Need Help - Rear frame near tyre rusted out/ Broken - Prius Gen 2 - 2004

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by KiranV, Sep 4, 2025 at 1:05 AM.

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  1. KiranV

    KiranV New Member

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    Hello,

    I got this car at 208K miles in 2023, now it is at 241K miles. The bottom frame is completely rusted out. I am not into DIY or mechanic related stuff - don't have the necessary tools as well. I am attaching photos shared by the mechanic - He says it is not drivable at this rate and dangerous to do so. I need your help if you're experienced in this field / had prius with a similar problem, got a solution. Please don't bash me for my mistake buying an old car - the circumstances were much different when I got it. Any help would be much appreciated.

    Planning to sell this either get repaired/ as is. Also the front wheel bearing hub assembly needs to be changed.

    Thank you.
     

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    #1 KiranV, Sep 4, 2025 at 1:05 AM
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    It definitely needs a new rear axle, say salvage from a down-south car. Still, that may just be tip of the iceberg, you should get a full assessment, repair proposal, and an estimated price.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Sep 4, 2025 at 11:49 AM
  3. KiranV

    KiranV New Member

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    So the mechanic says he can replace the part but since everything is rusted out he says I should first go to a body shop and see if they have something to do. Otherwise he says get rid of the car altogether. I'm confused. :(
    Thanks for your advice.
     
    #3 KiranV, Sep 4, 2025 at 12:09 PM
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2025 at 12:18 PM
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Yeah, again, with that degree of rust (completely rotted through, rear axle arm, second pic), there's likely more. Could be a rusty money pit.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Sep 4, 2025 at 1:50 PM
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  5. xw20_driver

    xw20_driver Junior Member

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    This looks like major body rust from a midwest rustbelt car (Chicago). Beyond the significant corrosion on the rear axle it also looks like parts of the under carriage are rusted through for a 21 year old car. Your mechanic seems correct about consulting a body shop if you are keen on repairing this car.
     
    #5 xw20_driver, Sep 4, 2025 at 2:17 PM
  6. KiranV

    KiranV New Member

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    Thanks for the advice. Do you happen to know how much does a body shop charge on average? I would not go to repair it if its expensive, maybe sell it for cheap.
     
    #6 KiranV, Sep 4, 2025 at 2:35 PM
  7. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    There ain't no fixing that that is a complete disaster you go down souf and buy car every three years like vacay . Did it for years from Western Mass. You no fixing that
     
    #7 Tombukt2, Sep 4, 2025 at 6:59 PM
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  8. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Enough to give you a quick trip to the ER .you won't be doing any of it .
     
    #8 Tombukt2, Sep 5, 2025 at 9:07 AM
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