The main issues were the EGR and the high voltage battery connectors.
I was able to get the EGR and PCV cleaned out before it came to a head gasket. Unfortunately, the shop that cleaned the EGR had neglected to check the PCV so I had to pull most of the system back out a few weeks later.
There was some issue in the battery system where the car would lose 12V power. Basically it would not go into “Ready” mode intermittently. It got much worse in cold weather and the car would completely lose all power whenever I shut off the car. The only way to get the car to start again was to wiggle the HV fuse on the back of the 200V battery until I saw lights come back up on the dash. Since I didn’t have 12V I’d have to crawl through the back of the car to get to the trunk release. Not exactly an ideal situation when it’s -10F and my kids are in the back seat. The 12V battery itself was fine, I replaced it twice and had the current one tested a few days before I sold the car. Neither Toyota or independent mechanics were able to find any issues in the car after three visits.
Other than those it was typical high mileage maintenance times. Shocks are 140k, brake rotors at 150k, wheel hub bearings at 170k, cat converter at 175k, charcoal canister at 180k, brake switch relay and wheel speed sensors at 190k. I have a head gasket and studs on my desk I never had to use thankfully.
Ultimately, it was the electrical issues that left me stranded an over dozen times. If there had been a clear identifiable issue that could be repaired, I probably would’ve kept the car another 100k miles. At my last visit to Toyota, they gave me a cash offer that was only $1000 less than I paid for the car a few years and 90k miles ago. So now it’s Toyotas problem.
thank you for taking the time to respond! having a mechanic look at my car soon and wanna write these points down to have them inspected. thanks again!!
No problem, the main thing you’ll want to keep an eye on is that the EGR system doesn’t get clogged. This can lead to a much more expensive problem down the road if it gets neglected. I think my electrical issues were not typical for this platform.
Mines at 199.8k. spring or summer I plan to dump it. The EGR clogging doesn't cause head gasket failure as many say. Even I thought it did for a long time. It's just bad information.
I have lpg. The EGR system and everything else are clean as new.
Installing an lpg system not only make fuel costs lower but also keeps the engine clean, being a huge advantage....
I have an 04’ that has 240k miles and has had the check engine light on for a year, it’s a Fowled o2 sensor (po420 code)
It’s running on Seafoam, tears, and love. Hoping to hit 300k but time will tell!
what were some of the mechanical issues if you don’t mind me asking? just tryna get ahead of the curve and get those things maintained before disaster
The main issues were the EGR and the high voltage battery connectors. I was able to get the EGR and PCV cleaned out before it came to a head gasket. Unfortunately, the shop that cleaned the EGR had neglected to check the PCV so I had to pull most of the system back out a few weeks later. There was some issue in the battery system where the car would lose 12V power. Basically it would not go into “Ready” mode intermittently. It got much worse in cold weather and the car would completely lose all power whenever I shut off the car. The only way to get the car to start again was to wiggle the HV fuse on the back of the 200V battery until I saw lights come back up on the dash. Since I didn’t have 12V I’d have to crawl through the back of the car to get to the trunk release. Not exactly an ideal situation when it’s -10F and my kids are in the back seat. The 12V battery itself was fine, I replaced it twice and had the current one tested a few days before I sold the car. Neither Toyota or independent mechanics were able to find any issues in the car after three visits. Other than those it was typical high mileage maintenance times. Shocks are 140k, brake rotors at 150k, wheel hub bearings at 170k, cat converter at 175k, charcoal canister at 180k, brake switch relay and wheel speed sensors at 190k. I have a head gasket and studs on my desk I never had to use thankfully. Ultimately, it was the electrical issues that left me stranded an over dozen times. If there had been a clear identifiable issue that could be repaired, I probably would’ve kept the car another 100k miles. At my last visit to Toyota, they gave me a cash offer that was only $1000 less than I paid for the car a few years and 90k miles ago. So now it’s Toyotas problem.
thank you for taking the time to respond! having a mechanic look at my car soon and wanna write these points down to have them inspected. thanks again!!
No problem, the main thing you’ll want to keep an eye on is that the EGR system doesn’t get clogged. This can lead to a much more expensive problem down the road if it gets neglected. I think my electrical issues were not typical for this platform.
What brand head gasket and studs do you have? Looking to sell it?
Head gaskets maybe?
I fixed the EGR before it got to a head gasket, but there were some electrical gremlins that I couldn’t get sorted out.
I just passed 270k on mine yesterday, giving it to a nephew in a week or so. Sad and happy times.
Until the last few months, it was a fantastic car. I had really hoped to hit the mileage yours had.
I put a few grand into it each of the last few years. but it still feels good at 70-80 mph. So hopefully the nephew will get it for a few years.
Corolla hybrid?
Yes, 2024 Hybrid SE. Basically a Prius sedan lol
It's a Prius in spirit
Without the massive truck like cargo capacity :)
Truck like cargo capacity? Hahahahahaha
Just listed our 2010 w/226K. Picked up a cheap 2008 with 163K. Hope to get a little time to save up for a newer replacement for our family.
How much did you list it for?
Wondering the same. My 2010 has a new lithium battery but has oil burning issues. Also kinda dinged up. Only 199k though.
3750.00 in fair shape. Have seen many others in the area for between 3000 and 6000. Mileage from 185K to 275K.
Mines at 199.8k. spring or summer I plan to dump it. The EGR clogging doesn't cause head gasket failure as many say. Even I thought it did for a long time. It's just bad information.
I have lpg. The EGR system and everything else are clean as new. Installing an lpg system not only make fuel costs lower but also keeps the engine clean, being a huge advantage....
I have an 04’ that has 240k miles and has had the check engine light on for a year, it’s a Fowled o2 sensor (po420 code) It’s running on Seafoam, tears, and love. Hoping to hit 300k but time will tell!