Blown Motor in '12 v Due to Coolant Loss-please help!

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.

 

call hometown hybrids and ask for recommendations. they might know some people.

 

Did the dealer give you their techstream report ? Or are they making you trust them after paying $500 for compression test?

 

What is the miles on that 2012 v?

 

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.