Toyota Prius service charges

lob020 · 21-02-2019 10:13pm #1

I have a new model Toyota Prius ,which was serviced today by Main dealer.

The service was supposed to cost 160 euro ,however I received call advising me that brake fluid needed to be changed (98 euro) and air filter replaced at additional cost of 126 euro in total,which I agreed to.

I subsequently checked the Toyota website ,to find that brake fluid change cost listed at 49 euro.

When I went to pick up the car,I was told by the Service Manager that web site price was incorrect and that he had sent a mail to Toyota .
Anyway I was charged the full price.
Does anyone know what my rights are in these circumstances.

On another point Toyota offering 2 Year Full Service plan for 299 this would include brake fluid change,
I was never advised about this and when I asked could I avail of this offer,
I was told it was too late too avail of it for this service,but it would be ok for next 2 years.I really don`t understand why I could`nt avail of that deal today

I`m really dissappointed with Dealer and Toyota,any suggestions where I go from here ?

Naos · 21-02-2019 10:17pm

lob020 wrote: »

I have a new model Toyota Prius ,which was serviced today by Main dealer.The service was supposed to cost 160 euro ,however I received call advising me that brake fluid needed to be changed (98 euro) and air filter replaced at additional cost of 126 euro in total,which I agreed to.I subsequently checked the Toyota website ,to find that brake fluid change cost listed at 49 euro.When I went to pick up the car,I was told by the Service Manager that web site price was incorrect and that he had sent a mail to Toyota .Anyway I was charged the full price.Does anyone know what my rights are in these circumstances.On another point Toyota offering 2 Year Full Service plan for 299 this would include brake fluid change,I was never advised about this and when I asked could I avail of this offer,I was told it was too late too avail of it for this service,but it would be ok for next 2 years.I really don`t understand why I could`nt avail of that deal today
I`m really dissappointed with Dealer and Toyota,any suggestions where I go from here ?

How long do you have the car?

lob020 · 21-02-2019 10:19pm

Naos wrote: »

How long do you have the car?

2 years

Toyotafanboi · 21-02-2019 10:24pm

98 euro is very spicy for a brake fluid change, particularly for a non premium brand. €40-60 is the going rate so the Toyota website was on the money at €49. Not sure what air filter was replaced for 126 but it sounds expensive too no matter what air filter it is on a Prius.

Generally with Toyota service plans you have to take them out when you buy the car new, you can't set them up afterwards (but this is possible with some other manufacturers).

lob020 · 21-02-2019 10:28pm

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

98 euro is very spicy for a brake fluid change, particularly for a non premium brand. €40-60 is the going rate so the Toyota website was on the money at €49. Not sure what air filter was replaced for 126 but it sounds expensive too no matter what air filter it is on a Prius.

Generally with Toyota service plans you have to take them out when you buy the car new, you can't set them up afterwards (but this is possible with some other manufacturers).

Just for clarification,the brake fluid change cost 98 and the filter was 28 _ total 126
The service plan is available for new or used Toyota

grogi · 21-02-2019 10:59pm

lob020 wrote: »

I have a new model Toyota Prius ,which was serviced today by Main dealer. The service was supposed to cost 160 euro ,however I received call advising me that brake fluid needed to be changed (98 euro) and air filter replaced at additional cost of 126 euro in total,which I agreed to.

Stay away from that dealer.

In the Prius the brakes work much less than in a regular car and as result the brake fluid ages much slower. In mine 10 year old it still was in order. When enquired the dealer, the price was €49 as advertised...

I also don't know what type of gold the air filter they put in is made from... Air filter job is typically not longer than 15 minutes, and the filter itself is ~€15 (exp. https://www.micksgarage.com/d/air-filters/toyota/toyota-prius/prius-2015-onwards/1-8-hybrid-122-1798/products/1825021-14940-118976/mahle-original-air-filter), so dealer would could sell them for around €40.

I subsequently checked the Toyota website ,to find that brake fluid change cost listed at 49 euro.When I went to pick up the car,I was told by the Service Manager that web site price was incorrect and that he had sent a mail to Toyota. Anyway I was charged the full price.Does anyone know what my rights are in these circumstances.

You paid, you accepted the charge. Nothing to be done.

I`m really dissappointed with Dealer and Toyota,any suggestions where I go from here ?

Don't be with Toyota. You've been burned by chancers...

Write to the dealer and to Toyota how disapointed you are with the service you've received. And don't step your foot in said dealership ever again.

CoBo55 · 21-02-2019 11:11pm

grogi wrote: »

Stay away from that dealer.

In the Prius the brakes work much less than in a regular car and as result the brake fluid ages much slower. In mine 10 year old it still was in order. When enquired the dealer, the price was €49 as advertised...

I also don't know what type of gold the air filter they put in is made from... Air filter job is typically not longer than 15 minutes, and the filter itself is ~€15 (exp. ), so dealer would could sell them for around €40.

You paid, you accepted the charge. Nothing to be done.

Don't be with Toyota. You've been burned by chancers...

Write to the dealer and to Toyota how disapointed you are with the service you've received. And don't step your foot in said dealership ever again.

Using the brakes doesn't age the fluid, brake fluid absorbs water, this water can cause many problems in abs units, it also lowers the boiling point of the fluid which can be extremely dangerous and cause brake failure.

Toyotafanboi · 21-02-2019 11:11pm

grogi wrote: »

In the Prius the brakes work much less than in a regular car and as result the brake fluid ages much slower. In mine 10 year old it still was in order. When enquired the dealer, the price was €49 as advertised...

Don't be with Toyota. You've been burned by chancers...

Is the thing with brake fluid that it's hygroscopic so it ages regardless of mileage and usage, that's why it's on a time based interval not mileage, it probably is a maintenance item after 24 months. That said I've never had the brake fluid changed in any of my cars and I've never died but if I had a fairly new car I'd do it for the sake of keeping the records right if nothing else.

Isn't there also an incentive to stay in the dealer network for servicing in that they will extend the battery warranty up to 8 or 10 years or something once you maintain a dealer history?

Maybe try a different dealer next year.

grogi · 21-02-2019 11:18pm

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

Is the thing with brake fluid that it's hygroscopic so it ages regardless of mileage and usage, that's why it's on a time based interval not mileage, it probably is a maintenance item after 24 months.

I know. But in Prius it never even get's hot, which slows down the water absorbtion. With mine, after many years of service the water contents was still below the warning threshold.

Isn't there also an incentive to stay in the dealer network for servicing in that they will extend the battery warranty up to 8 or 10 years or something once you maintain a dealer history?

You need to perform addtional hybrid battery test every year to get that - it's not part of standard servicing...

CoBo55 · 21-02-2019 11:36pm

grogi wrote: »

I know. But in Prius it never even get's hot, which slows down the water absorbtion. With mine, after many years of service the water contents was still below the warning threshold.

You need to perform addtional hybrid battery test every year to get that - it's not part of standard servicing...

All brake fluid gets hot that's how a brake works, those fluid testers are completely unreliable and testing at the highest point in the system is even more inaccurate as the absorbed water makes its way to the lowest parts of the system. Open a bleed nipple pump out some fluid and test it, you can actually see the water sometimes if the fluid is old. For the sake of 50 euro I wouldn't take the chance. I had the pedal go to the floor in a classic car once caused by a mildly binding brake + old fluid which boiled in the wheel cylinder, I still get the shivers thinking about it.

dodderangler · 21-02-2019 11:37pm

Always baffled me when I worked in Toyota as a mechanic how they charge so much for brake fluid change when it literally takes 15-20 mins.
Seen clutches on Yaris been replaced in less than 2 hours and they charge ridiculous labour.

zilog_jones · 22-02-2019 11:06am

grogi wrote: »

You need to perform addtional hybrid battery test every year to get that - it's not part of standard servicing...

The €160 for a service should include the Hybrid Health Check.

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

Is the thing with brake fluid that it's hygroscopic so it ages regardless of mileage and usage, that's why it's on a time based interval not mileage, it probably is a maintenance item after 24 months. That said I've never had the brake fluid changed in any of my cars and I've never died but if I had a fairly new car I'd do it for the sake of keeping the records right if nothing else.

Never changing is bad - it's made a massive difference for me in the past with old cars, the brakes were very spongy in comparison before changing the fluid. And it's in emergency situations when bad fluid will let you down even more.

But 2 years seems excessive? I would have expected 4-5 years to be a more typical interval.

Isn't there also an incentive to stay in the dealer network for servicing in that they will extend the battery warranty up to 8 or 10 years or something once you maintain a dealer history?

Nope - you can bring it into a dealer just for the Hybrid Health Check for €50, and that will extend the warranty up to 10 years. I do this, and service my Prius myself.

grogi · 22-02-2019 12:35pm

zilog_jones wrote: »

The €160 for a service should include the Hybrid Health Check.

In that case there is no point really to do basic servicing of those cars outside of the dealers network. I don't know if you'd get basic service for much less than €110 if you still want to go to Toyota to do hybrid battery check...

zilog_jones · 22-02-2019 1:28pm

For DIY it can be cheaper, though I had to buy several new tools the first time... and then have since broken one of said tools (oil filter removal thing). It'll eventually be cheaper for me

grogi · 22-02-2019 1:35pm

zilog_jones wrote: »

For DIY it can be cheaper, though I had to buy several new tools the first time... and then have since broken one of said tools (oil filter removal thing). It'll eventually be cheaper for me

You broke a screwdriver?! When I was into DIY (cannot be bothered anymore apart from extremely simple tasks, such as air filter), I would just punch the filter through...

zilog_jones · 22-02-2019 3:24pm

I guess you haven't changed one in a while! With modern oil filter designs, the housing is re-used and you only replace the paper cartridge inside - no more single-use metal cans, and brutality is no longer an option.

Basically, I need a 64mm socket for this one.

ELM327 · 22-02-2019 3:31pm

zilog_jones wrote: »

I guess you haven't changed one in a while! With modern oil filter designs, the housing is re-used and you only replace the paper cartridge inside - no more single-use metal cans, and brutality is no longer an option. Basically, I need a 64mm socket for this one.

In fairness I remember being very surprised the first time I bought a filter and it wasn't in a can.

If you only have bangers and this is your first new-ish car then it's not unusual to not know these things.

w211 · 22-02-2019 3:37pm

The cartridge type of oil filters are great. You can see what ... you actually using.

0lddog · 22-02-2019 8:29pm

zilog_jones wrote: »

.......Basically, I need a 64mm socket for this one.

Thanks Zilog ! I never knew such things existed.

I've been using

which I bought in the mid 80's. I think a 64mm socket will be much easier ot use

blackbox · 22-02-2019 10:45pm

zilog_jones wrote: »

I guess you haven't changed one in a while! With modern oil filter designs, the housing is re-used and you only replace the paper cartridge inside - no more single-use metal cans, and brutality is no longer an option. Basically, I need a 64mm socket for this one.

Modern? This is reverting to what was used before cartridge filters were introduced.

The Satanist · 23-02-2019 12:46am

lob020 wrote: »

I`m really dissappointed with Dealer and Toyota,any suggestions where I go from here ?

Is the dealer on the northside of Dublin, north-east to be specific? I'd recommend going to another one, either in west Dublin or south Dublin; Carroll and Kinsella Blackrock or Long Mile are good to deal with.

lob020 · 23-02-2019 11:16am

The Satanist wrote: »

Is the dealer on the northside of Dublin, north-east to be specific? I'd recommend going to another one, either in west Dublin or south Dublin; Carroll and Kinsella Blackrock or Long Mile are good to deal with.

It's actually 1of the above mentioned.I just checked website and price for brake fluid change has not been altered,so if it's an error why has it not been corrected.I have written to Toyota Ireland and dealer,no response so far
BTW cost of brake fluid is about 15 euro so they are charging about 85 euro for labour and according to another poster that takes 15/20 mins ,nice work if you can get it
Thanks for all contribution s so far

tcawley29 · 23-02-2019 1:46pm

lob020 wrote: »

It's actually 1of the above mentioned.I just checked website and price for brake fluid change has not been altered,so if it's an error why has it not been corrected.I have written to Toyota Ireland and dealer,no response so far
BTW cost of brake fluid is about 15 euro so they are charging about 85 euro for labour and according to another poster that takes 15/20 mins ,nice work if you can get it
Thanks for all contribution s so far

A few posts to their facebook profile wouldn't be long getting the attention this deserves.

w211 · 23-02-2019 2:23pm

tcawley29 wrote: »

A few posts to their facebook profile wouldn't be long getting the attention this deserves.

Sure, here you can not be too negative or mods will erase the text. On facebook you can say what every you think about one or other company/service.

lob020 · 04-03-2019 9:07pm

Update
Still no reply from Toyota Ireland or Main Dealer,and I thought Toyota had such a good reputation for Customer Service
Posted negative comment on Facebook page also
I guess next step is Consumer affairs,any other suggestions appreciated

Toyotafanboi · 04-03-2019 9:29pm

w211 wrote: »

Sure, here you can not be too negative or mods will erase the text. On facebook you can say what every you think about one or other company/service.

We don't delete anything that can be demonstrated as factual. If we left up every negative review that had no foundation of proof, someone would have taken boards to the cleaners already and then you'd have nowhere to go to tell people how you think they should fix their cars.

Ranting on Facebook is generally a sure fire way to get no results. If you want to seriously discuss it, go in and speak to the manager (again).

uncle_sam_ie · 04-03-2019 11:13pm

When did you buy the car? I thought all new Toyota's come with a free 3 year service. https://www.toyota.ie/current-offers/toyota-offers.json

"3 Years Servicing as Standard
When you buy a 191 Toyota you will receive 3 years servicing as standard! That is peace of mind motoring for 3 years, knowing that your servicing costs are covered."

"This offer is limited to Toyota passenger vehicles sourced only from Toyota Ireland, purchased from a main Toyota Dealer in the Republic of Ireland on all new Toyota passenger cars ordered and registered from the 1st July 2018. "

lob020 · 04-03-2019 11:37pm

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

When did you buy the car? I thought all new Toyota's come with a free 3 year service. https://www.toyota.ie/current-offers/toyota-offers.json

"3 Years Servicing as Standard
When you buy a 191 Toyota you will receive 3 years servicing as standard! That is peace of mind motoring for 3 years, knowing that your servicing costs are covered."

"This offer is limited to Toyota passenger vehicles sourced only from Toyota Ireland, purchased from a main Toyota Dealer in the Republic of Ireland on all new Toyota passenger cars ordered and registered from the 1st July 2018. "

It's a 161 car,not covered by 3 year's free service, anyway standard service does not include brake fluid change as far as I know
It's a great car,just so disappointed with Toyota

corks finest · 05-03-2019 3:53pm

lob020 wrote: »

Update
Still no reply from Toyota Ireland or Main Dealer,and I thought Toyota had such a good reputation for Customer Service
Posted negative comment on Facebook page also
I guess next step is Consumer affairs,any other suggestions appreciated

Write a letter on the Irish Times,get plenty of attention then

kermitpwee · 06-03-2019 12:29am

lob020 wrote: »

It's a 161 car,not covered by 3 year's free service, anyway standard service does not include brake fluid change as far as I know
It's a great car,just so disappointed with Toyota

How many kilometres on car?
Was it the 2nd service or 3rd or 4th?
Brake fluid is to be changed every 2nd service on the prius. The cabin filter and air filter are to be done as well.

Mervyn Skidmore · 06-03-2019 12:54am

The wife's 161 yaris hybrid is due a service in April. Are we better off getting the 2 year €299 offer?

Stallingrad · 06-03-2019 10:58am

You were certainly overcharged, but as you agreed to the work there is little you can do.

I recently asked a Skoda dealer for a cost for job, was given one price. When I showed them the online price on the Skoda website for the same job which was a good deal cheaper, he simply said he would match that.

Bit of an odd practice but the lesson here is to check the price online and ensure the dealer can match it before the work goes ahead.

06-03-2019 9:56pm

grogi wrote: »

zilog_jones wrote: »

For DIY it can be cheaper, though I had to buy several new tools the first time... and then have since broken one of said tools (oil filter removal thing). It'll eventually be cheaper for me

You broke a screwdriver?! When I was into DIY (cannot be bothered anymore apart from extremely simple tasks, such as air filter), I would just punch the filter through...

Ive seen lads drive a screwdriver through the filter only to realise they got the wrong replacement filter

06-03-2019 9:59pm

Stallingrad wrote: »

You were certainly overcharged, but as you agreed to the work there is little you can do.

I recently asked a Skoda dealer for a cost for job, was given one price. When I showed them the online price on the Skoda website for the same job which was a good deal cheaper, he simply said he would match that.

Bit of an odd practice but the lesson here is to check the price online and ensure the dealer can match it before the work goes ahead.

Can you book it online with them for the cheaper price ?

lob020 · 07-03-2019 6:32pm

Mervyn Skidmore wrote: »

The wife's 161 yaris hybrid is due a service in April. Are we better off getting the 2 year €299 offer?

Yes definitely the 299 offer is a no brainer ,as it includes brake fluid change,I would have gone for that ,but the nice people in the service dept said I couldn't opt for it on the day
I'm definitely gonna write to consumer affairs and the papers on matter of principal

DublinDilbert · 18-03-2019 9:42pm

lob020 wrote: »

Yes definitely the 299 offer is a no brainer ,as it includes brake fluid change,I would have gone for that ,but the nice people in the service dept said I couldn't opt for it on the day
I'm definitely gonna write to consumer affairs and the papers on matter of principal

I was quoted €290 for the main service not ~€225 (price from Toyota service). When I asked the difference was told they do lots of checks, which is BS. They said a number of times that the lower price would just be for a 1 year old car, which again is rubbish. I've had the car for 6 years I'm familiar with Toyota services, one big and one small. The service pack is ok value at €299. Sounds like the same dealer as mentioned above.

w211 · 18-03-2019 10:40pm

After the warranty there is no any reason to use their services anymore. Yes they try to keep you on the hook to make some long term warranties like a body. Soon as the main warranty are out, just go to the alternative options. The cheaper does not mean the bad option. Some cheap options can be even better than dealer ever can offer. At the moment you get basically nothing by that 299. The oil and filters what they use on your car cost less than 29.99eur. For worker another 29.99eur and the rest of the money are pure profit. Is it good value?

DublinDilbert · 18-03-2019 11:53pm

w211 wrote: »

After the warranty there is no any reason to use their services anymore. Yes they try to keep you on the hook to make some long term warranties like a body. Soon as the main warranty are out, just go to the alternative options. The cheaper does not mean the bad option. Some cheap options can be even better than dealer ever can offer. At the moment you get basically nothing by that 299. The oil and filters what they use on your car cost less than 29.99eur. For worker another 29.99eur and the rest of the money are pure profit. Is it good value?

Well @ €299 for 2 services, it works out at €150 each. I've gotten quotes of other places for a service and all came in around that. Plus there's a couple of recalls which are due. Also they will wash/clean the car also.

I've no problem servicing cars have always done it, rebuilt engines, rebuilt ECUs you name it i've done it. But by the time i would buy the oil, filter and the toyota oil filter removal tool i would be out €60-€70. Take an hour of my time, plus i'd still need to leave it in to have the recalls done.

Guy:Incognito · 19-03-2019 12:35am

Ive worked in motor factors. There are certainly some very good independents. You need to do your homework though.

Most of them bought either 5w30 or 10w40 in whatever was cheap. That covered every car.

w211 · 19-03-2019 1:41am

Guy:Incognito wrote: »

Ive worked in motor factors. There are certainly some very good independents. You need to do your homework though.

Most of them bought either 5w30 or 10w40 in whatever was cheap. That covered every car.

Dirt cheap are recycled oil and that are on Irish/EU market. It are mixed by regular oil and off it goes. Nobody ever ask any question what oil was filled. If somebody ask then answer are always the same "Factory spec".

CoBo55 · 19-03-2019 1:04pm

w211 wrote: »

Dirt cheap are recycled oil and that are on Irish/EU market. It are mixed by regular oil and off it goes. Nobody ever ask any question what oil was filled. If somebody ask then answer are always the same "Factory spec".

My God you spout some ****e but this post is your best yet:mad::mad:. You're really starting to get on wick. Where do you work? Just asking so people will know where not to go;)

w211 · 19-03-2019 1:57pm

CoBo55 wrote: »

My God you spout some ****e but this post is your best yet:mad::mad:. You're really starting to get on wick. Where do you work? Just asking so people will know where not to go;)

What is your the real account name, because the current one looks to me the multi-troll account?

Toyotafanboi · 19-03-2019 2:06pm

w211 wrote: »

What is your the real account name, because the current one looks to me the multi-troll account?

That's not for you to decide. If you have an issue, report the post.

Toyotafanboi · 19-03-2019 2:11pm

w211 wrote: »

After the warranty there is no any reason to use their services anymore. Yes they try to keep you on the hook to make some long term warranties like a body. Soon as the main warranty are out, just go to the alternative options. The cheaper does not mean the bad option. Some cheap options can be even better than dealer ever can offer. At the moment you get basically nothing by that 299. The oil and filters what they use on your car cost less than 29.99eur. For worker another 29.99eur and the rest of the money are pure profit.Is it good value?

Those figures are indicative of nothing.

You are right though, the cost price of the service is less than the retail price, that's how good businesses work.

There are many reasons to continue using a dealer after your warranty is expired. Or at the very least getting a quote from them and making your own informed decision and not just taking a one size fits all post as gospel according to the internet.

Guy:Incognito · 19-03-2019 2:29pm

It's also disingenuous to say everything after buying the parts and paying the mechanic is pure profit. The building didnt just materialise and it doesn't provide free energy and upkeep.
Service advisors dont work for free, nor do parts people. They are all involved in the chain , where they wont be with a couple of lads working on their own.

The "big fancy showroom ****ers can at least give me a courtesy car " attitude adds cost too.
Everything down to providing workwear and ppe for the mechanic costs money.

People going on like businesses are evil for adding a profit margin is ridiculous. That's how businesses work. The independent is doing it too. No one is operating a charity servicing cars.

tcawley29 · 19-03-2019 2:31pm

w211 wrote: »

What is your the real account name, because the current one looks to me the multi-troll account?

are you actually PowerPants?

CoBo55 · 19-03-2019 9:54pm

Guy:Incognito wrote: »

It's also disingenuous to say everything after buying the parts and paying the mechanic is pure profit. The building didnt just materialise and it doesn't provide free energy and upkeep.
Service advisors dont work for free, nor do parts people. They are all involved in the chain , where they wont be with a couple of lads working on their own.

The "big fancy showroom ****ers can at least give me a courtesy car " attitude adds cost too.
Everything down to providing workwear and ppe for the mechanic costs money.

People going on like businesses are evil for adding a profit margin is ridiculous. That's how businesses work. The independent is doing it too. No one is operating a charity servicing cars.

Exactly.

CoBo55 · 19-03-2019 9:58pm

w211 wrote: »

What is your the real account name, because the current one looks to me the multi-troll account?

That's the best written post I've seen from you, well done, get a milsean from the can.

Toyota Prius service charges

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