1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2006 Prius Repair Advice

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ScottStoef, May 31, 2018.

  1. ScottStoef

    ScottStoef Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2011
    7
    1
    0
    Location:
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I have a 2006 Prius and the hybrid battery just died. The cost for Toyota to replace it is $2500, OUCH!!! I'm trying to determine if it is worth fixing it or am I approaching the laws of diminishing returns. The car has 178K miles on it and has every option available. I just put in new bearings/hubs on the front (3 years ago), new struts and ball links (3 months ago), and brakes (1 year ago). The car had the big tuneup/service at 120K at my local Toyota dealership. The only 'known' issues are (1) needs new tires, (2) rust spot on below the passenger side rear door that is bubbling out, and (3) a cracked rear bumper where some 'Indiana hilljack' backed into it with his truck/hitch ball (and left the scene of course). The bumper repair is $250 so it is very minor.

    Based on this information, do you guys think it is worth putting in $2500 for a brand new hybrid battery? The other option is to put in a refurbished battery, but I know too much about batteries to realize this is a bad idea as used cells can die at any given time. Green Bean has a good warranty (5 years) as long as they stay in business. I do most of my own maintenance, but electricity and I do not get along very well so I don't want to tackle replacing the battery myself.

    I really want to get another 3-5 years out of the car, and ideally 5-7 years. I put on about 20K miles per year so this may not be feasible. So what option would your guys consider or would you just unload it?
     
    #1 ScottStoef, May 31, 2018
    Last edited: May 31, 2018
  2. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2007
    656
    262
    0
    Location:
    Dodge Co. Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Assuming the ALL the scheduled maintenance has been done and you are targeting more than 2 years of ownership, go to the dealer and see if you can get some sort of "goodwill" discount.
     
    #2 bat4255, May 31, 2018
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  3. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2006
    11,324
    3,591
    1
    Location:
    Northern VA (NoVA)
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    You can try asking for help, but usually Toyota USA is the place to call
    HV Battery Goodwill Warranty Listing - Toyota Prius USA | PriusChat

    $2500 if total job with installation is a great price maybe the lowest we've heard. And there is no other solution that will get you another 5 years as well as that new batt from Toyota.

    There are other generic issues with 2006 such as brake actuator issue and combo meter issue. But overall extremely reliable car. Unfort we know some of the issues, but we do not know the percentages or the odds. Just on the surface I'd say go for the repair, but don't quote me.
     
    #3 wjtracy, May 31, 2018
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    55,529
    38,706
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    That's a pretty good price. New Toyota battery, installed by a dealership, which likely means 3 year warranty (vs one year if you just purchase the part).
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, May 31, 2018
  5. ScottStoef

    ScottStoef Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2011
    7
    1
    0
    Location:
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Actually that is the weird part. The dealership is only offering a 1 year parts and labor warranty. Just makes me wonder if it is a genuine Toyota OEM battery. I asked two different people at dealership (parts and service advisor) and they all assure it is not a aftermarket equivalent.

    I haven't been great with the scheduled maintenance because I personally think it is a get rich scheme by the dealerships. I do keep the oil changed religiously and keep the filters and fluids topped off. It is scheduled for another tune-up, but that will need to be put on hold due to the new battery.
     
    #5 ScottStoef, May 31, 2018
    Andyprius1 likes this.
  6. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2013
    2,327
    859
    1
    Location:
    Cool CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Tuff choice. Get familiar with electricity, it’s a education.
     
    #6 Andyprius1, May 31, 2018
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    108,822
    49,435
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    the warranty has been a bit of a mystery, and some dealers are clueless. i think if they called toyota, they would get the 3 year answer.
    3 years is probably doable, 7 may be pushing it. but after the battery, it shouldn't be anything major, hopefully.
     
    #7 bisco, May 31, 2018
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)