Engine check and trac off lights on, losing power while driving. Repairs done, issue persists

Ask 3rd gen prius owners..We had to replace head gasket.
I would not personally pay 10K . The job does not cost that much. All you need is a place, time, Costco, HF tools and be mechanically inclined.
Parts and head service will be under 1K
Or you can by a new head and valves around 1300-1400 + cost of valve installation.

 

I just talked to an independent repair shop. They said the engine needs to be replaced and will cost at least $8000 with new motor. Toyota will only overhaul and fix the valves and will cost at least $8000 because replacing it will be at least $10000.

 

yikes. i would try to find a used engine from a salvage yard. lots of totaled tacomas with bent frames and good engines. it's possible prolonged detonation/knocking from low octane fuel caused this, but who knows.

 

You phrased it as “talked”

Did they actually open up the truck and run diagnostics?

But that seems high. Should be able to find a used motor and swap it in for much less

 

It didn't. A burnt valve is from an issue with the valve sealing/seating; not gas or oil change frequency.

Obviously its hard to say if it needs a new motor but this issue is somewhat rare. And I don't recall any of them ever damaging anything requiring the shortblock to be replaced too. My internet opinion is if you didn't actually drop a valve the shortblock is likely ok.

But a junkyard replacement may be the best option for cost effectiveness. Chances are pretty slim you'd get another one with this issue. I also don't think Toyota sells a longblock.

 

How much is a cylinder head?
And much is labor?

I would absolutely hate to undertake a head job.
But I’d be really tempted to save myself $5k or more…..

 

I'm still waiting for Toyota to call me back to see if they can give me discount before I decide to have them fix it. I know my wife probably will not let me take the truck somewhere else because she said that Toyota is the expert of fixing their own car.

 

Just trying to prove to you there is a recurring issue with the 3.5 motors. That is all.

 

They should be.
But with the technician shortage, who knows.
I’d inquire to whether or not the person that’s doing the work has ever done it before.
But I guess that’s what the warranty is for?

I have to admit, the dealership is probably the best option.
But it will be the more expensive option.

 

From my local dealer with local pickup before taxes. Valves are around $20/pc.
I was in the same shoes with 2zr-fe head gasket replacement. Could not stomach 5k+ for the labor. Total job cost me $600 (including head service) and a few days to disassemble/reassemble.

 

it sucks that warranty is only good up to 60,000 miles. So my engine is no longer under warranty.

 

Man that really sucks, sorry to hear all this.

I would’ve been so pissed… Like that’s why we buy a Toyota.

Good luck to you man.

 

Thank you. I always love Toyota. All my 4 vehicles are Toyota and 1 Mercedes. After all these i don't know which car I'll buy next to replace this Tacoma.

 

Yeah, I would have to think about that one. That would only leave me with a jeep since they offer manual transmission, but a Chrysler product?…

 

Are you the only owner?

 

Yes. First owner. I bought brand new in Toyota of El Cajon, CA. I love this truck but now I'm so frustrated.

 

I don’t blame you at all man.

 

That is an "I don't want to do it" quote. Instead of being an adult and saying "no" they throw ridiculous numbers at you. Never give them any business.

Try some place else. Ask your friends/family/co-workers for names of places they've had good experiences with.

 

Costco is actually considered top tier gas they are as good as bp, ExxonMobil, Shell etc. All gas starts out the same it's the additives they add in and Costco adds more than the government minimum quantity.

I agree with the other guys, get another opinion these guys seem to be throwing big numbers at you. $8k for a rebuild? could probably get a running junkyard engine installed for less.

Found a 17 3.5 with 58k miles for $4k in San Diego, not sure how much install would cost.
https://www.car-part.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi

 

Yet you've been taking it to Firestone? Does she approve?

I'm sorry you have the problem. Just know the oil changes and Costco gas (a top tier product) had nothing to do with the problem.

You need to find a better, trustworthy, independent shop.