In a tough spot and need some advice...

It will likely cost $1800-$2800 depending on where you go.
Is that within your budget?

If not, then move on. The car as it sits currently is a lawn ornament. Worth scrap value.

 

Look for a shop that knows Prius and has a Toyota Techstream scanner. One resource in the Dr Prius app which has reviewed shops based on your area. Pic below is from that app in free Demo mode in my area. Option is in top left menus. Cartalk.com has recommended shops in general. But their reviews are old but might point you to a respected shop. I see a Dons Performance listed as an engine shop. I would also check Yelp but realize the general public reviews can be biased by a high dollar breakdown.

 

HARD life lesson for the daughter.....but a good one.

That car might not be worth fixing now.

AND....she might have to get by for a while without a car.

 

Looks like the v is in PA now with the issues and would “hopefully” be in TX later in August .

Maybe @trentofdestiny has a recommendation .

 

I recommend a used engine over a repair, it will get done faster and may be cheaper.

The dealer isn't a bad option here. Now, now, hear me out. Used auto parts distributors ("junkyards") sell engines with warranties now. You can get 6 mo, 1 yr, lifetime, etc. Price goes up with each level of warranty but the dealer is willing to install these used engines, provided they themselves order it, and it has a better chance of being done correctly. The dealer has the tools to handle any surprises that come up like wrong year engine and something is different.


iPhone ?

 

I blew a head gasket 2 years ago and my quotes from the dealership and the local prius shops for a replacement 100k engine were were all in the $4-5k range. I bought a used one online with 60k miles and a 6 month 6k mile warranty for $1628 shipped to my garage. It took me a bit to replace it and I learned alot, but we have put over 50k miles on it in the past 2 years with no problems.

I would want to know what they say the issue is. If it is a HG that can be replaced yourself for cheap, but is a pain. I decided a full swap was faster and easier.

 

I would opt to replace the engine over a repair. If it was driven very long without coolant, the piston rings and top end are probably cooked.

 

Only a 3month warranty? the minimum from lkq is 6month warranty. I’m hoping that 3month is enuff for you. Me personally would have gone with a little longer.