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Blown Head Gasket on 200k mile 2011 Prius. Advice on how to proceed?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by WiSeIVIaN, Oct 21, 2021.

  1. WiSeIVIaN

    WiSeIVIaN New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2021
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    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Any input is appreciated. I have a 2011 Prius with 200k miles (I used to have a long 40k miles/year highway commute). In July it began rough idoling upon start-up for 5-15sec. Check engine light showed misfire codes. I took it to a mechanic that couldn't figure it out. Fast forward to last week I blew my headgasket and dumped all my coolant into engine/oil. I drove about a half mile when first getting overheat warnings.

    I understand at the point the EGR system (which has never been cleaned) almost certainly got clogged and stressed the engine then blew the head gasket. Given the engine's high mileage and near certain residual damage from long term egr clog, I don't think I can just replace the head gasket, so it's Engine swap or new car.

    Online local the cheapest lower milage gen3 engine I could find was $2k for 74k miles. I called a shop for a quote on labor for an engine swap and they said $1350 which I don't know if I'll find much cheaper in the chicagoland area

    How do you suggest to proceed? Car's kbb is around $5k if it was running, is it crazy to spend $3500'ish on a used engine swap? Would. I need/want to get other things (water pump etc) replaced at the same time?

    If I could get another 2 years out if my beloved prius I'd be happy to pay that over a new car payment. But obviously if the car becomes inoperable shortly after the large repair expense, I'd feel foolish.

    Advice welcome. I'm work from home now so lower mileage, but I still need a vehicle in the suburbs. It's be cool to get a new prius prime but I don't love the idea of having a $450/mo car payment. Even CPO used prius look closer to $350/mo.

    Also if I did not repair, what's the best way to sell a prius with a bad head gasket? Or am I really just looking at scrap value at this point?
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,383
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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Replacing the engine for $3500 is not a bad idea if you can get the car running again. There's nothing you can buy for $3500 right now.

    But keep in mind you will eventually need a new HV battery as well, as yours is 10 years old. Consider that cost as well for some time down the road. If you are thinking of replacing the engine, doing sooner rather than later. The longer the car sits, the more likelihood of battery failure will happen. The balance will go off and you don't want a double whammy
     
  3. WiSeIVIaN

    WiSeIVIaN New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2021
    9
    2
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks for the reply. The battery is a good point. The car runs but is gulping coolant.

    I think im leaning towards selling the car, being a 1-car household for awhile, then trying to grab a 22 prius prime around July when Toyota rebates increase and a 4k state tax rebate kicks in.

    If selling, any advice on where to sell a prius with a bad head gasket? Carmax? Facebook marketplace with disclosure of course? What kinda value should I be expecting?

    Thanks!
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,383
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Start with $3000, prepare to accept $2000, Facebook or Craigslist
     
  5. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2020
    1,666
    768
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I replaced my engine with a rebuilt one and also replaced the water pump and thermostat which was not included in engine swap, I can not be happier with the rebuilt engine.

    After I took it home the code P0420 popped up and now I have ordered a MagnaFlow California legal cat.

    The EGR system and intake manifold were cleaned with an ultrasonic system.

    I would say that after 10 years it would be advisable to replace the cat since like the EGR it too gets clogged.

    Unless the car has way less miles than 200k but if it does then just replace the cat too or the engine will eventually overheat and clog the whole system again blowing another engine.

    I feel very good knowing I have a pretty much new 2010
     
    ASRDogman likes this.
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,673
    38,212
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Oil Catch Can early on might help with the Catalytic Converter, reducing the goop contributed to the combustion chamber by the Positive Crankcase Ventilation system .