Parts to Remove before scrapping Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Prius_Gnome, Aug 2, 2026 at 7:25 PM.

  1. Prius_Gnome

    Prius_Gnome Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
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    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Background:
    My 2007 Prius Base w/ 125K miles has code C1391. The only other things wrong with it is that I may need to replace the coolant control valve (code P1121 has intermittently popped up) and the combination meter sometimes acts up.
    I don't want to pay ~$2.5K-$3K for Toyota dealership to replace the brake actuator.
    As for DIY, I'm not sure if I want to spend ~$1.4K on a genuine part and probably 2 full days on this. I can do basic maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs, cleaning throttle body), but this seems like too much of a hassle for me personally.
    KBB says this car is worth $3,585 ($3,135 - $4,060) in "Fair" condition and $4,185 ($3,635-$4,735) in "Good" condition. So when repair costs are basically at least 75% of the car's worth, I'm not sure if anyone would even want to buy it.
    Therefore, I think my only option is to part it out and then scrap it. I'm currently asking for quotes from scrapyards in my area. I'll either drive it to the scrapyard or have them tow it, depending on how much the difference they quote me.

    My Questions for Priuschat Community:
    1. What are the Easy Things to Part Out?
    2. What are the Expensive Things I should definitely remove before scrapping?
    3. Am I missing anything in my list below?
    4. Since I still own another Gen2 Prius, do you think I should remove ALL high value items as backup replacement parts? For example, I JUST replaced the fan blower motor so it's basically new.
    My Current List of Parts to Remove:
    Remove BEFORE arriving at scrapyard (and still be drivable):
    • interior trim (like on the dashboard, and maybe the ones on the A- and B- pillars.
    • sun visors
    • glove compartment (top & bottom)
    • MFD
    • radio
    • center console compartment
    • touneau cover
    • entire cargo area floor and spare tire
    • used Coverking car seat covers
    Remove AFTER arriving at scrapyard
    • rearview mirror
    • sideview mirrors (since interior trim should have been removed, I suspect it'll just be some screws/fasteners)
    • headrests
    • 12V battery?
    Things that I will leave behind because it's not feasible to remove (but which might possibly sell for (significant) cash)
    • traction battery (original, I assume) <-- I don't even know who to sell this to
    • catalytic converter (original, I assume) <-- I assume metal recycler would want but I don't know if this is worth it for me to jack up the Prius in the scrapyard (or if scrapyard won't take my car if I remove it)
    • inverter assembly
    • ABS Actuator <-- This failing part (C1391) is why I'm scrapping the Prius
    • headlights and taillights assembly
    • wheels + tires
    • plastic shields covering underside of car
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    115,408
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    your car would be worth a fortune in cali. if the cat is original, call around to scrap metal places for offers. they used to be quite valuable.