Reply; Who to choose for hybrid battery pack

For some reason I could not post a reply in the original thread.


I highly recommend LKQ for a salvaged pack. I have purchased at least 15 of them in the last year and verified actual miles through Google and Carfax and have never had a discrepancy. The reason all the yards want a core back is because the cores are worth big money. They typically sell them to core buyers like Dorman. A core typically has 27 good modules that will fetch $25-$50 each on eBay. ( $675-$1350) plus bus bars, ecu, case parts. Some people make a good living parting out cores.

If you buy a salvage pack from a yard ask them for a VIN number and any photos of the wrecked car. Google the VIN number. Many times this will pull up the listing of the car from the salvage auction with pictures. If you have acces to Carfax or Autocheck you can pull those also. You can also go to the Toyota new owners registration page and check history.

For example, Google this VIN number, JTDKB20U883386758

This is a pack that I purchased from LKQ and installed in one of the cars I have for sale. I was told it was a 2008 with 17k miles (which it is). FYI, I paid $1100 for this pack.

When you are researching batteries try to find one that wasn't hit directly on the side in the rear as this can damage the battery and case. That particular battery was hit in the side at the driver door. Ask the salvage yard to be really careful handling and removing the pack because the case is very fragile and bends easily. When they get bent it is very difficult to get the mounting bolt holes to line up and get the cooling pluming back in. I have refused many batteries at delivery for this reason. They are n

I would look for a newer battery 2008-2009 with 50-100k miles. I would rather have a 2009 battery with 125k than a 2005 with 25k. I believe the age is more important than the miles but look at both and find the best balance.

Also LKQ has a 6 month warranty on their parts.

If you can keep the core that is a plus. You can part it out or sell the whole thing on Craigslist.

 

Typically no, they charge a $400 core charge but because of the volume that I buy I have been able to keep the cores.

 

Batteries with <100k are usually $900, batteries with >100k are $1000-$1100

They price their batteries primarily by mileage. A low mileage 2004-05 would be the same as low mileage 08-09. The best buys in my opinion are 08-09 with 80-120k.

another note:

always try to determine how long the battery has been idle. Carfax will indicate when the accident happened. It is safe to assume that there has been no charging since the accident. LKQ usually sells the batteries within a day or two of getting them so they are usually fresh.

Now that I have a grid charger from Jeff at Store - Hybrid Automotive - Honda & Toyota Grid Chargers
I grid charge them during installation.