Hello everyone, I have a 2012 Prius V 140k. (I got it at 135k but that's not so important). According to CarFax, previous owner really took care of it and did all the services with Toyota Service Center actually. Changed battery at 100k, replaced tires at 119k. I recently change the spark plug and ignition coil. The check engine light was on a month ago, I took it to the shop and replaced the spark plug and ignition coil. Now thinking back, it might not be the reason that the check engine light was on. The car started having rattling sound soon after, and I brought it to the first mechanic - he didn't seem to know what's going on (he said it was the transmission). I went to another shop (multiple people recommended this shop) to get a second opinion. They seem to know better definitely. They say that it is likely a blown head gasket, and after inspection, they confirmed it. That made a lot of sense after doing some research. Not only the symptom matches, and apparently it is a common problem for gen 3 Prius. The shop says that it will cost around $5200 to fix. And they say that I should really think about whether I want to fix it at all. I am very new to owning a car. I am scratching my head thinking about it. Fixing means that there might be more to fix, but shouldn't Prius be super reliable?? Selling and rebuying another used car, a lot of headache first of all, and how would I know anything like this wouldn't happen again? Even a 90k Prius could run into battery replacement soon. I don't think I am up for buying a new car or a nearly new car at this point (unless you all can convince me....). Any opinion is very much appreciated!!! Thank you!!!! Warmly, Y
Any car eventually requires repairs. With careful handling, the start date of repairs is a long way off. The problems in the Gen3 engine and the Prius V are the same. The weak link of this engine is overheating, deformation, failure of the engine gasket, leakage of coolant, piston seizure. When replacing the engine, the car will please you for a long time with careful handling. 5200 for such a repair is probably expensive, only when there is no alternative option. And more! Check out this fun thread about a blown gasket, it will give you some enthusiasm for solving problems. fix you a head gasket | PriusChat
That is a terrible thread to link to. The OP in that thread does not know what he is doing based on the questions that he is writing. The OP in this thread may want to consider a rebuilt engine from Hybrid Pit if he wants to repair his present car.
A new Prius is very reliable and tends to stay that way for years. Once those years are over, they are like any old car: less reliable. The real difference is that the Prius is very complex. It's hard to make complex things reliable. When they do, they seem like magic. When they inevitably age and break down, the repairs are expensive compared to the simple cars. Not an endorsement, but it does sound like the shop you're working with actually has your interests at heart.
