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Blown Transaxle?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Dsears3, Jul 8, 2013.

  1. Dsears3

    Dsears3 Junior Member

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    My love affair with my 2006 Prius just ended: abruptly and painfully.
    I bought it new; currently at 130,000 miles.
    Car died- all dash lights flashing ominously in red, not even a more pleasant orange warning to soften the blow.
    Toyota Service said my dearly beloved car's transmission, um, 'transaxle', was gone.
    Replacement, gulp, $4,900. Double gulp.

    What is interesting is that both the local service manager , and Toyota Corporation Customer Service said they have NO IDEA what could have caused this, that it is very rare.
    What is more rare is my paycheck. This amount is painful to someone who is underemployed/ working 2 jobs.
    I am totally discouraged but paid the ransom since buying a new car would be worse at this.

    Anyone out there know WHY this could have happened?
    A confession:
    the first year I bought it, instead of the recommended gentle starts, whenever a gas guzzler pulled up next to me at a light, I would gun it to put them in the dust, in my warped way, thinking I could reform these Hummer types by showing them that eco-friendly did not mean wimpy.
    Also, a lot of the miles on this car are long miles- we've taken it from FL to Maine many times, and often at speeds in the, um, 80s...
     
    #1 Dsears3, Jul 8, 2013
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Moved from the Prius v forums to the gen II forums
     
    #2 Paradox, Jul 8, 2013
  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Given the trade in value running is probably $5600, it would be a tough decision for me. I have not heard of the failure but obviously any part can fail and the transaxle is arguably the most complex piece in the car. I would have considered a used transaxle first since dealer prices are usually x2 of elsewhere when considering new versus used. Same goes for labor. My advice would be to sell the car yourself for $7000 when you get it back, after cleaning it up well and maybe advertise the new transaxle as a selling point. Then I would take the cash, pay off most of your dealer bill or credit card for the transaxle, put a couple of thousand down on a new or very low mile used one, and drive problem free for another 130-150k. Otherwise you could end up paying off your $4,900 bill just to have another hit six months from now. Or you could take your chances. Either way, next time look for repair options outside of the dealer when you are past warranty. I wonder how many people post here after they have already committed to the dealer ransom. It's interesting that a 125,000 mile extended warranty would not have helped you in this case....
     
    #3 rjparker, Jul 8, 2013
  4. Dsears3

    Dsears3 Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Needing the car back quickly and not knowing any local mechanic that knows Priuses well enough that I'd trust them with a critical major part, and it being totally dead, I felt I had to stay with Toyota.
    The dealership did lower the amount by $800, though still painful.

    Also, about 3 years ago, in a horrendous blizzard in New England, the Prius slid sideways (luckily gently) into a snow bluff, which covered a cement sign base. The repair would have been too much money since it dented the long piece under the door, so my husband just patched it himself and painted it with matching color/sealant. It looks fine from a distance, but a prospective buyer would probably have misgivings about paying anywhere near blue book for it.

    (Is there a place on this forum to source competent local Prius mechanics?
    -or is it OK to post asking for names/advice on local mechanics?)
     
    #4 Dsears3, Jul 8, 2013
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Prius mechanics capability depends on the problem. Obviously the dealer is the best, usually. I would definitely find someone else if your hybrid battery goes bad, like Hybrid Battery Toyota Prius, REMANUFACTURED | Miami | eBay Classifieds (Kijiji) | 22174004 in Miami. Web sites like Car Talk have "mechanic file" recommendation but their more likely to be conventional. However you could always call around and ask who they would use. Transaxles? I would ask the dealer for used options, call the salvage yards and ask them for options (they know), call the transmission shops and ask them. When you get past the electrical components, the Prius is closer to every other car on the road these days with front wheel drive.
     
    #5 rjparker, Jul 8, 2013
  6. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    Do a search here for Mellor's Automotive in central FL, which has been mentioned a number of times.
     
    #6 nh7o, Jul 8, 2013
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