Continued from part 15
Joe of Redwood City CA (08/08/06)
In 2004 we purchased a Toyota Prius and Long Term Maintenance Plan which we were told covered regular maintenance items. At our 30,000 mile checkup we were told we should probably have our AC filter replaced (which should be checked every 15K). When informed that it was not part of our regular maintenance plan we were confused since they told us it should be regularly checked and replaced if necessary.

Verbally we were told one thing, and the fine print in the contract said another. The Service Dept. admitted that the front desk often does things like that. Obviously, neither of these two things are taped and are just a matter of hearsay or our misunderstanding, unless it can be determined that this is regularly done.

However, we told them not to inspect and/or install the AC filter, for which they wanted $89. I checked online, found directions and testimonies that it was a ten minute process. We ordered two filters for $10 plus $8 shipping, downloaded installation instructions, and my wife and I installed the filter in about 5 minutes through the glovebox.

Since we have had in the past a pretty good relationship with Toyota 101 in Redwood City, and since we still have a service maintenance agreement with them, we do not want to jeopardize our relationship with them, but this verbal misrepresentation (if it's common with other customers) and the overcharging ought to be reported. You may bring it to their attention keeping us anonymous, or investigate the matter yourselves.


Gary Los Angeles CA (08/02/06)
My 2005 Toyota Prius has worn through three sets of high quality Goodyear 80,000 mile tires in less than 60,000. The alignment has been checked regularly by Goodyear and the wheels are properly aligned. I am now on my fourth set of tires.

Dianne of Santa Fe NM (05/26/06)
I had stopped my 2005 Toyota Prius at our cluster mailboxes . I put the car in PARK and got out of the car. I went over to the mailbox and unlocked it took out the mail and re-locked the box. I then went to my daughters box, next to mine , unlocked it . I then noticed my Prius was rolling backwards and passed me. I ran after the car , opened the passenger door jumped in the car and stomped on the brake. The car was stopped just as we ran into a tree. I was very glad that my grand-daughter wasn't in the car when it started rolling . The car was in neutral at the time I stopped it. I then put it in drive to move it out of the trees.

The car front fender and the door was dented. The dealership said that it couldn't be the car's fault. The insurance company said that since another driver was not invlved in the accident they would probasbly have to put a sur-charge on our insurance.

Donald of Fallbrook CA (05/19/06)
Cost to remove a dead mouse from air conditioning duct starts at a flat fee of $92 and can go higher.

This all could have been avoided if the Prius had a simple screen over the place where fresh air is gathered just below the forward windshield inside the plastic cover.

There was a very foul odor in the cabin of the car until the mouse dried up sufficiently not to smell. This is a design defect and the dealer should fix it for free.

Judith of Beaverton OR (05/06/06)
I have had my Prius now for 1 1/2 years  and the closest I have come to 60 mpg is 48.4 mpg on 5/28. I keep an accurate account of the date I fill my car, the milage, and the mpg I am getting.

I added up all my mpg's which totaled 1494.4 and divided that by the 36 times I have put gas in my car (it has around 13,000 miles right now) and this averages aobut 41.51 mpg. That is way below the promised 60.

I asked the dealership here in Oregon about the 60 mpg  and I was told  it never happens.

I asked how Toyota could advertise this low amount of fuel usage  and she said  they just can. Well, I love my car, but I also want to know why I paid so much extra, waited so long, and I am not getting much better than your regular small vehicle that isn't a hybred?

I await your answer, because I know I am not alone in this. Also, like many , I don't get the topsy turvy gas milage. Toyota says the Prius should do better with city driving over highway driving. So, not true - the milage is better on the highway.

I have written Toyota, but I do not expect a good explaination. Perhaps a class action suit is in order. I love my Prius, but I would like the 60 mpg.

Brian of Perry GA (04/24/06)
The first set of tires on my 2000 Prius went out after 20,000 miles. My wife just had a flat tire and the inside wall above the tread is worn through to the steel.

Thankfully there was not a blow out at a high rate of speed.

 

Jason of North Andover MA (03/27/06)
An oil change was performed on my Toyota Prius hybrid car. Prior to releasing my car to their care, I asked the technician if he was experienced and familiar with hybrid cars, and he informed me that he was.

The oil tank was overfilled due to the technician "topping off" the tank. The technician claims this is a common practice (on a hybrid engine system, this is extremely detrimental, calling into question his true experience with this type of car). Oil then flowed into the car's intake manifold and contaminated the air flow sensor.

The station owner, despite his technician admitting to "topping off" the tank, refuses to cover the damages to my car. The dealer has put into writing the cause of the damage (this and all other related paperwork was provided to the Gulf station owner) and has offered to speak with the Gulf station to inform them of their error.

I offered to defer further action, legal or otherwise, if the Gulf station covered the charges, but they have insisted that the overfilling of the tank was done by someone else after I left.

This resulted in necessary repairs performed by the dealer costing me $418.67. Necessary work included cleaning my intake manifold and air flow sensor, and re-changing the oil.

David of North Hollywood CA (03/14/06)
I have a 2004 Prius with 20,000 miles. Three of the four tires have to be replaced due to tread wear.

The dealer informed me that this is due to driving conditions. After reviewing this site, it appears the problem is not "driving conditions" but more of a faulty product.

Deborah of Louisville KY (11/17/05)
I feel there was false advertising by Toyota is stating there was 50 miles per gallon on the highway and 60 miles per hour in the city driving my Toyota Prius hybrid. They jacked up the price $8,000 from sticker stating it was a car hard to come buy and that was their price and I would actually save money on gas.

After six months of tracking, the best mileage I ever got was 43 miles per gallon. Most often my mileage is between 30-36 miles per gallon which is no better than cars I have had in the past. I am very disappointed in your fraudulent advertising and the money I have shelled out only to be disappointed.

This article was copied from Consumeraffairs dot com