Should I keep a 2003 Toyota Prius w/ 133,000 miles (just completed an engine swap)

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by MilkyWay, May 10, 2013.

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Keep 2003 Prius with 133k or sell?

  1. Keep

    16 vote(s)
    88.9%

  2. Sell

    2 vote(s)
    11.1%
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  1. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II

    I ordered this part for $120. Part number G9020-47022

    Sad thing is I halfway completed the process when you told me that they typically fail over 100k. I wanted it to be on hand when it happened or replace it as a precaution. Now I have to wait for shipping. Hopefully will be here by Friday or Saturday!
     
    #21 MilkyWay, Jul 14, 2013
  2. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    2007 Prius
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    Got that coolant pump fixed. While it was on the hoist I took some pictures because it looked pretty clean for a 2003.

    Only issue now is it makes a grinding noise when I brake very frequently. The mechanic I took it to said it wasn't the brakes or rotors. I think I'll have to get a second opinion. He said it might be from the trans but it only happens when braking. Let go of brake and nothing. No noise when accelerating...only on braking...


    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
    #22 MilkyWay, Jul 22, 2013
  3. johnd900

    johnd900 New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
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    One
    Great pics MilkyWay! Does anyone have any advice on removing the engine of the 01-03 models. I've heard it needs to come out from the bottom but it appears that coming from the top is possible.
     
    #23 johnd900, Aug 29, 2013
  4. 3prongpaul

    3prongpaul Hybrid Shop Owner, worked on 100's of Prius's

    Joined:
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    It may be possible to pull engine up, but it was designed to come out going down. I've never tried going up.

    If you don't have a lift you can put the car on jackstands/ramps, lower the engine/tranny (easiest to pull out as a pair) onto dollies then slide out the side wheel well. When engine "on the floor" if car not high enough to clear, raise one side with floor jack to scootch the motor out.

    Until I had a lift I pulled many Gen1 engine/tranny with car on jackstands using a simple lowering winch I made with some wood pieces and a harbor freight crank boat trailer winch. I recommend a good jack under the tranny to control its decent since it weighs about 2.5 times the engine. Motorcycle jack is good because of it's wide base.

    Actually I still use my wooden lowering winch even though I have a whole car lift. It's easier to manage the decent from the top.

    This thread may help you Technical question -- Engine Swap | PriusChat
     
    #24 3prongpaul, Aug 29, 2013
  5. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    My Prius is running good but... I think it might be time to switch out the radiator. Has about 145k and reservoir was near empty, heat was blowing cold, added fluids and it's blowing hot again.

    Two more things:

    1) Since I've been driving it it always makes a loud click all the time....Maybe something to do with hybrid system. Basically does it once every few minutes while driving?

    2) I found a guy that redoes leather upholstery, and he's very reasonable. My dad bought a red volvo with bad seats. For $600 he did some restitching, cleaning, and not sure what else (I know drivers seat is brand new but passenger was repaired)...He would make my cloth seats brand new with black leather to match black exterior for about $1000. I'm contemplating doing it and will post pics if I proceed! Here is the red volvo...
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    #25 MilkyWay, Nov 9, 2013
  6. johnd900

    johnd900 New Member

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    Model:
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    Those leather seats in the Volvo do look pretty good but man to me $1000 is a lot of cash. I would see if I could hunt down some leather seats that would fit in there first. I really wouldn't be at all surprised if the seats from another Toyota fit in there. If I didn't find any then maybe go with the $1000...

    Regarding the radiator - are you sure you're not getting any leaks from the hoses? If no leaks, what about coolant getting into the engine? I have a radiator from my 01 Prius for sale but I'm not sure that's your problem from what you've told us.

    John D.
     
    #26 johnd900, Nov 11, 2013
  7. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    I think it could be from the hoses but haven't got it inspected yet. I should probably do that this week.

    What I like about the new leather (aside from being brand new) is for slightly more he will put whatever graphics I want. Since there are 4 headrests (2 in back and 2 in front) I was thinking about maybe getting the toyota symbol.

    Also, he'll let me pay on PayPal which gives me 6 months no interest no payment.

    I really don't want to spend 1000 on cosmetic work but I already have a few burn holes. I would probably get seat covers just to be safe if I did add leather...

    ...The Volvo car had about 170,000 miles on it and the seats were in really poor shape. The passenger seat I believe he sanded it down and dyed it multiple times to bring back to life.
     
    #27 MilkyWay, Nov 11, 2013
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