Should I keep a 2003 Toyota Prius w/ 133,000 miles (just completed an engine swap)

Gen I's can be considered "beta" models. The alpha was the Japanese only Generation 1 started in 1993/1994 (?) and sold in 1997. The improved version was sold as GenI worldwide, but it is still beta.

The battery itself is made of less durable cells. Failures in the 150K to 200K range is more common than on the GenII forwards (2004 and up). The battery terminals can corrode. The windings in the electric motor are more suspect to degrading over time which you can witness by the amount of copper on the magnetic ATF drain plug over time.

Basically the GenI is a good car and better than lots out there, but it is still a play toy that at this point should stay with original owners and collectors. If you want the trouble and hassle free operation of a Prius, ditch it and buy something 2004 and up. The improvements are so gigantic it is not even worth trying to compare them side by side.

 

I really don't see any reason to NOT keep it.
You went to the trouble of buying it, having a different engine installed, and having additional work done on various systems. It now appears to be working. Why NOT keep it?

If other problems arise, you can always decide to ditch it in the future. But if you didn't want it, I assume you wouldn't of bought it and invested this much in it. And nothing in your story about it suggests to me there is any immediate reason to not just enjoy it.

Unless you are dissatisfied with it as it sits now? Unless you think it's sale value or trade value is immediately at a Zenith and you simply want to upgrade?

It's the vehicle you bought. It's the vehicle you invested into, I'd just enjoy it, until I did not enjoy it anymore.

 

Keep it and start saving money for replacement

 

Used and cars outside of warranty coverage require some maintenance. Even small amounts of self-maintenance can lead to substantial savings. But I get the impression there is not even a Prius-aware scanner so you can't get a good set of error codes or see what is going on. I'm OK with out-sourcing work to a mechanic but only because the owner has some diagnostic information.

Keeping the car long enough to cover the mechanic bills makes some sense. But if you are not planning on any self-maintenance, the car has become 'disposable'.

Bob Wilson

 

it is not uncommon for your car to still be running and driving at 280,000 miles. any up-keep needed you can learn about on this forum. i'd say keep it and run it to the ground. i changed my attitude about year & mileage after taking a trip to cuba. haha

 

I think the OP should have asked a question before buying the car: Should he buy a 2003 Prius with 133K miles, known to need a replacement gas engine?

At that point I would have said no, if the car needs a replacement engine at 133K miles, that likely is indicative of poor maintenance by the prior owner and who knows what else is wrong. It is not uncommon that lack of use will lead to traction battery module failure, which the car experienced. Unless the OP can buy the car for close to nothing and has a four-digit repair budget available, continue to look.

Now that the OP has invested whatever was required to make the car operate, it would be reasonable to drive the car and receive some value for the financial investment.

If he can sell the car for more than what he has spent, and he doesn't like the car, then it would seem reasonable to sell it.

 

Blue temp light is normal. Goes out when ICE is warm.

 

1. I agree that it is normal behavior for the engine cold temperature light to turn on when the engine is warming up. The point of that light is to remind you to go easy on the engine as it moves up to operating temperature. Newer Prius do not have this light or the turtle warning light.

2. Sounds like you have a reasonable amount of money in the car. If you like it then why not keep it and enjoy it.

3. Maintain a good working relationship with that second mechanic as he will become your valued partner if you continue to own your Prius. It appears he did excellent work at a modest price.

 

Please invite both mechanics to this forum in PriusChat. We often have new owners of older Prius show up here needing expert help.

Bob Wilson

 

Install a new inverter (also cools tranny) coolant pump. Another customer called me today "car died on the freeway" in 80 degree weather. Pump went out, inverter and tranny got really hot. Luckily car cooled down and was able to limp to my shop.

If your car has over 100k miles, I suggest changing the pump as a preventative maintenance item. Just be sure you bleed it properly when replaced. It's a bit of a PITA to change/bleed the pump, but still easier (and way cheaper) than a new inverter and/or tranny.

And don't install a used pump, Toyota changed the design and supposedly it's "new and improved".
Part number G9020-47022 $147 full retail price, internet parts sellers sell for less.

Here's a few months worth of Gen1 pump replacements we've done in Boulder;

 

Although mine's still humming away at 205+k, I've taken your advice and ordered one. It arrived today. Zinc-plated bracket.

Is it just me, or is this the most anonymous Toyota Genuine Part ever? I'm used to seeing even the lowliest minor parts proudly emblazoned with Denso, Yazaki, or the like. I can't even find a maker's logo anywhere on this thing. On the back there's a little yellow circle and a stamped code that looks like 1J5. That's it! Is that what they look like when you buy them?

-Chap

 

duplicate

 

Yup, they are pretty generic looking. Some new ones make a nasty noise when they first start up. (not enough coolant in them yet) Bleed it thoroughly and then bleed again after you drive 20 miles or so. You want to get all the air out of the system and make sure lots of "turbulence" in the reservoir.

You need to loosen front bumper cover and remove headlight to install. Some fasteners are under the black fender liner.

 

yes, you should get a new "inverter coolant pump"