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2006 Prius Advice

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Josh Imholte, Jan 24, 2018.

  1. Josh Imholte

    Josh Imholte Junior Member

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    Hey all,

    Just signed up. I've got an 06 Prius with 119k, which for Toyota I think is barely broken in. Car was 1 owner and have had it now for a couple years. Got the Red Triangle for HV replacement, was really surprised how soon that happened but I guess its more of an age thing, being car is roughly 12-13 yrs old. Toyota quoted $4k which is crazy, its now at another shop I found with good reviews that will look to replace bad cells and/or all cells. Haven't received my estimate yet but they said it could be $900-$1600 and the cells are brand new. I owe about $4k which I'm about to pay off with some funds I have coming in, but due to the age factor I'm not sure if I should expect the same reliability I've had these last few years or to expect more. I've already replaced dash and inverter water pump, which were 2 more or less recalled items and not really the fault of the car.

    I've searched the forums and Google but hoping to hear what other owners experiences are when.

    Thanks,
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Matt at Texashybridbatteries is the go to person here. Maybe half what Toyota quoted for a brand new battery.
     
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  3. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    If you DIY our user here 2K1Toaster sells a kit of new cells for $1600 shipped. Details in my signature.
    I believe Matt at Texas Hybrids got one to test.
     
  4. Josh Imholte

    Josh Imholte Junior Member

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    Thanks, I did happen to come across that website from my searches before but he's located in Dallas which is about 5 hours for me. That is good to know that company has a good rep!
     
  5. Josh Imholte

    Josh Imholte Junior Member

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    Checked out that website in your sig, thanks! I'm ok doing some DIY, replacing the 12v battery in the prius was about as DIY as I'd want to get and that was a challenge based on where it is. I did read through the instructions, doesn't seem terribly complicated but with electronics I just prefer to let an expert do it. Thanks for the link, good to know about that option!
     
  6. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Read the link in my signature to see what I did when faced with the same situation on my 06 years ago.

    If you read my thread, you'll see I'm even further away but still used him. Heck, I'll drive a few hours to save a grand or more.
     
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Call him, he might come down to you........or give you some good options.

    Matt is a member of this forum, you'll find many of his helpful posts. We always like to support the members/businesses that help out others on this forum. Especially when their price and service is way better than Toyota.
     
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  8. Josh Imholte

    Josh Imholte Junior Member

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    Thanks Foto! Checked out the link, I see you eventually went with a battery from Texashybridbatteries back in July last year. I suppose I would consider it if this other shop doesn't pan out, $2550 new, installed, w/ warranty isn't bad. Where are their batteries coming from, do they use the place prodigy place mentioned that sells new batteries? Your 06 been pretty solid since then overall?

    Somewhat off topic but I also noticed a couple threads talking about dog hair clogging up the battery fan, I've got a golden so def something I'll need to keep in mind.
     
  9. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    User @TMR-JWAP sometimes has some good new or used batteries available.
    He sometimes delivers and installs if he is travelling close by.
     
  10. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    If you have the skills, and the dealer allows it, you may be able to buy the part from the part department and install it yourself.
     
  11. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Brand new from Toyota.
    Not sure if Matt offers that option, but I'm sure if you wanted him to do it, he would and you could knock about $300 off the Toyota new option. In any case, it couldn't hurt to talk to him.

    And, don't be shy about naming the outfit with whom you are currently talking, if they have reputation –good or bad – we will tell you. In the nicest possible way, of course.
     
  12. Josh Imholte

    Josh Imholte Junior Member

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    Thanks all for tips here! I spoke with the shop and they were willing to look at replacing bad cells but testing it would take 1-2 weeks, thats seemed like too much jimmy rigging to me. 2nd option was a Cardone Remanufactored Battery, did some research and the price is right, and gets my car back on the road quickest so paid $1700 to get that ordered, and 2 hours labor to put in. I haven't found a lot of insight on them on this forum, but in googling I see they are large company similar to Dorman. I realize its not new but this place is literally a mile from me if I need warranty work.
     
  13. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    $1700 for a reconditioned 2004 battery is not a good deal when you can get Brand New trouble free for 10 years for only slightly more. Even if you decide to sell your car later, the new 2018 battery in the car should fetch an easy $500 to $800 hundred more vs a reconditioned battery possibly from a 14 year old 2004 car.

    You may live close to get warranty service but the breakdowns when you're 100 miles away would be very troublesome, time wasting, and costly.....and it might happen multiple times.
     
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  14. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    I have to agree with JC, $1700 is not a good deal, considering you could get all new replacement cylindrical cells for $1600 (or OEM for $1925) plus $300-$400 for fitting. I realise it maybe too late for the poster, but for others coming along later, it is good to have the additional info.
    Generally the gist of the advice is that, due to the shortage of quality stock and the fact the replacement modules will be old too, the only feasible process for rebuilding is to use new (or new as possible) modules. The only place to get new OEM modules is new from Toyota. There is a source of compatible modules based on cylindrical modules which is offered by a member here. The other option is to get a HV battery from a late model wreck (Gen 3 is compatible) and replace all modules with the newer ones.

    The days of changing one or two modules are coming to an end, but still can be done if time and costs dictate. But how long it is before you will need to go in again and change another one or two, is very much dictated by so many factors, as to be an unreliable process, if you are paying a "professional" to do it. It should only be seen as a stop-gap measure to tide you over until a proper job can be done.

    ([EDIT:] Just looked up the price for which Olathe are selling the HV Battery: $1,625.80, unbelievable!)
     
    #14 dolj, Jan 25, 2018
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2018
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  15. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    $1,625 wholesale sounds about right.
    Usually works out to ~$2,100 retail.
    If you are a DIY person, purposely buying used does not make much sense anymore.

    Again, the price drop is only on Gen 2 batteries.
    Not all service departments seem to know about the change so their prices may not have taken into account the $400 price decrease yet
     
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  16. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Total with install was $1700, what kind of warranty does that include?

    Make sure the installer fully cleans the HV battery fan when doing the install (y)

    When this used battery fails, who will pay for the removal and replacement while under warranty (Cardone, Installer shop or **You**) ?
     
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  17. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    I most cases the labor warranty and the parts warranty are separate. Say 90 days for labor.

    After that it would be the consumer's responsibility.
     
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  18. Josh Imholte

    Josh Imholte Junior Member

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    Thanks all for the updates, definitely appreciate the insights. I guess we'll just have to play by ear and see how it all pans out. $1700 was for parts, $400 for labor.
    Ya I actually am going to call them when them Monday to make sure they clean the fan out after reading the forums lately with keeping the fan clean. Thats a good question on the removal, my shop informed me they would but Im not sure how that works if I was in a different state, etc.

    I'll keep y'all posted on how it all turns out and reliability.
     
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  19. Josh Imholte

    Josh Imholte Junior Member

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    Oh forgot to add the warranty on Cardone battery is 3 yrs/36k miles for what its worth. I've heard that warranties aren't all what they're cracked up to be but we shall see!
     
  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    depends on the company providing it. all the best!(y)