Gen 1 is it worth to remove and save the HV battery; better way to recycle this car?

Hi all,

First, my apologies if this isn't the right spot to post for Gen 1 and I mistakenly posted it for Gen 2. Moderator please move if needed. And also if this question has been asked before. I did search but did not find a direct answer to this question.

My question is basically on the title. I bought this car almost five years ago. Very reliable car, never had problems with the HV traction battery, or any major problems somewhere else. I was somehow skeptical when I bought it in 2014. It was making this loud high pitch whining noise when driven, and at that time myself and the seller thought it was one of the motors, but I took the plunge and purchased it, thinking if I could get two years out of it for the price and my limited budget, it was fair. Eventually my mechanic changed the passenger side rear wheel bearing, which took care of the noise. Two years later, I changed the computer 12V battery. And aside from regular engine oil changes, spark plug change once, everything else is good, no engine oil leaks, inverter water coolant pump working, power windows move flawlessly (which was a relief as my caravans before were a pita in this area) etc.,

There is however a check engine light--cause is the three way valve on the exhaust pipe that is rusted and won't move properly on cold idle (know issue), that I choose to ignore as it did not justify the cost.

I did not really took care of the chassis, since I didn't think it would last me this long, and drive it daily, almost evenly split between highways and local roads, so the chassis is in a bad shape due to salt during winter time (reminds me of someone who said "if I knew I would have lived this long, I should have taken better care of my body").

We'll you can almost predict what happens next. About a week ago when I hit a hard bump, something didn't feel right, it felt something dropped downwards, the steering is now resting sideways, the suspension didn't felt right, so I continued on to drive home, and still drove it for two days after that , but I stayed on the local roads this time. On the third day, I drove for a bit and decided eventually to have my mechanic look at it and he declared it's not safe to drive anymore. The suspension system caved in due to rust. There goes my good old Prius, Gen 1! After 18 years of reliable service. Now 497K+ on the odometer. Had I taken good care of the chassis, I'm sure I would have gotten many more years off it.

So back to my main question again is: Are there better recyclers out there who can make good use of this car? Is it worth salvaging the HV traction battery for later use? I'll keep the 12V battery of course. And any other parts worth keeping? I own a Gen 2 as well, and has just bought a Prius V (Gen 3). I've heard there's some interchageability between Gen 1 and Gen 2 hv battery (correct me if i'm wrong).

Also, I'm somewhat a handy guy, and can deal with high voltage stuff, but between no garage and almost no time to deal with it, I'm throwing this question to all and to those who might have an idea to give my old Trusty Prius a good, proper adieu. Maybe there's someone out there who have a better use for it, instead of the scrapyard who might not be able to salvage it properly. I've heard of a charity that gives tax receipt, but it's almost indecent to just send this to the regular scrapyard (after salvaging some parts), cause I think that's what they just do? One of our reasons we drive this car is it is better for the environment, at least that's what I think some of us here can relate to.

Anybody please feel free to chime in with ideas, I appreciate any- input please and thank you, thank you for this website who has been my source of information when I need one. I don't go here that often (which is a testament to Prius reliability) but it has helped me many times before.

Oh, btw, I live in Canada, Greater Toronto Area. Have a good day.

 

hey Brian, thanks for your reply. thats what im doing on the local ad here (kijiji, as well as here in priuschat), i offered it for free, ill wait a few days, and if no takers ill call the wrecker or a charity as i need my parking space. not many people drive the 1st gen here, hopefully someone pops up...

for anyone reading this post, please let me know if you or anybody you know close by wants it. i was just taking the 12v battery today and was so close to tearing down the hv battery but i just do not have a space to store it as i do not have a garage...