My son has been using my 2014 Prius, and it's just shy of 200K miles. Basically, it died in the driveway about a month ago. We had it towed to the dealership, and they took 2 weeks to diagnose it. My son was told it needs a new short block, there was barely any coolant in the engine, cylinder 1 misfire and "probably more". 8 grand to fix. I obviously don't want to sink that much money into it. What are our viable options? Should we sell it for parts (which will require another tow but we have AAA)? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Common very common run Don't dillydally don't walk run quickly You don't want any part of this there are plenty of cars in the universe and all that kind of nonsense Don't even fool with this It's quite silly unless you can show me almost brand new looking 2014 whatever it is forget it these are not keepers never will be they're glorified taxi cabs maybe. Will be interesting to see what you will consider and eventually purchase.
You can get a remanufactured engine from the hybrid pit for less than $3000. Are you able to install it yourself? If not, find an independent shop that will do it for a LOT less than the dealership. You can also search for a used motor from Toyota, JDM? I just think of the name of them. Not sure if JDM is correct or not, but someone else will chime in. They are usually around $1500, and supposed to only have around 50,000 miles on them. I woulnd't get one from a junk yard, because you don't know what shape it's in.
See what an independent would charge? Short block and gasket kit (included head gasket), through Amayama: Buy Genuine Toyota 1140037140 (11400-37140) Block Assy, Short. Prices, fast shipping, photos, weight - Amayama Buy Genuine Toyota 0411137310 (04111-37310) Gasket Kit, Engine Overhaul. Prices, fast shipping, photos, weight - Amayama best to replace head bolts too. be sure to clean the EGR too, more info in my signature. Other links head gasket related. Last link is full engine section from repair manual. (On a phone turn it landscape to see signatures)
If no-one in your family knows how to work on cars, It's more economical to sell it for parts and recoup some if not all the diagnostic cost. Talk directly to the Toyota mechanic or place the car on Facebook market place or Craigslist as a parts only car. If the car is clean, the mechanic may buy it from you - cheap family transportation. I used to do that and give cars for cost to family and friends. On the other hand, new and used car cost are very high right now - so if you can budget for one vs a cheaper repair, Your choice.... You should be able to get at least $750 for it, in it's current condition. As long as the car isn't ratted out (rolling junk pile). No offense. Hope this helps...
i would sell it and buy a used corolla or similar. you're lucky to have gotten 200k before the first major expense, and the battery and brake actuator are still lurking...
Sounds like you got your money's worth. it's absolutely time to cut the cord on that one. Sell for parts if able or donate for a tax credit if that doesn't work. Good luck!
Referring to the original post here, Is it common for the Prius to die in the driveway like described or should there have been warning signals ahead of time? If yes to warnings, what would some of them have been?
Referring to the original post here, Is it common for the Prius to die in the driveway like described or should there have been warning signals ahead of time? If yes to warnings, what would some of them have been?
Sounds to me like the head gasket went bad, which is *normally* noticeable before it completely dies. Most noticeable sign would be rough starts, especially after sitting overnight (coolant leaks into the cylinder causing misfire). Also obviously your coolant level would be going down once the gasket starts leaking.
