I go in to Toyota dealership service the other day to have a general inspection done on my car. Seeing that I had the transmission fluid changed some years ago I knew it was due for another service. The service associate tells me "04 Prius transmissions are in a sealed system; the fluid doesn't get changed." I replied that's impossible as I've had it done in the past, and have seen plenty of videos online of it being done. He didn't budge.
After I get the inspection report back from another employee it read "transmission fluid dirty, service required." I informed this other service associate that they are all over the place with their facts.
Watch out for what dealership service departments tell you as they could definitely be helping contribute to the early demise of your car
"associate" means they know how to read pamphlets that's it. Don't take mechanical advice from them. In fact, just stay far away from dealerships.
Agreed but finding competent, trustworthy mechanics in my area who are qualified to work on hybrids has been a challenge (Ive found shops near me that are great with non- hybrids however).Example: my trusted local shop didn't seem to know that Prius tend to have issues with their combination meters over time, while the dealership knew right away.
Up until this incident I've had pretty good experiences with this dealership.
That's the downside of buying infant technologies like CVT and hybrids.
I am discovering that it's hard to find competent service in ANY industry today. If the 50's were the golden age, then we are in the age of idiots. You are pretty much on your own.
The service associate tells me "04 Prius transmissions are in a sealed system; the fluid doesn't get changed."
After I get the inspection report back from another employee it read "transmission fluid dirty, service required."
I informed this other service associate that they are all over the place with their facts.
Should‘ve also recommended he get a drug test.
Watch out for what dealership service departments tell you as they could definitely be helping contribute to the early demise of your car
You're not going to find any love for dealerships on this forum
The upside to dealers is that they are usually current on TSBs and recalls. Plus/minus is they generally only use OEM parts (usually good quality and correct fitment, but also usually way more expensive than aftermarket part of equal quality). Downside is they get tunnel vision, and fix things by recipe rather than critical thinking; a lot of times they just replace one part after another until the problem finally goes away (and why not, they have all the parts!).
In your case, I agree with the rationale to use the dealer, especially if there isn’t a good independent alternative in your area. Few people will know Toyota hybrid drive as well as a dealer.
But since you never know when your tech is gonna be a noob (or moron), I’d probably invest in a higher end scan tool and service manual (extensively discussed in the archives). Do as much diagnostics as you can before going in. And of course familiarize yourself with the maintenance schedule backwards and forwards. That way you can give them clear and specific guidance when you drop it off. Some of them might not like being told how to do their jobs, but most will realize you are helping them make you a “completely satisfied customer”.
I’d like to draw a distinction. It sounds like the guy you talked to, the associate, was the service advisor. They don’t know jack. They will say something isn’t necessary when it is, and they will push services that aren’t necessary.
The “tech” or mechanic, is the guy actually doing the work. Personally I find Toyota techs to be more honest (honest for dealership standards😂) than service advisors. But you hardly get to talk with the techs, unless you go out of your way to ask for one.
You usually get the middleman, the salesman, the service advisor.
I completely get the difference, except this advisor was telling me this right in front of one of the supposed Toyota certified technicians (mechanics) who was in agreement with him
They both appeared young..I'm assuming they simply didn't have much experience with the Prius..at least they now know. And surprisingly I've found this dealership service department to generally be honest. Only a few times did I feel like they were pushing something unnecessary on me (tires, etc). The main problem is they are definitely more expensive than the independent shops