Bailey said:
I found a mechanic on Facebook who works on Priuses and does head gaskets for $1,600. He also did other repairs for me.
Sounds like you were charged $200 for some K-Seal.
@Denali
I updated my post. My mistake.
Bailey said:
I found a mechanic on Facebook who works on Priuses and does head gaskets for $1,600. He also did other repairs for me.
No one outside of some countries would do a head gasket for $200. You might be scammed.
@Zander
I corrected my post. Sorry for the error.
I just did a full DIY engine replacement. If I were to start over, I’d go with a Gen IV engine.
There are good lease deals right now for new cars, which are tempting.
Learn to do the repairs yourself.
Is changing the head gasket really that hard? I’ve done some before and there are YouTube tutorials. Can someone explain if there’s something special about this model?
Wynn said:
Is changing the head gasket really that hard? I’ve done some before and there are YouTube tutorials. Can someone explain if there’s something special about this model?
I’m in the same situation and watched several videos for head gasket and engine swaps. The engine swap seems less scary after watching the videos, but it’s still a lot.
Wynn said:
Is changing the head gasket really that hard? I’ve done some before and there are YouTube tutorials. Can someone explain if there’s something special about this model?
Often DIY gasket replacements fail soon after. I think the block or head might be damaged. I prefer swapping the engine instead of replacing the gasket.
If you’re driving it, a gasket repair might not be enough. Coolant can get into the cylinders and damage the engine.
I was quoted $1,800 for a gasket job and ended up paying $2,200 to swap the whole engine. My wife drove with a failed gasket for a long time, which worried me.
Leif said:
I was quoted $1,800 for a gasket job and ended up paying $2,200 to swap the whole engine. My wife drove with a failed gasket for a long time, which worried me.
$2,200 including the engine? What state are you in?
@Kenan
In Los Angeles, Hybrid Republic.
It’s a tough choice. I was in the same position with my 2012 Prius. I spent $5k on a head gasket and another $1k on more repairs. Now the car runs great and I’ve had a few more years with it. Compared to new car prices, it was worth it.
@Vern
Get a Bluetooth OBD reader and use the Dr Prius app to check your battery health.
Kenan said:
@Vern
Get a Bluetooth OBD reader and use the Dr Prius app to check your battery health.
I did that and my battery health is 35-40%. Should I replace it now or wait?
Kenan said:
@Vern
Get a Bluetooth OBD reader and use the Dr Prius app to check your battery health.
I did that and my battery health is 35-40%. Should I replace it now or wait?
If you haven’t seen any error codes and are worried about the battery, check the cooling fan and clean it if needed. Keeping the battery cool can extend its life.
I had the same issue at 200k miles. I sold my Prius and got a Honda Clarity PHEV.
I used the same mechanic in Atlanta. My 2005 Prius was totaled, so I replaced it with a 2009 for $7,500 without a loan. I prefer paying a mechanic over dealing with financing.
I had my 2012 Prius engine replaced with a refurbished one for about $3,700 at CarTech in Norcross. They did a great job and kept me informed throughout the process.