Looking at an 05 with 31k, battery issues?

The traction battery is OK with minimal use. That's about how much I drive mine. The 12V battery will likely have been replaced, but is still suspect with such limited charging.

 

As nh70 says this is not a problem for nimh batteries.

John (Britprius)

 

Yes, although as standard equipment it is a sealed AGM type of battery which is not typical of starter batteries on conventional cars. People use Yellow Top batteries as a replacement, and there are others.

Welcome to Prius Chat, where something like 50% of the trouble related posts center around the 12V battery. Search and you will read endless reports of what happens when that battery gets weak. If you pop for the car, find out what the age of the 12V is, and be prepared to replace it if it is much more than 5-6 years old.

 

There is also a Fob battery, if your door locks are behaving badly, try replacing it.

Some 12 volt choices in the US:
Optima DS46B24R Optima battery direct fit replacement for Prius 2004 + , Prius V & Plug-in Prius with Instructions
Exide AGM Car Battery (Group S46B24R)
Super Start® Platinum PRIUS - Battery | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

I'm never a fan of hybrids that sit a lot.
I see many HV batteries that get out of whack from sitting unused.
For reference, here is a recent problem another member is having with his 2005 low-mileage Prius (New battery?? | PriusChat)

I'd rather see one that gets some decent exercise.

That said, if you get a good price on the car, you can slowly put extra savings in a "purchase battery" account for the future. If you keep your cars a long time, you may eventually need it, so no use getting caught off guard.

If possible, have a local hybrid shop check out the status of the battery so you at least have a baseline for future reference.

Best of luck.

 

Just had my first 'battery' scare.....at least I guess it's the battery. Prius sits under a carport year-round and I live in Colorado... It's been awfully cold, with snow and below zero temps. My '08 Prius sat undriven for a week (doesn't go very good in the snow) and I decided to take it for a spin yesterday and I got in, put my foot on the brake (as recommended) and all the dash lights lit up and started blinking... got the "red triangle of death" and I couldn't turn the darn thing off.... pushed every button I could and it finally settled down. I have my Optima yellow-top ordered and I'm hoping for the best. P.S. Later in the day I tried to start it again and it pretended to be innocent and let me start it up and drive it around the farm. Fool me once.....shame on you, fool me twice...... I hope not! P.S.#2, when I stepped on the brake and pushed the Power button the first time I could feel my brake pedal quickly snap away from my foot. I should've known something was wrong then. Yes, it's the original battery, purchased the Prius new in April '08.

 

What state are you in Anthony?...the CARB states have 10-yr warranty on Hybrid Battery. No matter what due to age of hybrid battery, as an economic case, you probably should expect a battery repair next couple years. I am thinking you could replace for $2000 (third party option). With the heavy miles you put on, you should have substantial gasoline saings (but maybe swing for that Gen3 if you can). If 2005 purchased, make sure you change transaxle fluid right away. I do not know seems to me there is some trend here that the used Prii have more maintenance than the folks that buy new and keep it good. But may be my preception.

 

Since it is a 2008 with the original 12 volt battery, you should replace it just on principal.

If replacing the 12 volt battery doesn't solve the problem it could be the combination meter.

 

I purchased an '04 with 46,000 mile on it a couple of months ago and have had zero problems with it other than the 12v, which was just about dead.
I say go for it, slap an Optima in there and drive happily for 150,000 miles.