Greetings, I have 2011 Prius II with a bit over 190k miles. So far, has been stellar, with basically only wheel bearings changed, other than routing wear and tear items. Recently, started having noise and vibration at highway speed felt in both steering wheel and throttle. Brought to private shop. They inspected everything, test drove, and told me it needs CVT replacement. I took it to another shop, they could not find anything to explain the noise and vibration, but also said it could be coming from the axle itself. The quote is about 6k for the new CVT from the shop. I would prefer to keep the car. Kids are going to be driving in a few years, and it would be a good car to start. I would love to keep it for another 100k. But have a few questions: 1. Is that a fair price for the new CVT? 2. I think manual says no CVT fluid replacement ever needed. I replaced at the dealer at 100k, and was planning another change at 200k. Should i change it more often? I drive carefully, no accidents, no abuse, always in eco mode. 3. What are statistical chances of the engine lasting another 100k on that car? 4. What is the approximate cost of new main battery? Ballpark. 5. For those who have this model with about that mileage or higher, what else should I expect in terms of major repairs? Thanks very much.
I'd do another AFT change, ask the mechanic that does it to look for metal chunks or glitter in the ATF. That would confirm a CVT issue. Also check the quantity of ATF that comes out, should be about 3.5 quarts. If less, you've sprung a leak or someone flubbed the original ATF change. IMHO, I wouldn't spend 6K to replace the CVT. These are very stout units and rarely fail. They're so reliable, that I wouldn't oppose to a good used unit to be installed. That should cost you less than half that quote. Hope this helps....
1. Is that a fair price for the new CVT? Way too much and 95% chance its not needed. This is a case where $200 for a dealer diagnosis would be worth it. After taking it to a good tire shop. If the dealer agreed it was the cvt (you don't say anything up front except vibration and noise) then I might have an independent put in a used transaxle. They rarely go bad. 2. I think manual says no CVT fluid replacement ever needed. I replaced at the dealer at 100k, and was planning another change at 200k. Should i change it more often? I drive carefully, no accidents, no abuse, always in eco mode. No 3. What are statistical chances of the engine lasting another 100k on that car? Head gaskets and high oil consumption usually cost plenty by 300k. Often by 200k. 4. What is the approximate cost of new main battery? Ballpark. $2500 if you shop and live in an average cost area. Often an independent can install the modules which have sold for as little as $1600. 5. For those who have this model with about that mileage or higher, what else should I expect in terms of major repairs? Odds are good a $2500 brake by wire "brake booster" will fail sometime before 300k. The head gasket could be $2k-$5k depending how bad the failure might be. If your budget allows fix the vibration (tires, axle, alignment, other wheel bearings or brakes) and drive it while considering a newer car in the next year. Others will suggest an egr overhaul which is about $1k at a dealer unless you have an advanced diy mechanic at your disposal. I would recommend a 2019 to 2025 Rav4 hybrid for mpg, size, better ride and better safety systems.
Kids wont make it to that Gen 3 unless starting to drive next week! These ain't Deddys Camry... CBT are laying all around these United States never to be sold . All those transmissions needed an engine behind them or in front of them to the side of them whatever the case may be I've got three here.
Sorry, dealerships won't do a used CVT replacement - You'll need to find a local Prius specialist. Have that specialist do a diagnostic, before spending that kind of money on that car. @rjparker , stated - there are better, more reliable alternatives than a 3nd gen Prius. IMHO, the gen3s are a bit of a problem child. Most newer, gas only, 4 cylinder cars will do 40 mpg easy nowadays, without the hassles and additional cost of the hybrid system. Probably cheaper to register, if your in one of those states that charge extra for hybrids & EV's.
