Guys, newbie here, apologize in advance for my ignorance. I bought my first Pruis new the last week of 2008 and bought 3 used ones since. #3 was racking up miles (180,000) and I'd been looking for another with fewer miles. I live in Bay City SW of Houston and found one in east Texas this week. Ironically, on our way home with the lower milage 2016, the 2012 overheated with very little warning and died in bad, stop and go freeway traffic. I had it towed to a Toyota dealership and after an over $500 compression test, they are telling me I need a new motor at $6500. I can't see pouring $7000 into a 10 year old car that might be worth $10,000. I'm reading some other threads here and other places online that that mention both used engines and the JDMs. I'm trying to figure out my options. My specific questions to you guys are: **Who around Houston can reasonably, reliably replace the engine? Or even give me a second opinion on the diagnosis? **How would I go about selling the salvage on the car to get the best return if replacing the motor is cost prohibitive? **Do you all have any other thoughts/suggestions for my situation? I appreciate your input!
First thing is to even the playing field. What are you getting from the dealer when he says new motor? New short block, machined head, cleaned up intake and egr? Or is it a "low mile" used engine? Or a used engine that was rebuilt with new pistons, rings, timing chain and bearings? Since the 2012 has one of the worst engines Toyota ever put in a Prius, the new short block with revised pistons and rings is the best option by far. If you are getting that for $6,500 it is worth it. A used engine simply swapped in is the worst option for reliabilty. You still have flawed pistons and rings. It could repeat fail on you. However it would be the lowest cost option by far. At least know what each shop would do and consider normalizing your requirements. Also factor in the hv battery and brake booster condition. If both have been replaced with new, then engine replacement makes better sense. If both are original you could easily have another $5k worth of repairs after the engine work. Parting out the car would provide the most salvage value but is a lot of work. Ebay is the best marketplace for judging a part's value but now reports sales to IRS.
Did the dealer give you their techstream report ? Or are they making you trust them after paying $500 for compression test?
I revisited the dealer's quote and they're actually quoting me a USED engine with no details available as to mileage or warranty. I find your insight regarding what other expensive repairs may be lurking especially helpful to my decision making process. Thank you!
The other important factor is what do you do if you don't repair it. Used and new car prices are through the roof, so its important to know what you can get as a replacement. Don't rely on dealers online ads either, they may advertise a new vehicle they expect to arrive three months from now. A high priced used car deserves an inspection from a third party and its hard to recommended a hybrid prior to 2016. The 2016 and 17 v wagon is excluded as well as it is a gen3 design. Often I suggest a conventional Corolla or Civic if a lower cost used car is needed.
