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12v OEM battery cost is it worth it?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by Jdpl76, Mar 10, 2024.

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  1. Jdpl76

    Jdpl76 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2023
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    Location:
    Artesia, California
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I just wanted to post my experience about the type and cost of the OEM battery and purchasing one. After a couple of 12v low and cannot shift warnings I tested and found that I needed a new battery. The date was 6/19 on my battery and so if it was supposed to last 84 months it definitely went out early.

    The battery is called an H4 and the cost was $266.41+tax at the dealer not installed. The part# is 00544-H4052-470 TRUESTART 199B. It comes with a 7 year warrany which is 2 years and pro-rated for the remainder. I could not make a claim because my car was bought used. If your car is new and still under warrany then you would get pro-rated.

    I've ready here about batteries cosing just $30-40 more than an OEM. I would say it is more like $100 more than say a Duralast. I think its probably going to be worth it but I will have to see when I get there. I've never seen a battery last 7 years, more like 3 but this one lasted 5 so thats not bad.

    I hope this info helps the next person.
     
    #1 Jdpl76, Mar 10, 2024
  2. texasdiver

    texasdiver Member

    Joined:
    May 20, 2016
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    Location:
    Vancouver WA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    I replaced mine about 2 years ago. I just went to AutoZone and bought the correct size replacement. Which is something of an odd size and they didn't have it in stock at Costco. I had to call around.

    Otherwise it works fine. 12 volt lead acid batteries are old generic technology. There is nothing special about OEM batteries as long as what you buy fits into the space and won't fly around.
     
    #2 texasdiver, Mar 10, 2024
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    5 years is actually better than average in a warm climate.
    I’ve had good luck with the oem’s, usually 7-8 years, but it’s cooler here in the northeast, and keep in mind it depends on how much you drive it.
    The longer it sits between drives, the more quickly it degrades
     
    #3 bisco, Mar 11, 2024
  4. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
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    Location:
    Monument, CO
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Walmart sells the EverStart MAXX, Group Size H4, also labeled 140R, for $159.84. I've installed two of them on my 2016 and my sister's 2017. Completely satisfied.
     
    #4 FuelMiser, Mar 11, 2024
    Brian1954 likes this.
  5. Robert21PrimeLTD

    Robert21PrimeLTD Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2023
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    Location:
    Nashville
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    What about a AGM (absorbent glass mat) battery? Since I drive mostly in traction mode would a AGM battery make sense?
     
    #5 Robert21PrimeLTD, Mar 15, 2024
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