Battery Replacement

There are a number of Prius battery rebuilders in the US and from information on here there are no problems. The other alternative is a battery from a late wreck "check on Ebay" they normally come with a short guaranty but are cheaper, and if out of a late vehicle possibly as good, and could even be better.

John (Britprius)

 

Please let us know the route you go and the final outcome as this helps others in the future along the same path.

John (Britprius)

 

your toyota dealer told you they would install this rebuilt battery for $300.?

 

Just one other thought your battery may still be under guaranty. I'm not sure of theUS guaranty but UK is 8years 100,000 miles, in some US states California in particular this is extended to 10years 150,000 miles so worth checking.

John (Britprius)

 

You oughta change your name to BritBatteryMan... LOL...

 

There is nothing wrong with rebuilt batteries, but a the end of the day the modules are all second hand out of different batteries tested and balanced. I see a late battery from a wreck as being all matched modules of the same age and use pattern as being a better bet. For me the best battery would be one built from a 2011/2012 battery with all the modules put in the gen2 housing.

John (Britprius)

 

Yes. OP, where are you located? In CA and CARB states the HV battery is warranted for 10 years/150K miles.

 

Compare that price to $1,942 for a new battery, here:
2005 TOYOTA PRIUS Parts - Champion ToyotaWorld

 

I just asked myself, would I buy a used laptop battery for 30% off, that's only 6 years and 600 cycles old? lol.
The new one was a bite to the credit card but should be the last battery I buy for this car, for a long time. and it's NEW.

 

Is there any cheaper way to get a battery that's new?

 

Go for it. Don't order until you speak to the dealer and make sure they can install and there cost. A salvage part is about $500 but no guarantee. With the hurricane Sandy salvage parts in the field I would think the rebuilt with a Guarantee is the best choice.

 

With the money you save go to Mardi Gras February 12 in New Orleans.

 

The price Patrick found sounds great, but you or your mechanic will want to source it by calling your local dealers. You don't wanna pay shipping on the new one, or the core you're returning to get the $1300 core charge credited back to your car d. They'll expect the core to look non-crushed, non-leaky, read "non-hazardous waste". Hose off the old cells if need be. And you or the mechanic really needs the old battery right alongside the new one, there are about 30 pieces that must be swapped from old to new . Not hard but you don't want to strip it, put the parts in a pile, and drop it at the dealers... unless you've done 20 of these before.

 

I may be Enticed to repair and sell the car.