Head Gasket, Engine Rebuild/Replace Advice

Your US zip code location indicates Gilbert Arizona? Check out Hybrid Pit Stop (in LA): they sell (and install, if you get the car there) fully-rebuilt gen 3 engines, for $2~3K USD IIRC. They also could ship an engine, say to your local mechanic.

A head gasket replacement "may" also be sufficient. Gasket Masters In San Fransisco is one option.

Be sure to have the EGR system thoroughly cleaned. And repeat every 50K miles thereafter.

Or just sell, with full disclosure.

How's the oil consumption?

How's the engine coolant level in reservoir, stable, or?

Any engine shaking during cold-starts?

There's some relevant links in my signature. If you're viewing on a phone turn it landscape to see signatures.

 

It seems like too much money.

I wouldn’t get excited about hybrid pit stop in that they say honed block. I wouldn’t go near that myself. In the old days that was what people did to keep the car a while longer, a much less expensive but not as good option.
looking at care care nut, he buys a new long block from Toyota.

 

i would insist on the trouble codes, or take it somewhere else. their description is too vague.

if it is the head gasket, you may want to consider replacing the whole vehicle, since you might need a new hybrid battery and/or brake booster in the future

 

Thanks for that; I am pretty green about those details.

If it was mine I’d probably do short block, check/refurb the head, with full gasket kit from Toyota.