Toyota Prius: Transaxial died

I purchased a 2004 Prius in late 2004. It was delivered
around End of Dec. The car never has any major problem.
After reaching 5000 miles, I averaged 60 mpg for about 3
weeks. The rate went down to 58, then 53 when I got tired
of driving 45 mph on highway. I maintained 53 mpg (Summer)
and 45 mpg (winter) until now. Three weeks ago, the engine
light suddenly came on without warning. The engine cut off
3 mins after that. Half tank of gas and full battery.
There wasn't any symptom prior to that to indicate the car
is having a problem. I have it hauled to a nearby dealer.
They spent a week trying to figure out what was wrong, and
finally got a specialist from Toyota to help with the diag.
Today is the third week anniversary, and all they can tell
me is that the transaxial is broken and need to be replaced.
They don't know what caused the breakdown. They ordered the
parts ($4800) and *hope* that would solve the problem...
hmmmm
Anyone has a similar experience you want to share?

Triple :-(
packat

"PacKat" <not> wrote in message
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Whoops! I slipped. It is Stratus. Not Aspen.