Hybrid motor died

Are you saying that the traction motor as in the main electric motor is fried?
Or the inverter?

 

Wow.
That's awful strange. Electric motors tend to be very reliable...seeing how there's nothing that can ever really go wrong, it's basically one moving part. Keep us posted on how everything goes! I'd be interested in seeing pictures if that's possible.

On that note, I'll go ahead and state that I would just go ahead and get a new car. (Hopefully a Prius!) I don't think I would tinker around with a Prius with a bad motor, even if it was replaced. Feel free to do what you want though, it's your choice, that's just my take on it though.

 

confused and red flags

I'm confused. From your descriptions, red flags are already going up in my head about this mechanic and him "specializing" in hybrids. Are we talking about the ICE or MG1 or MG2? MG1 and MG2 are located in the power split device/transaxle. For more info see Prius Palm Mileage Simulator, Toyota Prius - Power Split Device and Graham's Toyota Prius.

What are the DTCs, if any?

We have a # of resident repair experts here on PC (not me). Too bad you weren't in Nor Cal, otherwise I'd point you to Luscious Garage | Hybrid Specialists. I've never dealt with them but their posts are insightful.

 

It sounds like that diagnosis is a bit premature, especially considering that it hasn't even been out of park yet. Also it provides no explanation for the lack of engine oil. BTW when was the last time you checked the oil?

 

Oh, I understand.
I wasn't too impressed with the 3rd generation as well.
I had a Barcelona red 2010, but traded it in for a 2007.
Good luck and sorry to hear about this happening to you!

 

You don't think it's worth repairing it if it costs $3000? The car should be worth well over $10,000.

Your least expensive way to go is to repair it. Buying a new car will cost you more than $3000 in the first few minutes of driving it! It's called "drive it off the lot depreciation".

 

DTC = diagnostic trouble codes

This "hybrid specialist" should be telling you which has gone bad: MG1, MG2 or something else.

Yes, Luscious Garage is in SF which is too far for you.

While the ease of use of the MFD equivalent on the 3rd gen has gotten worse, most here on PC (including myself) feel the 3rd gen is overall a superior car vs. the 2nd gen. Sure, I have some gripes about US option packaging, like having to go to Prius IV to get 3-door SKS or having to get nav to get a backup camera. What's the "dealer premium"?

Why a VW Jetta TDI? You want higher fuel costs, lower gas mileage and poorer reliability? The current gen VW Jettas have taken a significant step backwards in interior materials quality vs. previous gen in effort to keep the price and costs down. There's no touchscreen in a Jetta either, unless you buy nav and the current gens have surprisingly tiny touchscreen. I've never seen integrated factory nav systems w/such a small touchscreen in the center dash area until now.

If you're willing to take a step back in mileage in trade for way more power (198 hp), how about an Altima Hybrid? Per Nissan Altima Hybrid Offers in Los Angeles Area - 0.0% APR, there are $4500 of incentives on leftover 2010s. Then there's the $2350 Federal tax credit (ends 12/31/10, see Federal Tax Credits for Hybrids) and 10 year/120K mile CVT warranty (see NissanAssist.com) but only on 2010 and before NAHs.

 

More information is needed. Any time the triangle comes on, there's likely going to be DTC's set. As soon as these are read the car will essentially tell you what's happening.

You need TechStream (Toyota's Proprietary Diagnostic Software) to properly read all the codes. Find a shop that has this, (any "Hybrid Specialist" should!) otherwise there will not be enough information to accurately make a diagnosis.

If you were in the SF area I'd be happy to read the codes for you, but you're not. Maybe you can find a PC'er that has TS close to you.

 

-Package #5 has
-Heated outside mirrors.
-Smart key system.
-Back-up camera
-Aux audio iPod input.
-VSC (Vehicle Stability Control).
-6 disc CD changer w/ premium JBL sound w/ 9 speakers and MP3/WMA playback.
-Bluetooth wireless technology.
-HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps with integrated fog lamps.
-DVD based navigation system.
-XM radio (requires subscription).
-Auto dimming rear view mirror with homelink.
-Toyota Theft-Deterrent system.

You would have to get package #3 if you wanted bluetooth. Package #3 also has:
-Auto dimming rear view mirror with homelink.
-6 disc CD changer w/ JBL premium sound w/ 9 speakers and MP3/WMA playback.
-XM radio.
-Back-up camera.
-Smart key system.
-VSC (Vehicle Stability Control).
-Heated outside mirrors.
and everything your package #2 has.

 

You've probably considered the option of selling off your damaged car and buying the nicest low miles gen II Prius you can, say for $15k for example.

 

Ok ok, but what about the current problems. Do you have any updates on what's the issue with the car? Its very unusual to lose most of your engine oil in three days. I't very strange to conclude that MG2 has failed before reading any codes or even getting the car out of park! This whole thing is very strange so please let us know if you get any updates.

 

$10k for that many miles with only a "fair" body and it's got a (potentially) serious problem? I seriously doubt it!

KBB shows a "good" one (assumed to be running ok) is $8,120. A "fair" one is only $6,770. I wouldn't pay more than $5k for it with an "unknown" problem.

You are much better off financially by repairing it then selling it! Selling a car with a problem is going to mean you lose $.

 

Exactly! I have my doubts about this "hybrid specialist".

As for "premium", find another dealer. Per 2010 Toyota Prius optional equipment at Edmunds, I put in 90024 zip code and it says Edmunds TMV on a 2010 Prius II $21,820 w/dest charge which is lower than the MSRP is $23,560 and invoice is $22,192. Forget the 2nd sticker (markup above MSRP) I've seen some dealers put on. I've always ignored them. People who pay that for cars that aren't rare or in high demand or in tight supply are nuts or uninformed.

I went to CarsDirect.com -- America's #1 way to buy cars and finance online! (put in 90024, 2010 Prius II) and their price is $22,005. The means, you should be able to get that price w/o any effort or haggling.

As for VW TDI efficiency, take a look at Fuel Sipper Smackdown 2: Which Car Gets the Best Fuel Economy? and Most fuel-efficient cars, for example. Diesel also overall costs more, most of the year and is less readily available. Right now, it's at a point where it's a lot more in CA (Daily Fuel Gauge Report--national, state and local average prices for gasoline, diesel and E-85.). How does $3.43/gal for diesel sound vs. $3.16/gal for regular unleaded? In addition to the VWs have inferior reliability and the TDI is a very dirty car despite the so-called "clean diesel" moniker.

I think there's something wrong w/your rental. My mom's NAH (which I've driven a bunch) has no problems at higher speeds.

Regarding those "extra parts", well, Prius brakes last forever. It has no starter, no alternator and transmission has no clutch packs nor torque converter. The transmission only has a single planetary gearset is way less complex than an automatic. The 3rd gen Prius also has no drive belts as the water pump became electric.

Since you're in CA, looking at my 06 Prius' warranty booklet, it says under hybrid system, the "generator", "motor", "inverter with converter" are all covered by the CA emission control warranty (specifically parts lists: long-term emission defect warranty) which is 15 years/150K miles. The HV battery is covered for 10 years/150K miles. If either MG is really bad (it seems rather unlikely given the vague info we're getting from you), you ought to yank your car now from this "specialist" now and go to a dealer unless you like throwing your $ out the window.