127K new batteries now transmission needs replacement

[Unhappy2001owner]

Does anyone have advice for me? May had to replace my batteries now today with only 127,000 miles dealer said the transmission and the part dealing with the computer and the transmission needs to be replaced. So if I do this I've sunk $11,000 into my 2001 Pirus. I have stayed up with all maintenance at the dealership. I've ran my VW into the ground after 20 plus years and barely changed the oil and never had this kind of expense. I am very unhappy. Please give me your advice and thoughts. Thanks for any insight ... Unhappy in San Diego

[djasonw]

I'd take the money you were going to use for the repair and buy a used ten year old VW.

[tumbleweed]

I think that's to much to spend for repairs on a 2001 Prius. If you have not done so get another opinion from a different dealer.

If it turns out that's what it really would cost to fix it consider buying another car.

EDIT: Just noticed you are from California, isn't the battery and the other parts covered under the warranty? It should be covered as part of the emissions control system for 150K miles or 10 years in your state.

[pfreeus]

Sorry to hear that. That is a hefty cost. How much can you get for your car as is? If it was me, I would seriously consider getting a new car before spending that on repairs.

[pfreeus]

Originally Posted by tumbleweed

...
EDIT: Just noticed you are from California, isn't the battery and the other parts covered under the warranty? It should be covered as part of the emissions control system for 150K miles or 10 years in your state.

Tumbleweed makes a very good point. I thought CARB required the 150k/10 yr warrantee. You are clearly under both. I would refer to your warrantee manual and point it out to the dealer.

[SilverPriusIII]

[quot e=pfreeus;936722]Tumbleweed makes a very good point. I thought CARB required the 150k/10 yr warrantee. You are clearly under both. I would refer to your warrantee manual and point it out to the dealer.[/quote]

Don't know about 2001. My 2010 Warrenty book under Ca Emission warrenty, it has a footnode on the Hybrid battery and a few component which said they are covered by the Hybrid warrenty which is 8yr/100K. ??? Don't think the computer and transmission are covered by the Ca Emission.

[tochatihu]

The transaxle is 60k warranty (don't blame the messenger...)

Call Toyota at 800-331-4331 and politely explain the whole story (including your HV battery replacement). Get a case number. Call them several times. Tell them your thousands of PriusChat friends share your hope that Toyota will once again come to the aid of an early Prius adopter. Tell them your desire to report here that Toyota's reliability reputation continues to be enhanced by such acts of generosity.

Lay it on thick. It has worked before. Not always, but often enough to be worth the effort.

Failing all that, your choices are pay the full price, gamble on a used transaxle from the salvage vehicle dismantlers (uncertain cost and who will install it?), or sell as is. All this assumes that the current shop has the correct diagnosis.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.