Mixed Messages on Gen 3

There were two plants for most of the 2014s each with their own sequence numbers.



However gen3s have more risks than excessive oil burning ruining engines.

It is a WAY better engine on gen4s. A redesigned engine with better cylinder cooling, better egrs that don't clog, improved intakes, redesigned inverter, superior brake by wire system and more.

As noted above, gen2 cats were full of expensive metals which the thieves could sell for big money. Gen 3 and later had less valuable cats since Toyota added egrs to recirculate exhaust gasses into the intake. A cheaper way to have ultra low emissions than the high dollar gen2 cats.

Caution: 2016 and 17 Prius v (wagons) are still gen3 and don't have the redesigned gen4 engine.

 

Thanks... Can you translate that VIN# to an exact day and month, or just month? Maybe there's a chart that tell us how to translate?

 

Exactly. After his 2018(?) Prius got totaled, my brother-in law just replaced it with a 2022 LE with 27k miles for 30k total with taxes, etc. That's California pricing.

 

not to rain on anyones parade, but be aware of the exhaust coolant heat exchanger problem on some early gen 4's

 

Another option you could consider is this guy is about 7 hours east of your aging parents: Skim Milk Hybrid, Prius hybrid repair, hybrid battery repair, Oklahoma City Hybrid repair, Highlander Hybrid repair. Lexus hybrid repair, Honda hybrid repair. and he used to put used Gen4 engines into Gen3 vehicle in peoples driveways in one day and only charged $1500 labor.

These's days he's decided that doing high performance rebuilds of Gen3 engines is the best path forward because you can get way more power out of them and that way he's certain that there's no surprises compared to the used Gen4 engines that he did not know the history of.

If you could find a super cheap mint condition Gen3 with blown head gasket and failed hybrid battery pack and give it to this dude he'd give you the most advanced high performance Sodium-ion aftermarket battery, as well as a much more long lasting and more powerful engine for a lower price than you'd pay for a Gen4 Prius and it would actually be a much better car.

 

Yeah... I only mention it so you have as many options as possible. Last time I messaged him he didn't have any vehicles available but sometime he does and if you messaged him and kept an eye out for a Gen3 near him he could probably handle all the logistics. But as always, Oklahoma ain't very easy to get to for us west coasters. But it is common for people to sell their Gen3 soon as they get the head gasket diagnosis and sometimes the car will still run long enough to drive it out there.

 

You must be referring to Azusa, k n filter, azusa sparks plugs, red bullet and part of the salty battery crew. He’s got everyone marketing for him now!