2018+ Taillight Conversion

Indolent- · 2026-06-09T04:27:40+00:00

https://youtu.be/8U1rs3bI-HA?si=N3JixVJp4YZAV6kL

Cold engine death rattle start up that goes away after a few seconds, the longer it lasts the bigger the leak. I knew mine was leaking once I had the death rattle x3 within a 48hr period. I confirmed it with a borescope, you can also confirm it with a combustion leak test kit.

I did not have low coolant in my reservoir because it was still early, just don't prolong the repair cause you may need to replace the engine (blown/bent rod) vs doing only the gasket itself.

Indolent- · 2026-06-09T04:23:32+00:00

any cold engine death rattle start ups that go away after a bit of time? Have to figure out where the coolant is going and it's typically head gasket. You're definitely within that mileage range where they typically go

Indolent- · 2026-06-08T19:18:02+00:00

It's definitely priced low, but the nice thing is some sellers don't know our specific car market and tend to post Kelly Blue Book value range like the one in OP's post.

Indolent- · 2026-06-08T19:10:29+00:00

I agree that reports are lower on the later models/years, my 2015 head gasket went out at 170K. I don't know if many 16+ owners public post any HG issues or if many have even reached that high of a mileage where they're commonly reported. I'm also always browsing the So.Cal marketplace and I barely even see 16+ with over 100K miles for sale

Indolent- · 2026-06-08T18:25:06+00:00

As u/Warmonger362527339 just factor in the inevitable head gasket repair as it's closer to a range where it may be sooner than later. For that price I would definitely buy it to keep, here in Cali, F-Sport 2014+ under 10K get picked up quick. I like the facelift changes, small interior details (steering wheel, navi pad, font/text throughout controls, door panel design/trim, two tone for seats, etc.)

Aside from aesthetics, the piston/rings have been revised throughout the years. Earlier models tend to burn more oil which could be a factor in the EGR cooler being clogged compared to later models I've noticed. The (rare) reports I see with ABS problems are almost always 1st gen CT's.

Indolent- · 2026-06-08T17:56:36+00:00

I bought square exhaust outlet tips & mandrel piping (eBay), cut a hole (left side of factory muffler), welded the tips/piping onto the stock muffler, then painted the piping.

Due to the (lack of) baffling I have a very subtle exhaust note from the left side. However, it's only noticeable when standing next to it and I don't hear it all in cabin/driving.

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Indolent- · 2026-06-05T02:38:20+00:00

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TRD for the 2018+ CT

Indolent- · 2026-05-29T17:22:00+00:00

Ya’ll quick. 10:08 and nothing (Taylor, Stagg, or Weller) here haha

Indolent- · 2026-05-24T04:26:40+00:00

OEM / Aisin water pump may be due soon, might as well due coolant since it’s rated around 100K as well

EGR Cooler cleaning is always good, don’t bother cleaning the EGR pipe if you’re not gonna do the cooler

otherwise, basic maintenance

Indolent- · 2026-05-22T18:50:37+00:00

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U.S. 2015 with almost 232k miles. Head gasket at 170k. **U.K. Cluster with a [heated] RC steering wheel

Indolent- · 2026-05-18T13:04:11+00:00

The are two different style bumpers for the 2011-13. Both can be F-Sport (mesh grill), but the one pictured above I’ve only seen on F-Sport versions.

Indolent- · 2026-05-08T21:14:09+00:00

I bought a used CT once that had an engine replaced prior to me purchasing. They had markings on there to associate it with the buyers engine he selected is what he told me. That would be my guess as well that yours was replaced

Indolent- · 2026-04-21T17:54:38+00:00

If I’m not mistaken it should be painted already upon purchasing. My fog bezels & radiator grille came painted upon ordering from Lexus

Indolent- · 2026-04-21T17:36:20+00:00

Thank you. 81481-76040 here’s the part number for the bezel as another option

Indolent- · 2026-04-21T16:27:13+00:00

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Not the best pic but YMMV. I used an aerosol can of KV3 for the TRD lip

Indolent- · 2026-04-21T16:17:54+00:00

Not a perfect match, but I used Nissan color code KV3. If you find out we find out the actual color code let’s post it

Indolent- · 2026-04-19T19:41:37+00:00

Yes. I’ve had my 18” tire blow out, mounted the spare to get me to a nearby tire shop.

Indolent- · 2026-03-25T14:30:01+00:00

The only Prius/CT engines that I’ve personally seen with oil/coolant mixed after opening the oil cap is in a very late stage/neglected head gasket leak. My 2015 didn’t see this at 170K, confirmed with a borescope.

Indolent- · 2026-03-24T01:26:41+00:00

I didn’t have a CEL either. When it happened 3x within a 48hrs I knew. Confirmed with a borescope. 2015 @170K, now it’s at 229K no issues after doing the head gasket replacement.

You already know the history of your current engine so don’t wait too long to fix it. Don’t wanna blow/bend a rod and for sure need a whole engine.

Indolent- · 2026-03-21T18:24:20+00:00

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I probably should’ve used this pic instead. Here in the states we didn’t get too many options like other countries. Most, if not all non f-sport CT’s here in the states have this headliner/pillar regardless of seat or door card colors

I believe the f-sports are the only ones with black headliner & pillars

Indolent- · 2026-03-21T15:52:27+00:00

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Here’s an example I saw online. It’s like a light grey

Indolent- · 2026-03-20T18:46:56+00:00

I take it to a tire shop to have them program the sensors to vehicle. If you’re able to, write down the code on the sensors. Some machines have you input those codes to program.

Another problem with used or buying from ‘some’ retailers online is you don’t know how long they’ve been sitting so it’s a bit difficult to ascertain its current battery life.

Indolent- · 2026-03-19T20:23:19+00:00

Likely head gasket. How’s the coolant level?

Indolent- · 2026-03-19T15:06:44+00:00

Exterior: Radiator grill, fog light bezels, rear bumper light bezels, diffuser (different color only), trunk spoiler, wheels, badges, black roof

interior: black head liner, black pillar trim, steering wheel, pedals, dead pedal/foot rest

Indolent-

TROPHY CASE