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Bad ABS on 2008 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by jbk, Mar 24, 2021.

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  1. jbk

    jbk Junior Member

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    Model:
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    Hi everyone.

    My 2008 Prius (140K miles) has a bad ABS unit, according to my local mechanic (though he suggests getting a second opinion from the dealer). He says a new unit is $1,800 plus $600 labor. A used unit he thinks will be about $1,100 The dealer will undoubtedly be well north of these figures. If the diagnosis is correct, I don't think it makes sense to keep the car going. It's a shame as the car basically runs like it did out of the showroom. The car is currently driveable and I've noticed no difference in performance, but three dashboard indicators are on (Stability Control, ABS, and something else that looks like tire pressure but isn't tire pressure), Also, something (the brake pump, I think) goes on every five seconds when I drive. Thanks for any advice.
     
    #1 jbk, Mar 24, 2021
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Where are you located?
     
    #2 rjparker, Mar 24, 2021
    SFO likes this.
  3. jbk

    jbk Junior Member

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    NY
     
    #3 jbk, Mar 25, 2021
  4. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Many get better prices. I will assume you are in NYC. Being specific will often get you specific recommendations. Often you have to shop around.
     
    #4 rjparker, Mar 25, 2021
  5. jbk

    jbk Junior Member

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    My mechanic just said he found a used one for $650. Headed up to him now to get details. He'll put it in for $400. Headed up to talk to him shortly. 1K repair beats a 2K repair, but I don't want the used unit to die on me next month.
     
    #5 jbk, Mar 25, 2021
  6. jbk

    jbk Junior Member

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    Decision time. Mechanic warning me the ABS is only guaranteed for a month. Tough call.
     
    #6 jbk, Mar 25, 2021
  7. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    I would want at least 90 days, most would give longer.
     
    #7 rjparker, Mar 25, 2021
  8. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Used is used. 1 month or 3 months ain't much of a difference in my book. The real question is whether the used unit is any good at all. Some won't initialize correctly, are noisy, or throw codes out of the box. If it is bad- who pays the labor to try another one?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #8 mr_guy_mann, Mar 26, 2021
  9. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    A lot depends on how long you want your 08 to last. If its two or more years, I might go new for double the cost. If its two years or less and I could get a decent parts and labor warranty of at least 90 days, I would go used.
     
    #9 rjparker, Mar 26, 2021
  10. jbk

    jbk Junior Member

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    Took it to dealer for a second opinion and got confirmation. Dealer will guarantee it for life of vehicle, but it will cost $3K. I'm folding my cards on this baby. 13 years, 143,000 miles. Hoped for more, but can't complain.
     
    #10 jbk, Mar 26, 2021
  11. LaCajun 25

    LaCajun 25 Junior Member

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    You can get a new one from a Toyota dealer for $1100 ish. Pay your mechanic to put it in for 400. I just did it myself. I wish I had someone I could’ve paid $400 to do it for me


    iPhone ?
     
    #11 LaCajun 25, Mar 26, 2021
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