Lifetime Brakes & Special Oil?

Last year, approximately Aug 2007, at 75,000 miles, I took my car into the dealer for different issues. But while I was there, I asked if it wasn't time for me to get my brakes done. The service representative told me that they were ceramic brakes and would last the life of the car. NEVER needed to be changed. I was stunned but relieved that I didn't have to worry about this additional expense.

Today, once again, I took my Prius in to the dealership- the dashboard lights went on and upon referencing the manual- the translation for the symbols- take your car to the dealer immediately. I just received a phone call from the Toms River Toyota Service Dept and he laughed when I said the last service person told me that the brakes were for the life of the car. He also told me that the last oil change we had (we took it somewhere else) that they put in the "wrong kind of oil" and that it spilled all over the car and that that was what was causing the dashboard lights to go on. He implied that this may have caused damage and would try to change the oil and spark plugs and hope that the lights on the dashboard go off.

Obviously, since I've gotten two VERY different answers from the same dealership, I am concerned. I love my Prius but I feel somehow I got a lemon. This car had to have the battery replaced during the warranty period and the dealership implied that I was abusing the car. To say that I am an unhappy customer is an understatement.

Anyone with similar experience or anyone that can refute what I'm being told?

I'm sorry you're unhappy. I couldn't be happier with the two Prius we have. Let me address both your substantive issues, I can't tell you about the dealers/service people you've been to see. Few dealers or service providers have excellent reputations.

Brakes: Since regenerative braking slows you down to about 7 mph, your friction brakes don't have to work very hard, but they are still mechanical friction brakes so they will wear, depending on how you drive. It's easily possible that after 75K miles your brakes were still fine, but they aren't ceramic. Since checking the brake pad wear is just a visual inspection, at least for the front disks, your brakes are probably checked every oil change.

Oil: The maintenance "Passport" that comes with your car, as well as the instruction manual, specify the grade and weight of oil to use, if you choose something else, you take your own chances, but oil itself, unless it is really out of spec, is unlikely to damage anything. You're more likely to notice lower fuel efficiency. Since the Prius Internal Combustion Engine only runs part of the time, is spun up to about 1000 rpm without load to start, and is run in a fairly optimum speed range, it too has a fairly easy life. Where people run into problems with oil is when the crank case is over filled. An overfilled ICE can cause the oil to mist up and be pulled into the intake and through the throttle. The sensor which tells the computer how much air the engine is getting can get fouled, as can the throttle, causing all kinds of lights on the dash.

The Prius takes 3.9 quarts of oil, most oilers put in 4, some more, which can cause problems. Many people who change their own oil use 3.5 quarts, which puts the oil level about 1/4" under the full mark, but still in the normal range. They find they get better MPG since the ICE isn't having to push around excess oil. Checking your oil level is pretty easy, instructions are in the manual. I always check after an oil change and even Toyota dealers frequently over fill slightly. If I remember to check in the lot before I leave, I make them take some out. If I forget and drive home and find it over filled, I use some aquarium air tubing and an irrigation syringe to pull out a few ounces.