Dear Tom and Ray:

I'm really excited about the brand-new 2004 gas-electric hybrid Toyota Prius. The reviews and mileage look great. But what about service? I've used my friendly around-the-corner shop for all of my maintenance for the past 10 years. If I were to purchase a new Prius, would I need to start driving to the Toyota dealer across town for service? -- Timothy

Tom: Sometimes, yes. You'd certainly want to go to the dealer for warranty work. And there will also be some stuff on the new Prius that your corner shop just won't be familiar with.

Ray: For instance, if the engine-management system that balances the demands on the gas engine and battery motor goes on the fritz, you won't want Butchie, down at the corner gas station, to be whacking the thing with his tire iron.

Tom: But for lots of other stuff, your around-the-corner guy will do just fine. After all, this car has tires, brakes, shocks, suspension pieces, an exhaust system, doors, headlights and lots of other stuff that all cars have. So, you can stay close to home for your regular maintenance, like brake jobs and oil changes.

Ray: And for those special occasions, you can dress up in your Sunday best and head across town, Timothy, and indulge in the free coffee in the dealer's waiting room. See how the other half lives.

© 2008 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Get your question answered.
Search our humungous column database now.

[ Latest | Previous | Next | Random | Search | Browse ]