I am at 3,500 miles on my 2002 Prius and need to take it in for a check up. Is routine service and roadside assistance on the vehicle complementary (free) during the first three years. I want to be ready when if my dealer charges me.

The first scheduled service visit is 5000 miles under severe driving conditions -- 7500 under normal conditions. (If you're having problems, you can have it checked anytime.) <br>All of the above scheduled service visits would be gratis for the first 5 scheduled maintenance visits. The full Prius waranty is explaned in a booklet you rec'd with your car.<br><br>I believe if you want to move up (have one at 3500 miles) a scheduled service item, i.e. oil change, you simply use up one of the 5 free that comes with the car. I had my 1st oil change and tire rotation at 5000 miles - the balance will be at the 7500 mile interval, I think.<br><br>Hope you're not having problems,<br>Tony in WI

Hi Tony and thanks for your reply. The only "problem is my mileage has averaged 37.61 MPG over the life of the car so far. I check the tire pressure regularly but my trips are usually short hops of 3-5 miles with the heater on in the morning so I guess that is not unexpected. I do want them to check the allignment carefully and h=guess I will have to pay for that.<br><br>Al Smith

Well actually no you shouldn't have to pay for an alignment. Look in your warranty booklet and you'll find that alignment and wheel balance is covered under the Basic warranty for the first 12 months or 20,000 miles.

Thanks for pointing that out. I am going to read the warranty book again tonight.

I paid for the 3500 service because I thought 7500 was a long time for initial service for a brand new engine (oil change) I took it back for the 7500 service and use that schedule for future maintenance.

Hi Fake:<br><br>My local dealer simply counts up to 5 free oil changes, regardless of how often. <br><br>Today is the 1 year anniversary with my 2001 Super White. 10,500 mi and counting. Total spent on maintenance: $36. (I declined Toyota oil and bought Mobil One for 2 changes, every 5k.)<br><br>Re: Tires, 60% tread left on original Bridgestones. Running 5psi up from factory recommendations and rotate every 3000 mi. FYI.<br><br>-Michael<br>CA "01 Prius"

total spent on maintenance $19.00 so there. Yea the 7500 interval gets you me thru the 3 years and it seems to be fine - the oil is still looking fresh. Once again the new tires are very different then what was on my car. I can see now why people couldn't believe there was tire problems for us unlucky few. The old tires tires pumped to 40+ psi probably would feel similar to these new tires at 15 psi. (If this makes any sence)