This is my first post. I have a 2003 golden pearl Toyota Prius. I had it specialty painted with blue pearl ghost flames across it's nose 3 days after I bought it. I love it and I have never had any problems with it untill today. I went to start it and go to work as I always do, and it sounded like there was a bunch of rocks stuck in the gears. It was a horrifing noise. My baby then shut down and gave me all sorts of lights warnings and exclamation points. I had it towed to the dealer and they said it needed a whole lot of parts. I could not talk to the mechanic because he had already left by the time I called. The dummy service advisor knows nothing of this car. Has anyone experienced this? I am afraid the engine seized or something worse. Is there any defects other than the crappy tires?