2014 Prius Plug-In. Blown Head Gasket 165K Miles

It takes all kinds to make the world go around. You seem to be the kind who has no problem telling a low income buyer to go right ahead and buy a used Prius, one most of us know is the most problematic due to design flaws. I suggested he put his resources into a simpler and more reliable vehicle.

Go ahead, I have given my advice without an agenda, much less BS. Feel free to dispute it. As I said above, I believe these things to be true and the right thing to do is warn this guy when asked about buying a gen3. Sorry you have other ideas.

 

Believe what you want. However, I have seen many instances of transmissions going bad on non-hybrid vehicles...and fixing that ain't cheap ( the Prius doesn't have a 'transmission' ). Look into it and I think you will be amazed at the simple and elegant design of the HSD.....which hardly ever fails. And you seem to think that head gaskets only fail on hybrids? Come on....Just read the truck forums.

If anything I'd wager that long term repairs on a Prius vs. a non hybrid is a wash. And arguably much better for a Prius when you take into account greatly decreased brake wear, etc,...

I just don't like to see disinformation spread....and for the record, I *did* agree with you to be wary of purchasing a high mileage Gen3.

 

I think my point was well received. I will continue to point out these known issues when asked. Buy a used Corolla, Civic, Camry or Accord if your resources are limited.

 

RJ Parker... your advice was indeed well received by me at least and you have no idea how much I appreciate it. There is no way I could deal with a potential $5k-$8k blown engine. I understand all vehicles need maintenance and from time to time could need a costly repair. However, from all I read the probability of this happening with a high mileage gen 3 prius or prius v is higher than other vehicles.

So where did I end up? I've had two Corollas in the past. Great cars!! But at this time I really need a hatchback or wagon with some cargo space, which rules out the Corolla and Camry and left no real options with Toyota (Prius c and Toyota's smaller hatchbacks are too small, and Corolla hatchback is too expensive and too low to the ground for me after four hip surgeries). So my thirty year run with Toyota has come to an end for now.

I got a great deal ($4,600 below the carfax price) on a 2020 Kia Soul with 7,100 miles. Same price range as the high mileage Priuses I was looking at. I'll miss the great mpg of the Prius. So many things I'll miss about my Prius!! But given my budget, needs, and concerns about the gen 3 prius, I think it was a good decision and I got a lot of bang for my buck.

Thanks again for the info and feedback that helped keep me from what could have been a costly mistake with a gen 3. I hope to come back to Toyota in the future, if they get their act together.

 

Sounds like a good deal that should also have factory warranty. I have heard good things about the recent Kias. I believe the gen4 Prius hybrids are much better. Down the road a used 2019-up Rav4, 2021 Venza hybrid or 2019-up Corolla hatchback will likely be a good buy.

 

RJ Parker, yes, fully warrantied for 100k miles or 10 yrs (9.5 yrs now). It's practically new. 33mpg for a gas vehicle isn't too bad. And, yeah, a Venza hybrid would be awesome!

 

The work was done at Fremont Toyota

 

I keep eying 4Runners...

 

Aren't you a Jeep guy.

Maybe that doesn't help the matter.

 

Good choice! Hyundai/Kia are great vehicles....especially with the warranty. For the record, we have a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited and a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT. Absolutely NO problems with either of them....and neither consumes oil, etc...

These were purchased before I got interested in hybrids and acquired the 2010 Prius liftback and 2012 Prius v 'for the kids to drive'. I now drive the Prius v more than the Sonata!

 

My understanding is Toyota is discontinuing the Land Cruisers. The 4Runners are low mpg and you can buy a much nicer Highlander Hybrid awd for similar money. 35mpg combined on the 2020-up Highlander. Was at the dealer Saturday checking out Rav4, Highlader and 4Runner.

 

Talk you out of it?

EASY!!!!
If all of the stories in this forum about "customers" being savaged by a corrupt dealer network aren't enough to dissuade you.....then there are these little points to consider.....


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(they rated it 4/10)

 

Yeah I know about the mpg, lol.

 

Join the club. The current tank on my new truck is 15.6 mpg.

 

YIkes! My son works at a 'Kwik Trip' gas station and constantly asks me how the heck people can afford the fuel on large trucks, etc...especially the diesel beasts. I just tell him "they probably can't".

I guess he is spoiled driving a Prius. His friends give him never ending crap about it...until they find out about the MPGs and sit inside it....and then wow....it's nice!

 

A few of them use it for work and justify 20% of the cost as reduced taxes. Most are buying those $100k depreciating Rams and helping the oil companies at the expense of their kid's education and their own retirement.

 

Reading the discussion thread is making me want to trade-in my 2014 Prius Plug-in, with only around 160k miles.

But going back to less than the MPG that the Prius gives is just difficult to do.

I was planning on having my current PiP as the final vehicle I would own. But that may not be the case reading the discussion thread.

And the thought of having another car loan is .