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[Scott Chilcote <scottchilcote AT earthlink.net>]

tkarches AT imapmail.org wrote:
> We just purchased a new Toyota Prius, and I'm not particularly 
> interested in driving from Cary to the other side of Raleigh for routine 
> maintenance.
>
> Any recommendations?
>
> Thanks,
> Tom

Hi Tom,

I bought my 2002 Prius at Toyota of Durham, but do not take it back 
there anymore for a couple of reasons.  The first is that when I removed 
their dealer advertising ersatz license plate from my front bumper, I 
discovered that they'd installed it using something like air hammer. 
the holes were gouged through the bumper cover leaving torn plastic and 
scratches.  Unfortunately I didn't think to check it for several weeks. 
 The two letters I wrote complaining about the damage went ignored.

The other problem is that ToD has an odd Cattle Run sort of car repair 
process, (or at least they used to, I haven't been back).  You drive 
your car there, pull up to what can be a very long line of vehicles 
sitting and idling, and wait until you get to the entrance of their 
garage.  Then a mechanic comes out and takes the car from you.

I had to leave my car there for several hours once for a battery 
maintenance bulletin repair.  I wanted to park my car, give them the 
keys and leave, but they said I had to sit in the car until it got to 
the front of the line.  There were many cars waiting.  My wife and I 
were both an hour and a half late for work that day.

The only time I've been to Fred Anderson for repair, it was a much more 
pleasant experience.  Pulled in behind three cars, surrendered my keys 
without waiting.  They have a *nice* waiting area with coffee, 
refreshments,  broadband and HDTV.  I brought my laptop and worked while 
I waited.

I thought I was going to get soaked to pay for all the goodies, but the 
cost of that visit was quite reasonable.  Part of it was covered by 
another service bulletin (replace controller chip), so I may not be so 
lucky next time.

Enjoy the car, mine's been the best so far.

Scott C.