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A Gen 2 Prius is built like tank and should easily get you another 100k miles if the rest of the car is in decent shape. I’d maybe price a used one if funds are tight or price the repair at another shop. What kind of conditon is the hybrid battery in? That’s going to be the other big repair expense that generation has if it hasn’t been done yet.
I’d pay the $3k or get a second opinion…. 3k is cheap compared to what a new Prius will cost you…
Think about it this way… that brake actuator lasted 17 years… a new one should last the same…
When I'm worried about the price I would always ask around and get quotes from other shops first and go with the cheapest option, or just fix it myself. And the Prius should get you a lot more life if nothing else is wrong or neglected.
Get a refurb'ed part off fleabay with a warranty. Buy the same part number and no programming is required (not that programming is hard). Even if you pay someone to install it, you can save at least $2k.
I had the same problem at about the same mileage on a 2014. At about the same time I got the engine shake due to failing head gasket. A mechanic told me "there are three major things that can go wrong with a Prius and you have two of them." I was looking at at least $5K in repairs, maybe more.
The problems were intermittent so I took it to a dealer to get an offer. They looked at it for 10 minutes, started the engine and none of the symptoms showed. They offered me the middle of the "trade in" KBB value range so I just took the money.
But since you can likely get another 50K miles out of your car after the repair. I'd say $3K is worth it.
I have an 09 Prius, 198k miles
New Brake Actuator, New Battery, New Coolant Control Valve, New Tires, New Brakes, New Transmission Fluid all in the last 6 months
Aside from maintenance, I shouldn't have to worry for another major repair for at least another 100k miles, maybe even more, the peace of mind is incredible
Car Notes can very very easily top $500 a month, close to $1k if you get something nicer, I'd rather save the money over the next couple years. Can't beat <$100 insurance premiums and $20 fillups
Almost garuntee the hybrid battery will
Need replaced pretty much right after you get it back from the shop after sitting around there ..
Also the cats may get stolen from the shop parking lot. Happened to
Me.
You do realize the shop is on the hook for the stolen cats right? If the cats were stolen when you have the car in your driveway then they are on you... but the shop has a duty to see that your car left with them remains unmolested. Big hint, signs saying not responsible don't me shit, they are as meaningful as the dump truck that plaster signs on the back claiming they aren't responsible for damage to windshields of cars... signs like that are intended to keep people that have no clue from doing anything, but a sign doesn't give them any legal leg to stand on.
I personally don’t like them. Everyone thinks they’re so great but I don’t get it. Feels like you’re driving around in a tin can and they ride like shit. I think the Corolla at least feels like a much better car.
Yeah, fix the '07. $3k sounds high, but I'm not familiar with the part. Get a 2nd or 3rd quote. You know what has been repaired on your car, if you buy another used, you won't know. Prius hold their value. Don't even think about buying some other brand. Always change the oil on time and it should go another 100k. It will need a head gasket probably sometime after that.
If you are even minimally mechanically inclined, I just checked ebay motors. 200-700 for an actuator on there. Get a used one in the lower range. It's not super hard to replace at home. Some wrenches, a line clamp, a lot of brak fluid to refill, about 30 minutes replacement, and the bleed your entire brake system. Will take you maybe 2 hours and 400 to 450 dollars. If you buy brand new, you're looking 800-1200. Still way less then 3 k. Watch a video online to see how hard it is. Would be pretty sure if you've ever done any car work, that you'll see it's not too tough.
155k on a Prius is not a lot of miles. I would get it fixed. You might be able to get a 0% for 12 months deal at a garage thats part of a national chain. Just be careful they have good mechanics... some do, some don't.
what kind of symptoms are you getting now brake-wise? i don't work on priuses often but from reading here it says that part acts as an ABS sort of system which is not 100% necessary
There’s a continuous beep that starts when the car is on, the brake light and ABS light are on. When you press on the brake pedal you have to push hard for it to work and even then the car won’t stop until at least a few hundred feet after pressing it
I believe they said it couldn’t be a used part because of something needing to be programmed specifically to my car, and a used part would be programmed to a different car. Also yes the batteries have already been replaced
And they’re WRONG. You can get a USED actuator and install it. We’re not talking about a module here just the brake actuator.
You just need to ensure it’s bled out all the way. Takes damn nearly A GALLON of brake fluid. Which is the same case if it’s brand new
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! Please review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). Asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **Post's about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ Tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
3k is cheaper than buying a new car. If the car is in otherwise good shape I would pay to have it fixed.
A Gen 2 Prius is built like tank and should easily get you another 100k miles if the rest of the car is in decent shape. I’d maybe price a used one if funds are tight or price the repair at another shop. What kind of conditon is the hybrid battery in? That’s going to be the other big repair expense that generation has if it hasn’t been done yet.
I’d pay the $3k or get a second opinion…. 3k is cheap compared to what a new Prius will cost you… Think about it this way… that brake actuator lasted 17 years… a new one should last the same…
Those are very good cars, better than anything new that you could currently purchase IMHO. I would fix it.
When I'm worried about the price I would always ask around and get quotes from other shops first and go with the cheapest option, or just fix it myself. And the Prius should get you a lot more life if nothing else is wrong or neglected.
Get a refurb'ed part off fleabay with a warranty. Buy the same part number and no programming is required (not that programming is hard). Even if you pay someone to install it, you can save at least $2k.
I had the same problem at about the same mileage on a 2014. At about the same time I got the engine shake due to failing head gasket. A mechanic told me "there are three major things that can go wrong with a Prius and you have two of them." I was looking at at least $5K in repairs, maybe more. The problems were intermittent so I took it to a dealer to get an offer. They looked at it for 10 minutes, started the engine and none of the symptoms showed. They offered me the middle of the "trade in" KBB value range so I just took the money. But since you can likely get another 50K miles out of your car after the repair. I'd say $3K is worth it.
I have an 09 Prius, 198k miles New Brake Actuator, New Battery, New Coolant Control Valve, New Tires, New Brakes, New Transmission Fluid all in the last 6 months Aside from maintenance, I shouldn't have to worry for another major repair for at least another 100k miles, maybe even more, the peace of mind is incredible Car Notes can very very easily top $500 a month, close to $1k if you get something nicer, I'd rather save the money over the next couple years. Can't beat <$100 insurance premiums and $20 fillups
Almost garuntee the hybrid battery will Need replaced pretty much right after you get it back from the shop after sitting around there .. Also the cats may get stolen from the shop parking lot. Happened to Me.
You do realize the shop is on the hook for the stolen cats right? If the cats were stolen when you have the car in your driveway then they are on you... but the shop has a duty to see that your car left with them remains unmolested. Big hint, signs saying not responsible don't me shit, they are as meaningful as the dump truck that plaster signs on the back claiming they aren't responsible for damage to windshields of cars... signs like that are intended to keep people that have no clue from doing anything, but a sign doesn't give them any legal leg to stand on.
Yeah I guess that mfer who ran the shop owes me
I want a Prius
I personally don’t like them. Everyone thinks they’re so great but I don’t get it. Feels like you’re driving around in a tin can and they ride like shit. I think the Corolla at least feels like a much better car.
You’re completely right… but my girlfriends Chevy aveo is cancerous and in need of replacing lol
Those are horrible too.
Yes
Trade it in an a used Corrola or Avalon.
$3k is a no brainer but like others said you can save some on that repair by shopping around.
Yeah, fix the '07. $3k sounds high, but I'm not familiar with the part. Get a 2nd or 3rd quote. You know what has been repaired on your car, if you buy another used, you won't know. Prius hold their value. Don't even think about buying some other brand. Always change the oil on time and it should go another 100k. It will need a head gasket probably sometime after that.
Yes and I’m not even worried about what you’re fixing as long as it runs when done.
If you are even minimally mechanically inclined, I just checked ebay motors. 200-700 for an actuator on there. Get a used one in the lower range. It's not super hard to replace at home. Some wrenches, a line clamp, a lot of brak fluid to refill, about 30 minutes replacement, and the bleed your entire brake system. Will take you maybe 2 hours and 400 to 450 dollars. If you buy brand new, you're looking 800-1200. Still way less then 3 k. Watch a video online to see how hard it is. Would be pretty sure if you've ever done any car work, that you'll see it's not too tough.
155k on a Prius is not a lot of miles. I would get it fixed. You might be able to get a 0% for 12 months deal at a garage thats part of a national chain. Just be careful they have good mechanics... some do, some don't.
Where are you located?
what kind of symptoms are you getting now brake-wise? i don't work on priuses often but from reading here it says that part acts as an ABS sort of system which is not 100% necessary
There’s a continuous beep that starts when the car is on, the brake light and ABS light are on. When you press on the brake pedal you have to push hard for it to work and even then the car won’t stop until at least a few hundred feet after pressing it
Has the shop tried pricing out a rebuilt or used part? You don't need a new one. Also, has the battery been replaced? Cuz that's coming up soon.
I believe they said it couldn’t be a used part because of something needing to be programmed specifically to my car, and a used part would be programmed to a different car. Also yes the batteries have already been replaced
And they’re WRONG. You can get a USED actuator and install it. We’re not talking about a module here just the brake actuator. You just need to ensure it’s bled out all the way. Takes damn nearly A GALLON of brake fluid. Which is the same case if it’s brand new
Sounds like horseshit
They lied to you to ameks sure they got your money.