Called AAA for the Venerable Prius's transportation to its appointment. Had a bit of a wait, as apparently AAA has more calls than people to handle them just now. Tow truck showed up, somewhat later than expected. Meanwhile, I'd put the (nearly new) 12V battery back in, and went out to connect the ground lead when I saw the truck heading up the driveway.
And! The 12V battery was in good enough shape to power up the critical systems, including the brake pump. There was enough charge in the traction battery to start the engine. The engine did indeed start and run... and the car left a trail of fuel on the driveway as the tow-truck guy maneuvered it into towing position, so I guess the tank isn't entirely empty.
So it's on its way, with plenty of time before its scheduled service appointment, and it looks like the fuel leak may be the only problem... that, and maybe it'll need a new 12V battery Real Soon Now.
Now, what else do I need to do today? Oh, right: weed trimming (kinda urgent in places), and stuff I'm supposed to be doing for two different clients, assuming I can get my brain in gear.
Update: Heard from the service guy; he appreciates the clarity of my note describing the situation. Now waiting to hear what it'll cost to get the fuel leak fixed, whether the 12V battery is OK, and whether there's anything else wrong.
Update 2: It is indeed rodent damage. Two parts need replacing; they have to be ordered, so there'll be a delay (no big deal), and replacement will involve dropping the fuel tank. Final cost looks to be a bit north of $1K, which is a lot less than replacing an otherwise-good car, especially these days. The 12V battery checks out OK, and the oil seep around the timing-chain cover is still seeping, so that remains on the one-of-these-years list (and I'll have to check the oil level every so often).
Should have it back by the middle of next week.
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