u/Working5daysaWeek

Does anyone have a mechanical technician that specializes in hybrids that you absolutely love? Bonus points if it's Toyota hybrids. We're located in central MD, but if I have to schlep somewhere for someone great, I'm willing to do so.

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I drive a Prius that has been discontinued, and I want it to last as long as I can.

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Thanks!

Hi all - it's me again. New to me 2016 Prius V Five owner.

So...last night I replaced my reverse lights by myself. Felt like a boss 🤣🤣🤣

Got me thinking - what are some other DIY things I can do as a VERY non-mechanical person? I know how to change a tire, check my oil level. My spouse could show me how to change my own oil, but we are not permitted to do that where we live.

Looks like changing the cabin filter is pretty easy. What else y'all got? I want to make a list to research further.

Oh, and if the stupid part came from Amazon today, I plan on using the Dr. Prius app to turn off the reverse beeping. Big item on my To Do list for today.

Hi Fam -

I have owned my 2016 Prius V Five for less than a week. I got the Prius V bc it's a hybrid (duh), didn't want an SUV (I like small cars), but the crash-rated dog crates I own fit in the back. The doggos are athletes and we travel a bit. So when one came on the market, I jumped on it. Got it with 117K miles - no major issues. Hoping to have it for thousands and thousands of miles. I also got an extended warranty - four years, 48K miles.

Here's what I've learned from reading this sub:

1. The 2016 Prius V is a 3rd gen engine

2. There is a head gasket issue with Gen 3

3. All Prius' need to have their EGR cleaned, as well as the intake manifold.

4. Download the Dr. Prius app and buy the OBD scanner

5. Join prius chat

Here are my questions:

1. Most important - I am in MD. Does anyone have a mechanic that specializes in hybrid vehicles that you recommend? I saw one in NOVA, but that's a headache and a half away, even in a hybrid!

2. From reading, it seems to be reasonably inexpensive to replace a head gasket yourself, but expensive to do if paying someone. Dealership will be most expensive. Should I look at proactively replacing the HG, or wait until it's an issue? We can assume here that I would have to pay someone to do it.

3. Let's assume the EGR has never been cleaned (I saw some comments where it hadn't been done for 200K miles). Let's also assume that I'm not going to do it myself (seems timely, I'm not great with cars). When do you recommend I get it done?

4. What else does this newbie need to know?

So how many of us saw Mortal Kombat 2 over the weekend? Without spoilers, what did you think?

Full disclosure: All of my pets (no kids!) are named after MK characters, including some very obscure ones. So obviously I loved everything about it and am going to watch it in 4DX again next weekend.

Looking for recommendations for a landscaper to do a small job. I have a flower bed in the front and on the side of my porch. I live in a townhouse, so it's not going to be a big job.

I'd like to turn the flowerbed into a rock garden with a bird bath.

Recommendations welcome! Big plus for me if they are a local/small business.

Thanks!

The hits just keep on coming. Asked yesterday about pest management companies. Today, our HVAC company, Arundel Heating & Cooling, emailed to say that our annual service plan was being cancelled and we could sign up for a service plan that costs $30 more per year ($150 to $180).

So once again, looking for recommendations for local companies. I definitely prefer a locally owned small business, but with the way things are going, I'm happy to take recs for anyone who isn't increasing their costs.

Through Arundel, we got two preventative calls per year, plus a discount on any needed service call. Thankfully, we haven't had any issues and have only needed them for the bi-annual service.

Thank you!

Hi all -

We currently use American Pest (which absorbed All Star Pests) as our pest control service. Well today we got the "we have to increase prices" email. Nevermind that they only recently increased the price...so this will be increase #2. American Pest stated they have to increase the cost because they have taken on new employees.

Here's the kicker: They stated that if we put a card on file, they won't increase (#2 increase) for us! Since I absolutely despise when companies raise the cost on us, I'm looking for recommendations.

American Pest charges us $109 for quarterly service. They want to raise the price 6%, which will take our bill to around $115 per quarter.

Anyone have a pest control company they recommend?

Thanks!