it was to have its 4 year (only 20K miles though) service. They failed to spot a sticking brake pad, which was squealing, they didn't change the air filter or the pollen filter. The engine oil was clean, but whether the oil filter was changed is a worry. Whereas an independant who wants return customers will probably take more care. Needless to say the servicing of SWMBO's Gen2 falls to me from now on.

[Jolly English Gentleman]

I have always had my Toyota's serviced by a Toyota Specialist who I found when I brought my previous Corrolla. I did think of this question when it came to my first service on the Prius but I don't really trust my local dealer to undertake a proper service. The reason why my specialist set up on his own was because he once worked for predecessor of said dealer and got frustrated with the corners cut (the old trick of blowing through an air filter and cleaning spark plugs rather than replacing them). I decided that I would trust my Prius to my Specialist who informed me that on doing the service at 68K that he found the air filter had never been replaced, the discs had never had any lubrication and the plugs looked original. One of the tyres had also been repaired with a puncture kit despite the service history print supplied by the leasing company who previously owned the car indicating that four tyres were replaced after a puncture repair. The Servicing had been undertaken by another main dealer and the tyres had been looked after by a National tyre firm.

I have my doubts that these issues would have been picked up by the local dealer (or if they had I would have been charged an arm and a leg). I will probably get the local dealer to check the Hybrid Battery over when I am getting close to 100K but that won't be for several years yet as I only do 5K a year.

The only downside is that I always get any old parts back to dispose of as proof that new ones have been fitted.

[ian rooke]

Hi just had my Prius Gen3 serviced by a independent garage and my wife's IQ as well they are a Toyota specialist not a dealer they did all I asked and allowed me to supply my own oil as well (Toyota wanted to put in 5.30w oil not 0.20w as I wanted)if you have a garage you trust and they work to Toyota specs I would use them.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

Hi just had my Prius Gen3 serviced by a independent garage and my wife's IQ as well they are a Toyota specialist not a dealer they did all I asked and allowed me to supply my own oil as well (Toyota wanted to put in 5.30w oil not 0.20w as I wanted)if you have a garage you trust and they work to Toyota specs I would use them.

Then report them to Toyota HQ. The dealers have been instructed on the correct oils for the gen3 AT LENGTH, though some are still trying to get away with using the wrong stuff. Infact the IQ 1.0 engine needs the 0w20 oil too if I'm not mistaken.

[ian rooke]

Hi The IQ only needs 5w30 unlike the Prius got fed up with the dealers attitude which was ""we are right you don't know better than us " arrogant buggers, so cancelled both service contracts and went to someone I can trust.

[Chris Dance]

I agree with GC about Toyota servicing. If the Toyota dealer does not carry out the work correctly then report the dealer to Toyota UK. I would never trust a non Toyota dealer with my Prius for servicing or repair.

[revmotors]

Well, I took my both cars (Prius & BMW convertible) into the non-franchise garage today for MOT's. The service manager and one of the mechanic's had to come and get me as they couldn't figure out how to get it moving! That made my mind up if I had any doubts - off to Westover Toyota in Bournemouth for it's major service at 4 years and 31k miles.

[j2d]

Hi The IQ only needs 5w30 unlike the Prius got fed up with the dealers attitude which was ""we are right you don't know better than us " arrogant buggers, so cancelled both service contracts and went to someone I can trust.

Taken delivery of new iQ2 today. Reading handbook. Yes I am one of the few who do. 0w 20 specified by Toyota. Can use 5w 20 but change ASAP.

[horsecog]

When choosing an independant gargage I would ask them if they know how the hybrid system works, if they know the correct safety procedures for powering down the high votage Battery if needed, even brake bleeding on a prius is a disaster waiting to happen if the tech/mech doesnt know what they are doing.

If the are on the ball they be able to answer that with ease, if not I would walk away unless you like to make expensive gambles.

Aftermarket mechanics/technicians can get imi certified on hybrid technology(just got mine and paid for my worker as well)

[Jan&tone]

Hi The IQ only needs 5w30 unlike the Prius got fed up with the dealers attitude which was ""we are right you don't know better than us " arrogant buggers, so cancelled both service contracts and went to someone I can trust.

Taken delivery of new iQ2 today. Reading handbook. Yes I am one of the few who do. 0w 20 specified by Toyota. Can use 5w 20 but change ASAP.

Wow, you read the book!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Most of us (including me) eirher only read it when we want to find something out, or we ask on here!!

Well done, you can now answer all our questions!

[ian rooke]

Hi just checked book and the preferred oil is 0w20 as you say so why did Toyota supply us with 5w30 oil for top up when we purchased the IQ but then 5w30 was what was supplied when I purchased the Prius Gen3 and I took it back, seems the IQ got passed me.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

Hi just checked book and the preferred oil is 0w20 as you say so why did Toyota supply us with 5w30 oil for top up when we purchased the IQ but then 5w30 was what was supplied when I purchased the Prius Gen3 and I took it back, seems the IQ got passed me.

Because they've got a job lot of it in and they probably have to order in the 0w20 and can't be ubikd. They're hoping you won't know any better - but your fuel economy will notice.