2007 Hybrid battery replacement

I sent you a PM. If you service the car at the dealer, maybe you can ask Toyota for a goodwill warranty? You'll probably end up paying half of the approximate $3500 replacement cost, if they provide assistance.

 

If you can get a new battery from Toyota, that is a great option. If they will discount is as part of a goodwill offering, even better. If that does not happen and you are on a budget, you can recondition your existing battery and extend it's life for a fraction of the cost of battery replacement. It does require a few hours of DIY work, so it's not for everyone, but can be a huge cost savings for those who are open to the process:
Prolong Battery Systems - Hybrid Automotive

 

how long years/miles would you like to keep it?

 

What options does Craigslist give you? Mine has someone selling used from wrecked Prius batteries for $849 delivered and installed. Think I may go that route when mine gives up.

 

I just went thru this with my 2007 with 178k. If you can get Toyota to help with a goodwill warranty, go for it. Did not work for me. I looked into used batteries, reconditioned ones, and a new Toyota battery.

Here is opinion based on my experience. I live in the south and heat, time, and mileage all are factors in how long the hybrid battery lasts. Buying a used one seems good until you realize that even though it might be good now it will most likely be 8-10 years old.

The reconditioned batteries seem to be hit or miss. Dorman seems to be one of the better sellers but even they have issues. They do have a 3 year warranty but do you really want to go thru taking it out and putting it back in while waiting for a new one to arrive?

I went with a new Toyota battery. I do suggest shopping around and asking for a better price. I was able to save quite a bit of money this way. There is a thread here on buying a new battery and the costs nationwide. Start there.

A new battery will cost more than used or reconditioned but if you plan to keep the car for more than a couple of years I think it is the best way to go. I installed mine myself but I would get a dealer to do it if you can get a decent price. Also there are other independent places that install new batteries for very good prices. One in Florida, one in Wisconsin, and one in Texas. All for less than a dealer will charge you. Maybe there is one in California near you?

Good luck,
Glenn

 

How has your car been doing since the hybrid battery replacement? My fear is that I will have to keep putting money into the car (i.e. new transmission next, new engine, etc.) I have the same year Prius with $160,000 miles on it and my hybrid battery just went out. Trying to figure out what to do next?

Jen

 

welcome!
if it is running fine, and you have owned it since new and done regular maintenance, i would install a new battery, either oems or aftermarket if you would like to keep it a few more years.
plus, this will add value when you sell/trade.

you might need a brake actuator somewhere down the road, but the engine and tranny are pretty strong.

still, at your mileage, i wouldn't travel outside my comfort zone.

all the best!

 

Only you know what is best for you.

If you are able to DIY, compelling to repair. If you have to pay for labor, it can become death by a thousand cuts.

Read Post#11. Prices for a new OEM HV (High Voltage) Battery were correct at time of the writting (11-18-2018).

Indianapolis area battery repair? | PriusChat​

Yes, as a car is kept longer and miles rack-up, all those things (transaxle, engine, catalytic converter, brake actuator, AirConditioning components, etc) can and will go bad at some point in time. When, no one knows.

1) Are you the original owner? If yes, compelling reasons to keep. If yes, and acquired at a low mileage, compelling reason to keep.
2) Do you check the engine oil with some regularity? If yes, GREAT. If you do not and have episodes of warning lights due to low oil level/NO oil pressure, there is engine damage, and the engine will live a shortened life. However, used engines are cheap ($400+), labor maybe $2k.

Catalytic converter will go out due to age and or heavy engine oil consumption. OEM replacement is pricey ($1600). Aftermarket weld-on ($100), bolt-on ($few hundred); these don't seem to last long and it could be due to quality of catalyst material combined w/ engine burning a lot of oil.

AC issues. Few places know to how fix. Labor is pricey.

Brake Actuator will go out at some point down the road. Expensive part if NEW ($1k). Used parts available.

Transaxle- seem to be bullet proof here on PC. Very low failure rates. I would put this as the last thing to go bad. If you have never gotten the transaxle drained and filled (NO Flushing, its not a transmission with a torque converter) do so. Read Post#473. Good info and a link to the study of ATF fluid. ATF fluid changes ARE Required. | Page 24 | PriusChat