I got a 2011 Toyota Prius back in 2021, and now it’s basically just sitting there. It’s got around 200k miles, hasn’t started in over four months (key battery is dead), and the rear driver’s side wheel is completely stuck. Also, before it stopped running, it made some awful noises and overheated whenever I hit 50 mph.
The problem is… I am totally broke. After bills and necessities, I barely have $50 left per paycheck, and that just goes to gas for my other car. I’m expecting a $2,100 tax return, and I’m wondering if I should dump it all into fixing this Prius or just cut my losses. My big worry is that even if I fix it, the battery might die later, leaving me in the same situation again with no money to fix it.
One more thing—if I had a second car, I could actually finish my Master’s degree, which would lead to a better job. But I wouldn’t be able to get that job until I graduate in August 2026. If the battery could last me until then, I’d be fine. What do you all think?Preformatted text
If it was overheating, I’d say let it go. A stuck wheel bearing isn’t a big deal, but overheating could mean the head gasket is shot, and that’s not cheap.
Also, leaving the hybrid battery sitting for that long isn’t good for it.
Huxley said:
Honestly, I don’t think $2,100 will cover everything that needs to be fixed. Where are you located?
Rural Southern Indiana.
Being in a rural area might help with lower labor costs, but the downside is that many mechanics won’t want to touch a Prius. I still think the repairs will end up costing more than your refund.
Micah said: @Huxley
Weirdly enough, there’s a Prius specialist shop nearby, which is surprising for a small town.
That might actually be a good thing. They’d be familiar with every issue these cars have, so they might give you a better price than a regular shop. At the very least, they could tell you exactly what’s wrong and how much it’ll cost. Worst case, they might even buy it off you for parts.
Wish I knew a good Prius mechanic around there. From what you’re describing, you’re probably looking at replacing the rear wheel bearings ($100 if DIY), head gasket ($500 if DIY), and whatever’s making that noise at 50 mph (maybe CV joint or wheel bearing).
If you can’t do it yourself, you’re looking at around $250 for the wheel bearings and maybe $2,500 if you need to swap the engine. At that point, it might not be worth it.
I’m in the same boat. 2011 Prius, over 200k miles. I’ve already put too much money into it and still have problems. Not worth it—either scrap it or sell it as-is.
Not sure what your budget is, but the dealership I work at just got a 2018 Prius Prime with 69k miles for $20k. If mine died, I’d buy it. Just throwing it out there as an option.
I have a 2011 Prius with 200k miles and it still runs great, but in your case, it sounds like getting a different car would be the better move. Maybe trade it in for whatever you can get and look for a used Corolla instead. Reliable transportation is a must, especially in a rural area.
Sell it for parts. You might get enough to put toward another used Prius, or if money is tight, maybe even a motorcycle until you can save up for another car.
If you knew how to fix it yourself, I’d say go for it, but since you don’t, selling is probably your best bet. Try to find a solid non-hybrid Toyota or Honda instead.
Even non-running Priuses still sell, so you’ll probably get offers.
Best advice I can give: if there are any Prius taxis in your area, ask them where they get their cars fixed. Those mechanics know these cars inside and out and won’t rip you off. Taxi drivers don’t make enough money to deal with shady mechanics, so they usually find the best ones.