My brake booster went bad, i decided to install normal vacuum operated brake booster, installed electric vacuum pump, and vacuum reservoir.. i have no brake issues anymore.. I live in East-Africa where these cars are not common..so it becomes very difficult to get parts from our local spareparts dealers.

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

WOW! Seriously?! thats pretty cool! Do you have a bunch of lights on the dash? I often wondered why toyota didnt do this...

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

I pinned this comment because its such a cool contribution

I took a chance and purchased a 2006 Prius that needed a brake booster for 1800.00, after watching a few KZread videos I was able to replace it the way you said without having to disconnect the coolant hoses, I purchased the booster from eBay for $650 was supposed to be only one month of use and it was practically new so I took a chance and with pretty much basic tools I was able to replace it and then I use the paper clip trick to clear the codes and it's been over 2 years and about 35,000 miles and it's been one of the best cars I ever had, also I purchased gasoline that had water in it from a local reputable gas station and the car began to run very rough instantly and sending me multiple misfires codes, in an afternoon I was able to drop the tank to empty it completely and I was able to get about 8 oz of water and there is a fuel pump but you can't get it out even from under the seat, from under the seat you do have to remove the seat to disconnect the wires, I really tried to disassemble the tank but it was near impossible unless I got a skill saw to cut it up and I wasn't going to do that, I ended up re installing the fuel tank Flushing the fuel line by bypassing the fuel relay and cleaning the fuel injectors and fuel real and new spark plugs, the car is running like a champ now, I now own three Prius cars an 06 and 07 and a 2012 Prius V which I've had to replace the engine because of the leaking head gasket, these cars are worth fixing, I got a near new engine from JDM and had it installed for under $2,000 way better than rebuilding 200,000 mi engine, I'm kind of like you I really like these cars very simple to work on thanks for the video

I almost bought one, but ended up backing out. had heard so many great things about the 2nd gen Prius that I was set on buying one. I looked and looked, and I finally found a 2007 with only about 85k on it that was a Carolina car, so no rust and in good condition. I was excited about it. I knew it had a dash problem, but I researched that, and discovered that I could pay about $1,000 to have it fixed, or follow along on a KZread video and possibly fix it my self for less than $10 and a few hours time.I was able to get the price of the car down to $7,000 because of the dash problem. I thought I might at least try to fix it myself, and if I succeeded, then I'd saved $1,000, but if I ran into trouble, then send it on and have it fixed - which I figured would likely be the true outcome. So, I was good with that issue. The hatch needed new hydraulics, but those weren't too expensive, so that was okay, too. There was a little issue, though, where some of these cars can begin to fail around the latch area for the hatch, so I knew that would likely need a little work, but nothing too major since it hadn't broken yet. However, the more I learned about the car, the more concerned I became that it was actually going to be a big money pit. When I would come to a stop and hold the brakes, I would hear a small sorta yip. It wasn't every time, and at first I even thought the sound was coming from crossing walks - until I stopped at places that didn't have them. Researched that, and discovered it was likely an ABS issues (symptom 'brake bark' which is just what I described). Toyota had offered to repair the issue when it was under warranty, but the car hadn't been driven enough for the problem to arise during the warranty period, so it had never been repaired. It was a shame because Toyota even had a 2nd warranty on the repair that would have taken it out to another 10 years or 100k. But again, it never had the first repair. As a result, the ABS repair would have cost $3,500-5,000. I considered it. However, there was also another little noise, I can't remember exactly how it sounded, but sort of like a faint 'dingding' that I heard almost under the steering wheel. I didn't know exactly what that was because it was harder to research, but from what I gathered, it was possibly another brake issue that could cost about $2,000. Maybe. Still not sure, but things were adding up $$$ when this was a car I wanted to buy to Save money. Other things that concerned me, and that I saw as potential repairs on the near horizon, included that fuel issue you mentioned. The tank is supposed to be something like 10-12 gallons, but from empty, the car would only take 6-7 gallons of gas. I had heard something about a bladder that could go bad, but it was being represented to me as the fuel conservation was so great that it had a smaller tank. No. It has a normal sized gas tank for a small car, and 7 gallons is too small even if it is great on gas, so that clued me in that the gas tank was on the downhill. The cat had also been stolen and replaced, but that seems to be common with these cars, so you just hope the repair was good, but if not, cha-ching again. Also, even though the car only had about 85k, the battery had been replaced, and the new one came with a $20 monthly warranty in case it, too, went bad. That might have been acceptable, but it didn't have a lot of pep, so the car actually was in need of a better battery, too. All in all, that $7,000 car that looked like a great deal in the beginning had the potential to cost that much, or more, all over again before it even got to 100,000 miles - and who knew what else might go wrong or the additional cost? I noped out of the deal. I was disappointed, but I think I dodged a major financial bullet on this car.

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

It’s really hard to say. I mean there is a reason these are STILL the choice of curious, and so many Uber drivers are devastated that they are becoming too old to use for that purpose… They really are bulletproof, but, like this video points out, they do have potential disasters please like and subscribe if you haven’t already :)

@CarolinaCarolina-ph9mx

2 ай бұрын

@@DrewGarage I did like and was already subscribed. 🙂It was just turning out to be too expensive for me for a 17 year old car. A lot of belts, seals, etc., can also start to dry rot and stuff on an older car even in milder climates where rust isn't a problem. Plus, when I started looking at it as a vehicle 17 years old with 85k that was going to cost me ($7,000 plus $$$ upcoming repairs, etc.,) probably $14,000-15,000 by the time I hit 100k, I started thinking about all the other vehicles I could have for that same money, so it didn't make much sense to buy it. Plus, there are even a few, just a few, small cars that I believe you can purchase new for about $17,000. Those would even give you a warranty, and this one had nothing of the sort. I think that there are even some 'certified' used cars that will give warranties, so it just didn't seem logical to buy it once everything was factored in. For someone who could buy one super cheap AND had the skills to do some of the repair work, however, it might be a great car to own. My car repair skill set is about zero, so . . . 😆

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

@@CarolinaCarolina-ph9mx thank you so much!! I think the key for folks who dont work on these is to have a prius specialist they trust - thats of course more expensive than DIY but not nearly as much as the toyota dealership or some independent who doesnt truly know these cars

I have a 2004 with 180k miles and a 2005 with 250k miles. I've installed lithium ion hybrid batteries in both. Both still going strong.

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

I want to try a li-ion battery but there just isnt nearly enough margin in my cars to support the project. I am going to import a 1997-2000 prius from Japan and they have cylindrical cells rather than prismatic so I might do it to that one to get ahead of a potential issue... please like and subscribe if you haven't already =)

I have one and I love it, it does have the brake booster issue, I have replaced it once, it went bad again, (you can usually still drive it until the pump totally dies), and I agree you need the Toyota to do the bleed and readjustment properly. Havent had any issues with the gas tank thankfully. The other main issue with this model is the MPH display going out and needing capacitors replaced and thats one heck of a job where you have to remove all the covering on the dash board. All in all She has 282K miles and still rides awesome!

Love this Mk2 era! I’ve had normal maintenance so far, battery reconditioning, cv hub( thought I might aswell do most of the suspension like arm, etc. for a bit more but cheaper than replacing piece by piece normal wear and tear items. Also I don’t ever go full throttle as this will stress out any engine and parts! Medium I get 57mpg motor way and 70mpg cruising between 40-50, the sweet spot! Thanks for the video I will sell the car if any of those issues arise.

I just looked at one today

I recently got the 08 prius 2 with 270k km. It drives really well. I live in europe, so I have the normal gas tank. Hybrid battery operates good too. In the end every car has a darkside and numerous things that can go wrong.

The 2nd gen Prius is one of the most solid cars ever built. Which means, if it is being sold, especially by the first owner, there is a good chance it has reached EOL in numerous vital areas. Like a favorite beagle, they don't die until absolutely everything breaks.

Thanks for your awesome insights Drew. Wanted your opinion on the 2016-17 Priuses. I’m looking at those in a $10,000 range or so but those have well over 150-180K miles on them on average. Are there any known issues with the early 4th generation Prius that I should be concerned with, especially with high mileage?

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

So I haven’t been exposed to enough of them to really form much of my own opinion. We have had three at the dealership. They just don’t fit our business model in the current economy… They are very pricey for what they are, and with how hard it is for people to get loans, we try very hard, with an exhausting effort, to have a very clean low priced inventory, but I can tell you what I do know: The head gasket issues from 2010 through 2015 are resolved in that model. No vehicle from that era is going to have wheel bearings and ball joints and tie rods that last as long as the second generation… It’s not uncommon for those things to last well over 200,000 miles on a 2004 through 2009, you won’t get that on any modern car Sadly, but, I think it is a better car than a 2010 through 2015, which I would still personally own if I needed my own car and didn’t require six seats in it

Are you familiar with the p3102 transmission control ECU with the second generation prius

Great video, thanks for sharing. When brake booster goes bad, will the car still drive?

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

Yes it will, but it will feel like the brakes in a non-hybrid without the car running after they are pressed a few times. It's more leg muscle than a substantial percentage of owners might not have... Its not fun. BUT its fixable. I have a buddy in AZ that is working on rebuilding these units so hopefully his research will assist in keeping these cars on the road that much longer.... please like and subscribe if you haven't already =)

@1951Roy

2 ай бұрын

@@DrewGarage Always enjoy your Prius videos.

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

@@1951Roy Thank you =)

Been checking some out recently how could I tell if the brake or any of these things are going out while on a test ride ?

I recondition my hybrid battery for free after returning the charger back to Amazon after one week. It went from 61% capacity to 94%. Abs was an meh repair

Do you know whether the VVT rattle is prevalent in Prius' 1NZ-FXE and 2ZR-FXE engines? I know it's an issue with a lot of the non-hybrid 2ZR-FE engines, and apparently less so with the 1NZ-FE as reports on it are sporadic (no news is good news I guess). I can't seem to find what years Toyota finally updated to the new VVT sprocket, seems to be pretty random across models with these engines. Apologies if this posted twice, not sure if the first one went through.

Hi Drew, great content. I have an 07 with about 270,000 and I am trying to figure if I should keep it and put some money into it or for another second gen condition. Mine has some rust. Thankyou

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

So if you’ve got one that’s good, my advice, purely personal, is keep it until it’s not good… Our 2007 Honda Odyssey has almost 220,000 miles on it, and yes it has a little rust, but nothing is wrong. Given the rust, I don’t think I would put more than 1000 bucks into it. If the same car was from like Arizona, I would probably put 3000 in it because I know they last at least 400,000 if they don’t rust first. Hopefully that helps :-) if you are not already subscribed, please do :-)

@carlosc_123

2 ай бұрын

@@DrewGarage thanks for getting back to me. Also do you sell gen 2's, will no rust?

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

@@carlosc_123 you are most welcome! Yes, actually. I don’t have money at the moment, but I usually have a couple and I buy them in Maryland and Virginia typically, so no rust!

I owned a 2007 drove it to 197000 miles shipped it to Africa it’s still on the road and now have 342000 miles I recently bought a 2009 with 106000 miles, planning to keep it forever About to buy another 2006 with 180000 miles to keep as a project car or spare part car

@DrewGarage

21 күн бұрын

Love hearing that the one in Africa is still going! We have some subscribers from Africa and have had inquiries to ship there. Very small world we live in these days. Please subscribe =)

@ElvisCarReviews

21 күн бұрын

@@DrewGarage thanks for creating great content, I subscribed

My Granny Grreen 06 w/ 224k (now 228k) i bought from you is still going strong. I do fear those big issues and being able to find someone knowledgable to do the work if i ever need it. Your Thumbnail shows 2010-15….

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

HEY! I am glad you're enjoying it! These are worst case scenarios so don't be too worried - plus you've got me to bounce questions off of any time. I STILL haven't had another green one like yours except for a demolished parts car at the shop! The thumbnail should be a red 2008 - thats what I see! If it's different can you text me a screenshot please? Thanks and thanks again for your business =)

@nairbudy6403

2 ай бұрын

Its correct now.

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

@@nairbudy6403 Thanks!

Do 3rd or 4th gen Prius have the same potential issues with the brake booster and fuel gauge?

I've never been able to put more than 6 or 7 gal in our 2005 Prius. The book says it holds 10 or 10.5, I don't remember. Nope. 7 if you're lucky.

@DrewGarage

21 күн бұрын

Yep! And it seems to be getting worse/more common. Still the best car anywhere near the year/miles/price. I am starting to get heavy in 2003-8 corolla and BACK into 1992-2001 camry as well as they are just as good but less complicated

My gas gauge has been wrong. I disconnected the battery left it disconnected for a little bit reconnected it seems to be working. OK now.

@DrewGarage

12 күн бұрын

That can make it recalibrate but the issue I mean is the bladder problems, not the gauge. Still the best car

How can I buy one , Drew??

JDM priuses have interchangable tanks with no rubber bladder. It was only the issue for the US market priuses

@DrewGarage

12 күн бұрын

They also don’t have the coolant thermos. Can’t wait to get a jdm second gen. 2028!

@topspot9417

12 күн бұрын

@@DrewGarage I got mine 2 years ago with 83000 km on it! In Canada we are allowed to import vehicles 15+ years not 25+ as in the USA. Cheers!

@DrewGarage

11 күн бұрын

@@topspot9417 yes as an avid importer (I’m sitting on like nine JDM cars right now) I am extremely annoyed by my countries ridiculous law. 15 years is much more fair than 25

Off topic question, how many of the gen 2s have you come across that have the issue of water leaking through the weld seems on the rear hatch/roof?

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

Literally almost everyone lol it was a common problem. Under the very rear edge of the black strips on the roof, and around the rear hinge there are welds that have a seam sealer that can crack. Cleaning that area really good with the solvent and then putting a thin coating of outdoor clear RTV silicone Solves that issue. For redundancy, I often drill a 3/16 inch hole in the rubber drain plug underneath the 12 V battery, that way at least if water leaks in, it doesn’t build up and cause a human environment that damages the battery

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

Please subscribe!

Ever have the straps on a Gen2 gas strap rust off on a Gen 2? I have.

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

Yikes!!!!! No only cause I get my inventory in the south. Please like and subscribe if you haven’t already :)

Are you in Arizona by any chance?

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

I’m not - I wish I was

Do you have a recommendation for those parts but aftermarket ??

@DrewGarage

21 күн бұрын

Which parts specifically?

@rickyticky3973

21 күн бұрын

@@DrewGarage break booster and gas tank. Or there is no aftermarket for those huh??

@DrewGarage

21 күн бұрын

@@rickyticky3973 There used to be a gas tank - i havent seen one in a while though. Not sure about the booster, but my suspicion is no. It's a decidedly expensive and complicated, specific part. For another company to tool up to make it is likely not profitable

I bought an 09 about 8 years ago, it had about 165K on it. It has 320K now. Not in any hurry to replace it; the damned thing is relentless like its older no-frills pickup cousin. Had the instrument cluster capacitor plague problem. Fixed that. Got the MFD cracked microconnector issue: saving up, going to get that fixed in about a month or so. Needs an O2 sensor, but that's not special. All cars have O2 sensors, they go bad everywhere. Not a unique problem to the Prius. Needs a PCV valve replacement. Again, not unique. Where it is is uniquely hard to get to for a PCV valve, but the valve itself is like a five dollar part. That's about it.

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

THIS is why I love them. They just go and go and go. But being I am around so many and all the time, I wanted to start posting the disasters that can happen that are unique to them. STILL my favorite used car to stock! please like and subscribe if you haven't already =)

Where is your car lot located?

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

We are in a far western suburb of Rochester, NY called Brokcport. please like and subscribe if you haven't already =)

@timothycreamer8610

2 ай бұрын

@@DrewGarage I'm subscribed...is there anyway to extend/prolong the brake actuators service life? Current owner of 2005 Prius.

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

Goodness I dont know. The buddy i mentioned in another comment seems to think its the bladder part - the accumulator that goes bad and i do know there is brake fluid in that part so perhaps being diligent to change it every so often isnt a bad idea, but in reality its one of those things that seems inevitable like an automatic transmission. Not if, but when. Just hope its not soon haha. It's a dooble job. I might be doing another one soon perhaps I will shoot a video =)@@timothycreamer8610

@timothycreamer8610

2 ай бұрын

@@DrewGarage I'm going to drain as much as possible and replace with fresh.✔️

@DrewGarage

2 ай бұрын

@@timothycreamer8610 research how to do it - you definitely dont want to introduce air to the system. If I remember correctly, you can depress the pedal a LITTLE and then open each bleeder one at a time and it will continuously pump. Do that for a good while at each corner starting farthest from the master and working toward the closest. BUT research first cause my memory is foggy on this - I use a vacuum bleeder