2013 Prius error code 303.. cylinder 3 misfire

Are you in los angeles area? If you need a recomendation for a reliable and a resonable no bs mechanic , than let me know.

 

HG replacement can be done right for less than $2000 or 1500 minimum.

 

Even if check engine went off you still have that issue.it went off cause you were driving about 100 miles with no issues so the computer thinks no problem and resets itself. Please check your coolant level so you wont loose the whole engine. After i replaced my HG car was driving so well. I say its worth the expense .
If you find a good mechanic to do a real good job replacing it than go for it . mine drives like new.
I drove about 2000 miles or more with that engine knocks symptoms till my HG was finished. It was not a good idea. I could loose the whole engine

 

You only “think” the value of your car is low. Here in my neck of the woods, the Prius is still commanding premium pricing. They are priced at 2000-3500 over bluebook value. Your car is worth repairing to “someone”. It just may not be you. A head gasket replacement around 2k, motor change in mine had me right around 1600. Yes I did my own labor, but that would have added another 1200-1600 depending on the shop.
Mine is paid off, but my financial institution is willing to loan 4300 even with 213k miles. My personal “do not repair” point is half of ACV. So I still had 700 dollar window. It’s a shame you are on the west coast. The HG job or an engine swap can be done in about 9 hours from start to finish.

You may not have the luxury of a second vehicle to drive, but I did. My wife and I survived 4 1/2 years with only 1 car, the 6 weeks mine was a down was a breeze. Park it if you can, the damage you are doing with a blown head gasket can result in dramatic failure.

 

That tells me one of two things, One, they intend to repair it, and sell it for 6-7000 dollars post repair. Or two, they have someone who will buy it sight unseen for the offer they made you. Both of those options should make you angry.

Angry that they are lowballing you on the value of your car.

It’s unfortunate that you can’t afford to repair the car yourself. The offer they made you shows they see the value in your car that you don’t. When I saw the pricing on replacing the car I had bought in March, plus the phone call to my bank giving me that loan value, told me that repairing mine was the right decision.

 

That place is called prius express 818-4334334. In sun valley.
When i went over there isaw lots of prius taxies that he was sevicing.one more prius with a blown HG. I didnt even finished one sentence and he already said 1400$ .minimum so he obvioulsly knew exactly the whole story about this HG issue we all experience. My luck was that i haf a warranty and i ended up not paying for the repair.

 

Im positive about changing HG. I still think its the most reliable hybrid in the market and as you know buying a used car again dont mean you wont have any issues.and another positive thing to consider is if the engine doesnt burn oil. Lets say not over 1qt/5000 miles.

 

Well check @danlatu posts about doing a good job on replacing it and what other things can be done at same time like bolts water pump etc. 800$ seems pretty decent starting point.

 

Not only cash. Its a big place. If you have an engine issue than thats bad luck. Did you say engine not burning oil? Im not the best mechanic here but if engine dont burn much oil than that means seals rings etc are still in good shape

 

Could be so. 36 mpg pretty low but still resonable if you driving in l.a strerts when a/c is constantly on. How is your mpg on pure fwy drive lets say 60 mph optimal condition. In my case with blown hg i still got 45-50 mpg mostly fwy. And now 30k miles after hg replaced i still get average of 50 mpg

 

So according to what you wrote theres some optimism that engine is fine. And you change oil every month so you're a good owner. If i had to make a decision here i'd take the risk and replace that gasket. Ask @Mendel Leisk or @Raytheeagle @danlatu or any other great members here whats their opinion