I've had my 2010 since 2012 and 53,000 miles. It now has 242,000. Not so long ago I replaced the intake manifold, EGR valve and cleaned out the EGR cooler to be like new. Things were fine for a while. Well, it's doing the shimmy and rattle at start up again and occasionally shuttering under light acceleration. Hope it's not the tranny. I'll probably pull the EGR off and take a gander at it, but it has less than 10,000 miles on it, who knows. Anyways, I am considering looking at something in the 2020 range. Is there anyone who knows which of the newer generations are the least problematic? Or, maybe better said, as reliable and long lasting as my 2010? Also, I need the same amount of space with the rear seats down which seems to eliminate the newest generations from consideration. Any help or direction would be appreciated. Thanks,
Are you loosing engine coolant? Kinda sounds like the head gasket has failed. It's extremely unlikely the transmission is bad. The Gen 4 has less issues.... So I've heard anyways. Depends on who you chat/talk with. And what you believe.
The latest thing is using the detuned Camry engine an MA or AM . Timing chain engine from Camry detuned for Prius duty . Once they regularly start pegging over 200,000 I'll be looking at until not so much . The power plant has to prove itself for me to buy it and then the interior and chassis are welp cheap not to. Keep type stuff.
What are you talking about when you say "engine from Camry detuned for Prius duty"? The latest dual injection 2.5L used in Camry and Rav4 hybrids? Into a Prius?
Coolant is still in the reservoir. I guess the 2010 was notorious for head gaskets. I've never replaced it.
It doesn't take much. Using a bore scope in cylinders 1 and 2 with pressure on the cooling system might show coolant leaking into the cylinders. 387,000 plus miles on my 2010. I replaced the head gasket at 301,000 miles....
We have two Gen 4's, 2017 and 2021 and both have been boring for this DIYer! (I have to rely on our 2008's to get to do any of the fun stuff.) Seriously, though, don't limit your search to the Prius....the Corolla and Camry Hybrids are, also, excellent! And even a late-model Avalon Hybrid. (My co-worker has one....rides as smooth as a Lexus!)
I'm not exactly sure, but a search may reveal when toyota started installing the redesigned exhaust pipe coolant heat exchanger. might have been around 2020. up until then, there's a potential for a leak and blown head gasket: MC-10166037-9999.pdf tsb-coolant-leakage-at-front-exhaust-pipe-prius-prius-prime.211059 gen-4-prius-care-maintenance-and-troubleshooting.155
I appreciate the sentiment, but it has to be a Prius as it is a company vehicle and the amount of storage in the rear area with the seats down was not reduced (from what I have been told) the body style of 2021 and later. It's remarkable how much stuff I carry in that car!
So you're saying that the start up rattle and shake is potentially the head gasket? I thought it had to do with the EGR? Was it a PITA to replace?
It's a common issue. Without doing a coolant system pressure test and a bore scope in each cylinder, where you can see coolant leaking, you won't know for certain. Check the coolant level when the engine is cold, like sitting overnight. Then try to park it in the same place over night again. Or when you get fuel. If you see that the coolant is slightly lower each time, or close, then likely, it's a failed head gasket. It's no harder than on a non hybrid car. It will depend on what tools you have and your skill level. The trickiest part is getting the timing chain cover back on. It's not hard, you can force it. You just kinda "place" it on. Then get all the bolts in and tightened. It's easy to get the timing chain on because there are 3 colored links to set the chain in place. Ease in the timing chain tensioner in place, rotate the engine backward a little bit, and slowly to release it. Rotate the engine close wise two complete turn and check the timing marks.
I have the skills. I used to do a lot with cars back in the day. It's certainly been a minute, but can look up torque patterns, specs and what have you. I'll mark the coolant and see it she's drinking it. If so, I could save myself a lot of money by just doing the gasket. Maybe get another 50K out of it. I'm still on the original hybrid battery. A service manager at our local dealer said that 2020 and below should have the same amount of space in the rear with the seats down. That's really the kicker for me, at least for the next five years or so. That, and the newer ones have a lot of nice features like blue tooth calling, less road noise, etc. etc. He also said that the 2020 should have the least amount of problems? IDK. Mine is an old rattle trap, but does the job.
Then you can certainly do the head gasket! Do it BEFORE it gets bad, and possibly warp the head. But, always check it with a straight edge. And replace the valve guide seals. You will need a smaller valve spring compressor. Mine was too big, but I had a washer I placed over the retainer washer, but it slipped and one retainer went shooting off! I eventually found it! Lay the head on a level bench and spray some WD40(or other light oil) on the valve so it covers the whole seat. Wait 15 minutes or so then carefully lift the head and check to make sure all the valves are seating correctly and there are no leaks. If any are leaking, seat them all in. I have 86,000 plus miles on my replacement head gasket. Get the FULL head gasket kit from Toyota, and head bolts. If you're a veteran, they usually give you a 10% discount.
