Toyota Vs Independant

[diverdave]

Hi all,

My Prius is due for it's 20,000 mile service and I have had quotes from the local Toyota garages that vary from £145:77 to £160:40. :o But there is an independant garage that is a Toyota servicing specialist whose owner is a Toyota trained mechanic, and they tell me getting it serviced with them will still maintain the warranty, and they will charge £105:75.

Would any other members on here use an independant garage ?

Regards,

Dave.

[JerryW]

Hi all,

My Prius is due for it's 20,000 mile service and I have had quotes from the local Toyota garages that vary from £145:77 to £160:40. :o But there is an independant garage that is a Toyota servicing specialist whose owner is a Toyota trained mechanic, and they tell me getting it serviced with them will still maintain the warranty, and they will charge £105:75.

Would any other members on here use an independant garage ?

Hi Dave

Using any independent mechanic will maintain the warranty, provided they do what is scheduled to be done. It is illegal in the EU to make inhouse servicing a condition of warranty cover.

However, the problem tends to be equipment - eg a CAN scanner - which is ever harder for independents to source, and also familiarity with what is after all a fairly idiosyncratic car. For peace of mind I only ever take my Prius to places that know about them. Even for recalls I leave it a month or so, so the dealer can get a bit of practice in on other cars ;-)

My 20k service was £198 so your quotes are not unreasonable, especially if they include changing the brake fluid (which they all should)

Regds

Jerryw