1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Prius Issues. Advise Needed

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by neel, Apr 2, 2019.

  1. neel

    neel Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2016
    30
    15
    0
    Location:
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    2013 Prius Persona - 95K miles

    So I was driving my Prius down to LA this weekend. The car over heated and I stopped right away. Towed the car back to Vegas as I was closer to that location. Come to find out a hose was loose and the coolant might have gone in the air system. Fixed it and drove back to LA. The car was driving fine but than at the same time I felt that the car was shuttering little at low RPM.

    Sunday Morning decided to leave early to get back home (Vegas) and engine light came on P0301. Decided to cancel my drive and show it to my old mechanic in IE to confirm the details. Went to him on Monday and was told that most likely if it over heated, than the Head need to be re done ($1500) and also engine might consume more oil now that this has happened (engine cost $2700). I owe 7500 on this car.

    Few Questions:

    1. Is it worth fixing it? for the 2700$(higher amount) incase the engine is also an issue?
    2. Assume I spend all this money, what is the time frame for the battery to go out? Just to keep that cost in mind?


    Please any advise right away would be appreciated.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    sorry to hear it, had someone been working on the cooling system?
    how many miles a year do you average, and how many years would you like to keep her?

    the battery is likely good for 150-200k, with the caveat that vegas can be tough on them. a new battery is $1,600. plus install.
     
  3. neel

    neel Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2016
    30
    15
    0
    Location:
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    The coolant hose was loose when I open the engine back after I towed it.. Not sure why.. Not much work was done by the mechanic beside the oil change.

    I drive a lot as I like to take trips. I would like to keep her for a while as its almost paid off. $7500 is pretty much close to paying off so.
     
  4. neel

    neel Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2016
    30
    15
    0
    Location:
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    Any additional advise is greatly appreciated
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    my opinion, get it done, and at least keep it until it is paid off, unless you can roll it into something a little cheaper like corolla, etc.
     
  6. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,315
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Those prices are super low. If he can do the head gasket job properly for $1500, go for it.

    Also @bisco, $1600 is wholesale cost for a Gen 2 battery. The Gen 3 batteries are still in the mid $2k range.
     
    Raytheeagle and bisco like this.
  7. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2010
    6,035
    3,854
    0
    Location:
    Rocky Mountains
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Also something to think about, these engines are pretty reliable in general. Meaning most go the junkyards with plenty of life left in them. There just isn't demand because the engines aren't exploding left and right like american vehicles. They may use more oil, but they do work. Instead of trying to fix the engine you have, it may be better to get a junker that was rear ended. Something to consider if cost is a worry.
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    sorry, i was referring to 2k1's new $1,600. battery
     
    The Critic likes this.
  9. neel

    neel Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2016
    30
    15
    0
    Location:
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    Thank You so much for the input!

    I think I am going to start small.. Going to spend money and switch the spark plugs and the coils and see if that changes,.If not check the head gasket. and other things.

    My mechanic just hates that i would spend more money on labor than just going straight to head gasket and fixing it by spend 1500$
     
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    can't blame her i suppose
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    after i dropped $1,600. on a new head gasket on our ford windstar w/ 86,000 miles, i dumped that beast so fast it would make your head spin
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  12. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,315
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    It is highly unlikely that replacing the plugs and coils will permanently solve your problem.

    If the plugs are being fouled by antifreeze then new plugs may make the issue go away temporarily.

    You will spend $350-$450 on parts with a very low likelihood of success.
     
    JohnnyJavelin likes this.
  13. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2010
    6,035
    3,854
    0
    Location:
    Rocky Mountains
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    We've had quote on here to install a junked engine in the $500 to $800 range in the past. These things are pretty easy, they go in and come out in one big piece. A junk engine may cost the same but you'd be in it for less or the same amount.
     
  14. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,315
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    $500-$800 for labor is a possibility, but junkyard engines for the 10-15 Prius are crazy expensive. I was quoted over $2K for one with around 75k miles. It is a very different market compared to the Gen 2.
     
    jadd806 likes this.
  15. mjoo

    mjoo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2016
    1,105
    1,311
    12
    Location:
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Are you loosing coolant still? Maybe there's just air in your coolant system causing P0301?

    95k miles is also about time to clean out your EGR/intake systems
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  16. neel

    neel Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2016
    30
    15
    0
    Location:
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    I was really debating on spending the $ 1500 on the head and see if the issue is resolved or a new engine ($2700 installed). This quote is a engine from Japan with approx 20k miles.plus labor.

    I am just in the middle of should I spend small amount and see what it leads to or go big and change the motor
     
  17. neel

    neel Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2016
    30
    15
    0
    Location:
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    Coolant level is good and there is no leak of the coolant anymore..
     

    Attached Files:

    #17 neel, Apr 4, 2019
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2019
    mjoo likes this.
  18. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,315
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Ok, I was wondering why the price was so low for an used engine.

    Those "JDM" engines are a crapshoot. I have heard a equal number of successful and horror stories. They are almost always low mileage, but sometimes they have not had oil changes.

    I would strongly consider getting a used engine from a domestic source with a warranty.

    You will have to explain how air pockets can cause misfire...
     
  19. mjoo

    mjoo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2016
    1,105
    1,311
    12
    Location:
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I'd purge air out of your system first then see if P0301 returns. Then worry about headgasket

    Pixel XL ?
     
  20. neel

    neel Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2016
    30
    15
    0
    Location:
    Las Vegas
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    Ok.. I left the car in LA.. Hopefully one of the upcoming weekends I will go down and drop it off at the shop and get it going. Thank god I have back up car to drive.