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03 Prius, repair or get rid of?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Colly D, Mar 21, 2013.

  1. Colly D

    Colly D New Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Hi all, I'm new to the site. I have a 03 prius- 128k miles- which I bought almost 2 yr ago in hopes of owning a fuel cost-efficient car that would last me for few years (at least until I finish my graduate degree & find a paying job). While I love my prius, it seems like there's been a problem after problem. I've spent approximtaely $2,500 in repairs thus far. So far- I've had to replace two tires (dealership let me leave with two mismatched & damaged tires), door locks (stopped locking after a while), 12v battery, timing belt, among few others. Also, my AC system is down and will need to be replaced whenever I find the funds to do so.

    However- following getting a new battery, the engine light immediately came on. When I brought it back to get it checked out, I was informed that I would need a new exhaust front pipe. After reading some posts on few other forums, it seems like it may be the catalyst converter that is failing & may cause additional issues. The estimate I received for a new exhaust front pipe & gasket parts was in the $1900-$2000 range. If I do go ahead & get it fixed, will have spent a bit more than $3,500-$4,000 on repairs.

    Talked to a local mechanic who's a good friend of the family & he indicated that the prius should be okay for few months (no need to drive on a daily basis in Chicago) and that I should continue to drive it until the engine light goes out & replace it when it happens.

    Any suggestions as to whether I should replace the pipe, look into trading in my car asap, or just drive it until it dies?

    Has anyone experienced something like this?

    Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
     
    #1 Colly D, Mar 21, 2013
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV


    Bob Wilson has put together a posting with a good list of points to think about. A car of this age can be economical if you are comfortable doing some work yourself, but as you are finding it can quickly get expensive if you have to entrust your diagnosis and repair to others.

    I am especially wondering where you have been having this work done, because you mention having been sold a timing belt replacement, when in fact your Prius has a timing chain that is not a scheduled replacement item.

    If you need the front exhaust pipe and gaskets the estimate you've been given seems nearly double what it should be. A number of Toyota dealers offer discounted parts ordering online, and the prices for these parts were recently looked up in this post.

    The replacement does not look to be terribly difficult as long as the fasteners aren't too stubborn. So you should be able to spend less than you were thinking, but you still have to decide whether keeping the car will be the most economical choice for your own circumstances and capabilities.

    Hope this helps,
    -Chap
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Mar 21, 2013
  3. goodnuff

    goodnuff Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2013
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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    If it's the common p0420 code your check engine light is referring to, the cheapest step would be to replace the upstream o2 sensor. This would generally take care of your problem for awhile. I doubt your cat needs replacement at 128, 000. Not impossible, but very unlikely.
    I'm running into that issue right now with 216, 000 on my 01. If replacing the sensor doesn't work, then you cat needs replacement.
    One method of bypassing the o2 sensor's reading is to install an "o2 extender" on the downstream sensor. This will cause the sensor to be less exposed to the exhaust, thus giving the ecu the impression that the emissions are within acceptable levels. You can find these on ebay for a few bucks.
    Beware that this alteration is surely not EPA approved. Use this information at your own risk.
     
    #3 goodnuff, Mar 22, 2013
  4. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Good catch. It's so sad that people who get rip off the most are usually the ones that can afford it the least.

    I'm afraid the OP didn't read the sticky: Who should and should NOT buy a 2001-03 Prius | PriusChat
     
    #4 Former Member 68813, Mar 25, 2013
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