A sign of problems to come? "Brake Actuator Leaking Fluid"

Ask your dealer can you provide your own part since you can pruchase the parts thru internet nowadays and I got a quote for $790 for your parts.

About the brake actuator, I was just wondering did your dealer told you where is the oil leak from, is it leak from the actuator body (crack on the actuator body) or from the connection between the brake line to the actuator? If the oil is leak from the body, then you need to replace for sure. It if leak from the connection between the brake line and actuator, maybe a cheap fix (ie: replace a gasket if there is one) can solve problem? (i'm not a mechanic, just throwing idea out).

For the idea of keeping your car or not, it's all depends on did you love your car or not and there are alot of consideration involved. I did stuck in ther situation like you back in 06 since my main (traction) battery was dead and my warrenties was out. At last I did go ahead and replaced the battery since it will be way cheaper to buy a new car. As for the newer used car, you really have no idea how the previous owner treat that car so for me I will try to avoid them (unless they have a detail maintance record for that car).

Since yours only have 56000 miles so I don't think anything need to be worry (assume you done all the regular maintance) except the battery since your car is getting old. With my prius approaching 200000 miles (196800 miles as of today) I did repair the following wear and tear item:

front shocks absorbers with new springs (1 set)
all four wheel bearing (1 set)
tires (3 sets for summer and 1 set for winter)
brake pad (2 set for front and 1 set for rear)
12V battery (1 time)

non wear and tear item:
steering rack
traction battery
inverter (too expensive for a new one, pruchase a used instead)
battery cooling fan
fog lights (stone chip break the lens)
passenger side glass (got broke in)

hope that will help you.

 

The price that you were quoted seems reasonable to solve the problem. I also suggest that you take a look at the part to see that the body itself is leaking, and that it is not just an issue with a loose fitting.

I suggest you call around to see if other dealers in your area will quote a lower labor rate. I'd be surprised if a Toyota dealer's service dept will allow you to furnish your own part; that is like bringing your uncooked steak to a restaurant and asking the chef to grill it.

If you have to depend upon dealer service post-warranty, you've already received one indication that this can be quite costly. Your car is low-mileage and should provide more years of reliable service; however if you are unlucky and have a problem with the inverter, battery, transaxle, etc then you will pay very big $$$$.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Sticky situation. At 120,000 miles my 2002 Prius has been diagnosed and estimated $2018.34 to fix!!!!!!!! Since we also have to drive 90 miles (round trip) out of our way for service this is getting real old. BUT it would be awfully hard to give up 46mpg when there seems to be no end to oil company GREED, gas keeps going UP. Now it's 2 grand to fix it! I want a new Prius but it would be the same 90 mile trip for service every time something goes wrong. Waiting for Ford's new C-Max hybrid, maybe, but how can one justify almost 30 grand just to get to work, a place I don't want to be in the first place??

 

$2000 is reasonable? I didnt' buy a Prius to be "green" , I bought it to save money!