These glass palaces cost money to build and to run and all the other services offered such as a coffee machine all cost money perhaps a more simple approach is needed but we put to great a value of main dealer service record.

Toyota servicing, on the major services, usually every other year, include a full brake strip clean and lube, i know they do the work too, not just charge for it, well the dealer i used certainly did all work thoroughly.

From threads here about brake problems it would seem other makes don't bother with brake maintenance other than disc and pad changes.

The pricey service on the Rav4 probably includes gear oil changes, Toyota major services often include gear oil renewals on the 4x4's, none of this sealed for life or 100k whichever comes first.

Whilst its fair to say the minor service will most likely be an oil change (is 0W-20 expensive) and inspection, i wonder if hybrids get put on the diagnostics and allow the computers to talk to each other whilst the mechanic is doing the oil and inspection.

Nope - any gear oil changes are extra!

Can independant garages service hybrids? I wonder if there are any specialist procedures needed on them.... anybody have experience of this? I ask as I can see me going down the hybrid route at some future point, at leasst for the main A to B primary barge.

I would as soon sleep with a cobra than entrust a hybid to some mechanics. The hamfisted are likely to screw something up... despite the simplicity of servicing.