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Where to buy 12 V battery online?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by kehyler, Jul 17, 2020.

  1. kehyler

    kehyler Member

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    Hi All,

    Where has anyone had good luck with buying a 12 V battery online for a Gen 3?

    Thanks!

    -kehyler
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You can't buy locally in "blah"? Batteries are HEAVY to ship, and weigh just as much shipping them back if there's any problem.

    If it's practical, buy local and most places should be able to verify its condition with an electronic load tester for you, when you pick it up.
     
  3. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    Walmart has Yellow Top Optima, if it's not a fluke...

    moto g(7) power ?
     
  4. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    In my area, the "auto repair" part of WalMart is closed.
    I guess you could still get a battery......if they have the right one in stock.
    I don't know if they would take your old one back though.

    I do NOT think shipping a battery is a good idea.
    You must add your own acid AND fully charge it.
    And then, as mentioned, if something goes wrong it can be a HUGE hassle.
    You also have to dispose of your old one......legally.

    Not worth saving a few bucks.

    Call around (or search online) for auto parts and battery stores in your area.

    The dealer's quote should be the TOP of the price chart.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Maybe just with conventional automotive battery? I have purchased online, an Optima Yellow Top, and it came ready to install.

    That said, next time around I'll be likely buying local, just too much of a gamble.
     
  6. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Either it was delivered by an independent motor carrier......OR Optima lied about what it is.
    "Common package delivery carriers" are NOT allowed to transport batteries with acid in them.
     
  7. pjksr02

    pjksr02 Active Member

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    Many, but not all, Toyota dealers have an online parts-ordering site, where you can look up part numbers and prices: Screenshot_20200718-112146_Chrome.jpg
     
    ZBrink likes this.
  8. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    Walmart says free shipping. But I did not try to put it in my cart. Trying to help someone in HI to find tires it showed free shipping but when added to cart giant shipping fee surprised.

    OP asked for online...

    moto g(7) power ?
     
  9. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    And maybe the OP isn't aware of the potential pitfalls of ordering an automotive battery online.
    Likely even maybe.
     
  10. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    I didn't know. That's good to know. Thank you.

    I had to return a core to Walmart. Services closed but section is part of the store, batteries accessible.

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #10 jzchen, Jul 18, 2020
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2020
  11. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    @kehyler I bought one of these "dual" power batteries on eBay:

    DOHON 12 Volt 46B24L(R) 850CCA Lithium Phosphate Battery LiFePO4 For Auto Boat | eBay

    It had the bottom mounting tabs so didn't sit flat. Looks like they've removed it on the new model. Pretty sure it was less than 10 lbs. It has a backup cell you press the button and it can start your car if the main unit dies. Not sure how you deal with a stuck electronic tailgate. It's been over a 1 1/2 years and so far so good...

    moto g(7) power ?
     
  12. slothbear

    slothbear Junior Member

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    AC Delco from Amazon is free shipping with Prime, and about $30 cheaper than the Duralast from Autozone in my area. I don't know if the savings is worth the potential issue of getting an old discharged battery shipped to you...you'd probably be fine, but it's a small gamble.
     
  13. NewHybridOwner

    NewHybridOwner Active Member

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    Advance Auto Parts shows a DieHard battery for the Prius at $199.99 (plus core charge); 3-year replacement warranty. My experience with Advance is that quite often if you put something in your cart but do not complete the purchase within a couple of days they'll email you a discount code for 15% to 25% off.
     
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  14. NorCal PiP

    NorCal PiP Junior Member

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    A nearby Toyota Dealer sold me the OEM Gen 3 battery for $189, no shipping. Given that this was the original OEM battery and it lasted 7 years and ~178,000 miles. That is fantastic service life. I had no motivation to look for anything else give that experience.
     
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  15. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    But you have a good sense of value and logic.
    Many people have neither.......and will spend a dollar to save a penny.
    :rolleyes:
     
  16. David9962000

    David9962000 Member

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    I get my batteries at Sears, they give you a lifetime warranty no questions asked with your receipt. They carry Die Hard Brand.
     
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  17. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    I guess that's just disagreeing, no belittling....

    moto g(7) power ?
     
  18. ZBrink

    ZBrink Member

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    Where exactly do you live? It's always best to buy one locally. Check first with your local Toyota dealer as they often have deals where they sell the battery for cheaper than part stores. Other options depend upon where you live and what stores/brands are available in your area.
     
  19. ZBrink

    ZBrink Member

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    I would have agreed with you 15 years ago but Sears are virtually non-existent in most communities now. I would highly advise against buying a Sears battery in 2020. Odds are there isn't one near the Op anyhow.
     
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  20. NewHybridOwner

    NewHybridOwner Active Member

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    Advance Auto Parts now sells DieHard batteries (that trademark, as also Craftsman, and probably also Kenmore, has been sold off to other companies), but the ones at Advance have only a 3-yr. full-replacement warranty.
     
    ZBrink likes this.