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2003 Prius - replace engine or buy a new car?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by camps, Dec 27, 2013.

  1. camps

    camps New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2013
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    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Sadly my engine is shot and I need to decide if I should replace it with a used engine for around 5k or get a new car. The water pump failed and my engine got wicked hot. The water pump was replaced and it seemed like I had not screwed up the engine. Cut to a few months later and the coolant gasket fails (likely due to warping of the engine when it was hot during the water pump issue) and coolant went into the pistons and throughout the exhaust system and the engine is now done for. The car is a 2003 with 57K miles. Before this it was running beautifully. Per the dealer service manager if I replace the engine there could be other problems down the road in other parts of the exhaust system such as the O2 sensors. He said that they can't tell if anything else in the exhaust system has been damaged. I inherited this car from my grandparents, they had it for 6 years and put 12k miles on it and took great care of it. I would love to keep it, but don't want to put 5K into it if the exhaust system will likely also go and maybe cost a lot or if due to the age of the car there are other things that will likely go soon, like the hybrid battery or transaxle. Anyone have any suggestions or experience with this sort of thing? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
     
    #1 camps, Dec 27, 2013
  2. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Double Post?
     
    #2 frodoz737, Dec 28, 2013
  3. bubbatech

    bubbatech Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    On what basis is the diagnosis that the engine is ruined? Any bent rods? Is the cylinder head, in fact, warped?
     
    #3 bubbatech, Dec 28, 2013
  4. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Clearwater, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Replace it.

    Ask around for a decent garage not the dealer. Ask them if they could remove and replace the engine.
    Tell them you'll pay $1000 + supplies CASH. CASH does not give you a rash.

    Its not that hard if you have a lift. Many posters here have done it in the driveway. Engine comes out the bottom. You supply the engine to them.
    FOB to there shop. Here's a nice one with warranty for $350. Probably $200 FOB.
    All in for about $2500 depending on if it needs new hoses and such and the tow there.



    Btw, you lost the pump because it had been weeping for a long time from un use and no one checked the fluids. Coolant all leaked out and by the time it threw a check engine temp alarm you were way into overheat and warped the head. Very common story. Overheating an aluminum head engine. You have to look under the hood every time you fill up and check it all especially on an old Prius. If it wasn't the coolant the low oil would have got you. Prius engines use oil.

    Takes 45 seconds from leaving your seat to coming back to your seat to check all the fluids. I timed it. It would really suck to replace the engine then it happens again.....and it will.

    Good Luck!
     
    #4 edthefox5, Dec 28, 2013
  5. B.H.

    B.H. New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2013
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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    It sounds like the dealer is trying to take advantage of you. If it were me,I would buy an engine from a salvage yard,you can find them around $400-$500.You can also find them online.EBay has them from $250-$500 ranging from 55k miles on up.
     
    #5 B.H., Dec 28, 2013
  6. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Clearwater, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Could have sworn I just said that.
     
    #6 edthefox5, Dec 28, 2013
  7. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Where are you located? The reason I ask is there are a number of independent Prius shops around the country and it always helps to get a second opinion. If you're within a hundred miles or so of Huntsville AL, I've been known to make 'house calls.'

    Bob Wilson
     
    #7 bwilson4web, Dec 30, 2013
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