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Urgent: Should I get rid of my 2006 Prius?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Rae007, Jul 14, 2015.

  1. Rae007

    Rae007 New Member

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    Hi all,

    I have an second-handed 2006 Prius, mileage 119K. I have been driving it for 1 year + a few months only.
    However, my car's battery is completely dead now and the catalytic converter fails to pass the smog check. My mechanic said I need to change it, $2200 plus changing the cat converter for another $2000 something. I live in LA, California. The DMV just changed the policy and required all Prius to get smog check.

    Is it worth it to spend all the money to fix my car and hoping it will run for a couple years? Or just sell it/trade it and get another car?

    I'd like to hear your opinion and suggestion! Thanks!

    School starts in a month and I really need a car to commute :(

    *Updated: If Toyota dealer refuse to repair my car (for free), what should I do? Do I have to bring my car to the original dealership (where the car was purchased)?
     
    #1 Rae007, Jul 14, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2015
  2. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Assuming your info is correct...you need to decide how much you like this car. CA does not allow aftermarket Cats so your screwed on that cost, although install labor may vary. There are options on the big battery too, new vs overhauled. Then consider "real world" trade values before and after repairs...if you replace this car with a new or used. How much money do you have on hand for repairs or to apply toward another vehicle? Is financing a vehicle an option?
     
    #2 frodoz737, Jul 14, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2015
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you can't find a cat in California, drive to Nevada and get a cat there.

    EDIT, damn you're in California. Just bring it to the dealer, both are under warranty....FREE
     
  4. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Assuming car is CARB State qualified...I missed that on the Battery. Where was it originally purchased? Don't know on the CAT.
     
  5. Rae007

    Rae007 New Member

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    I have $2000 right now and maybe borrow another $2000-3000 If it costs me $4000-5000 to repair. I have no/not enough credit to financing a vehicle :( So I guess my best option is to repair the car?

    That'll be sweet! But I bought it used...
     
    #5 Rae007, Jul 14, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 14, 2015
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Is it salvaged? even if it's used, it's not a problem. If it's salvaged....then it's a problem
     
  7. Rae007

    Rae007 New Member

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    The car itself? I bought it in LA. It's originally from northern CA (the first owner) then it was owned by the second owner from Utah. I know nothing about the Battery and the CAT though...

    No, it is not salvaged. My friend (who also drive a Toyota car) said: "warranty is only given by manufacturer, which is Toyota. Not by the seller. They definitely do not do it for cars over 50,000 miles." Maybe I should just bring in my Prius to a Toyota dealer and see what happen?
     
    #7 Rae007, Jul 14, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 14, 2015
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    if you're in doubt, I'll offer you $3000 for your car, with the pending $4000+ repair bill

    Just take it to the dealer and let them take care of you.....for free
     
    Rae007 likes this.
  9. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    There is the new car warranty which covers everything but wear items.

    But there is another kind of warranty which covers specific items and in CA extends well beyond the normal new car warranty.

    Specifically it is CCR §1962 which covers emissions items for 15 years/150 miles and battery for 10 years. Google "carb warranty" or download http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/warranty.pdf.

    See your dealer. See if it applies to your car.
     
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  10. Rae007

    Rae007 New Member

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    Alright, see the dealer first. If it's free I'll be VERY happy. But I'll still consider your offer. Keep in touch

    Ok, I'll give it a try. Thank you!
     
    #10 Rae007, Jul 14, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 14, 2015
  11. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Ok, let me start counting out my money to give you......
     
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  12. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Yes this car should be under CARB Warranty unless I am missing something.
    Toyota told me (and I posted here) that the only thing that matters is First state of registration and Current state of registration at time of repair. The car's vacation in Utah should not void the CARB warranty.
     
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  13. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Rule #1 - always get a 2nd opinion anyways. Once you meet Rule #1 - by taking it to the dealer, and they confirm, "yes" smog junk on cars (including the entire synergy system) are on a 10yr / 1 50k mile warranty - you never even have to worry about rule #2
    ..... and welcome !!!
    ;)
    .
     
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  14. Rae007

    Rae007 New Member

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    You also own a used Prius too? Quick question: is there anything I should prepare when I bring my car to the Toyota dealer?

    Haha will do! Thanks!
     
    #14 Rae007, Jul 17, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 17, 2015
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    they'll probably want a diagnostic fee, to be waived if the codes point to warranty work. so go over the issues with the service advisor beforehand, to see where you stand.
     
  16. JTM2955

    JTM2955 Active Member

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    I would fix it. If you buy another used vehicle, you're buying somebody else's problem. Plus, you do have a handle on what this vehicle needs.
    You may consider leasing a new Toyota, then you would have peace of mind that the car will be there for you.
    But, you would have perpetual car payments.
    You need wheels. One way or another, you're going to pay for transportation. It's your choice, good luck and consider all the possibilities.

    LG-D851 ?
     
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  17. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Well our Prius is indeed well used but we are the orig owners. But that does not change the repair strategy. You are potentially in better position than me, as you live in a CARB state. In this case I am not sure what is wrong with your car, but it seems like your non-Toyota mechanic is not aware that some of the repairs are covered under warranty. We've heard one too many stories of owners (under warranty) taking the initiative to repair by themselves only to realize it would have been a free repair at a Toyota dealer. So we seem to need to get you to a reputable Toyota dealer for diagnosis. It is sort of unusual to need a new cat converter at this point, so maybe a new 12v clears the issue. We don't know.

    I would not personally fix a cat converter unless I had to, to pass inspection. That's one of those things if the car runs OK, let well enough alone. Of course if its under warranty, then fix it.
     
    #17 wjtracy, Jul 18, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2015
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  18. JTM2955

    JTM2955 Active Member

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    I have been to Autobeyours in Scottsburg, In. He has a wide selection anything Gen2 Prius. Hes on the net, and he has lots of parts.

    LG-D851 ?