Is an expensive Engine Replacement worth it?

Hello! I have a 2010 Prius, with about 126,000 miles on it. About 15,000 miles ago I had some codes come up about two cylinders misfiring. Replacing spark plugs and a few other tweaks from my mechanic seemed to fix everything. A couple of months ago I had the check engine light come on again, this time it was about emissions. The car was running fine, but then it would occasionally rev but not accelerate when I was driving. I set up an appointment to get it checked out (I have 0 mechanical abilities), and right after I did that, it did the rev-but-no-accelerate thing again, but this time didn't correct itself. I turned the car off, and back on, and there was a warning on the main display in the center about a Hybrid warning. I had it towed to my mechanic.

They said the car was out of oil--I've never had an oil issue before. They did an oil change, but are now saying the engine won't hold any pressure, and the catalytic converter is clogged/needs to be replaced. They said my only option is to replace the engine, or junk it.

I know this question has been asked before, BUT there's a caveat here. My mechanic is saying new engines from Toyota are backlogged 7 to 8 months. They are offering a 2014 engine with 22,000, plus replacement of the catalytic converter, for $12,000 with a one year warranty. This is insanely high, but I wonder if it's "normal" right now with all the shortages.

I got a quote from another garage for replacement with a 2010 engine with 44,000 for $7,900 with a 6 month warranty. He said they would give me a quote on the catalytic converter after they saw it, but I assume it will be another $1,000 to $2500.

Overall my car is in good shape--I have kept up with the regular maintenance and oil changes (just not with the dealer because the dealers are awful around here). The auxiliary battery (in the back) was replaced about 5 years ago. I had some work done on the breaks (was under warranty) a few years back as well. If I pay this crazy amount for the engine change, I would want to keep the car at least 3 to 5 more years.

The alternative is to buy something else. My question is: what would you do? Is it worth replacing the engine on this 12 year old car? What are the odds of something else major going wrong? What would you do if it were your Prius?

 

Thank you so much for your reply! Here's some updates that may or may not help:

My last oil change was in February, approximately 3,000 miles ago. Never had any notification of oil burning out or being low prior to this. It was VERY unexpected.

I had brake work done (they went completely out and were still under warranty) and some general maintenance in Jan 2020. Checking the invoice it says:
- SUBLET REPAIRS~|~ ~|~ ~|~96579 BRAKE LIGHT BR1802 580 VEHICLE ARRIVED WITH BRAKE AND ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND DTC FOR ABNORMAL ACTUATOR PRESSURES, REMOVED AND REINSTALLED BRAKE PUMPS AND BOOSTER AND REPROGRAMMED ECU TEST DROVE TO VERIFY NO FURTHER CONCERNS
- R&R BRAKE BOOSTER ASSY W/ MASTER CYLINDER, R&R BRAKE BOOS
- J0V - UPDATE PWR MGMT & MG ECUS

At that time I also had the cooling system fluid replaced, the spark plugs replaced, a "COMPLETE THROTTLE BODY & FUEL INJECTION SERVICE" and the hybrid inverter fluid changed. This was all done at the dealer.

In Aug 2021 I had the firing code. I used this other mechanic who replaced the spark plugs (he showed me they were burnt out) and the 4 ignition coils. I was hoping that would circumvent further issues, but clearly it just brought me a few months.

Not sure if the brake work I had done in 2020 would prevent the actuator issue, since they didn't replace it I would guess not.

And thank you for the info on the catalytic converter!

I mostly trust the mechanic, but since I have no experience with fixing cars or tinkering with them, I am really unsure. It seems like the 2014 engine is definitely the way to go, but I still am having a hard time with the $12,000 price tag.

 

RJParker, thank you so much! This info was very helpful. I'm calling around to some smaller shops to see if I can find a smaller mechanic/shop who could do this for a lot less. Your info definitely helped me to talk about this intelligently when I shop around. I appreciate your help!!!

 

all. I can't thank you enough for your help and insight as I navigate this. Based on your comments, I called around to small, independent repair shops. Found one I liked who quoted me $5200 to replace the engine with a 2014 with 47k miles. Should be done in about 2 weeks. I will report back on how it went and where it all ended up but I believe this investment will be good for me and my financial situation.

 

I'm being told they can't get the VIN for the new engine. Not sure if this is a danger sign?

We're also going with a 2016 engine, mechanic feels he can handle the needed modifications. Took a bit longer because he wanted to check out the car himself and confirm there really was a catastrophic issue with the engine before proceeding. I do appreciate that.

Will update this when all is said and done!

 

So the continuation of my saga. Turns out the regular battery was replaced in 2014, not they hybrid. So of course the hybrid battery is now out. Working on replacing it. Can't find a new one anywhere, appears Toyota has a backlog. Right now it looks like a refurb battery from Greentec may be my best option. I have read a few threads, and know they don't have the best reputation, but I feel kind of stuck right now. I'm looking at a few others and came across Electron Hybrid Solutions out of California that may be an option as well. Any additional advice/ideas? I have a feeling I'll be driving this Prius until I die at this point. Lol.

 

yes I'm being told that Toyota is backlogged a few months on new batteries, around August/September. I did not know there was an option to switch to a lithium battery. is that difficult? Keep in mind I have a mechanic working on my Prius who has done some work, but I don't think he's an expert. And I have the power of Google and this site behind me only, so I would put myself in the just enough knowledge to be dangerous category!

 

Great, thank you! I am asking my mechanic if he thinks he can handle the battery change to the lithium. And I'm willing to wait a week if it means improved performance. I emailed him through the website, because I didn't see a way to message him directly through this channel (likely an operator error there).

 

thank you for the suggestion