My Prius got diagnosed with a timing cover leak and what surprised me about the quote, (which was fairly pricy at $2,200) was how much of it was in labor - ie. taking the front end of the car apart. I was wondering if you guys can think of other relatively affordable items than could be swapped out while they're in there?
no, but there's no need to go in there. it is just a boat payment for the dealer. all prius timing covers 'leak'. it's is just a smidge of oil around the cover gasket. dealers have been making hay on this for years. unless you have a pool of oil on the ground after parking overnight, tell them to go fly a kite.
This is how they make money when work is slow... Have your car detailed / deep cleaned, especially the engine and monitor how bad the leak is for a year before you make a decision.
