How much is it worth spending on a new hybrid battery?

i will search.

 

Glad they helped you out!

 

Glad it worked out!

Good Luck!!

 

I have been told that the most common hv failure is when the vehicle is parked, for long periods , months. Example Florida Snowbirds return to find their sleeping Prius will not wake up. Drive them...

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

to florida?

 

Are you asking if the vehicle is left in the South vs North. My info came from local to me in Florida. But many batteries suffer from being ldle and not used.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

no, i was asking if snowbirds (like myself) should be driving to florida instead of leaving our prius behind to suffer in the cold.

 

I would, but then i dont like driving anymore. At least not a trip that long. If you had a friend who could use it once a week? They may ask to buy it. Most who have not experienced a Prius, will fall in love. Why i have two.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Yes, that seems to be the case. And it makes sense as this is a "chemical part" not a mechanical part.

 

I almost always drive unless I have to cross an ocean. Or unless it involves I-75 in Florida, Atlanta, or Cincinnati -- or almost any part of I-95. Actually, I will drive those roads, but I won't like it.

 

we drive every year, but take the hycam instead of the prius. unfortunately, one of them has to stay home and sulfate.

 

Bummer. One of the challenges of snowbirderdom. Is that a word?

 

idk, but if not, it should be.

 

For what its worth, '06 battery died @ 89K. Located an independent shop in Annapolis MD. Replaced in my driveway for $1700. Vehicle looking a bit long in the tooth. Object was to get it sound enough to sell or trade. Not wanting the trials,we decided to trade. Hungry dealer gave us north of $3K and we are now in a 2017 Prius level 3. Happy as a clam... Grampie in Virginia.

 

congrats, well done!

 

IMO, while more than many would want to spend, it is critical to remember two points on hybrid batteries:

1) Can you purchase a different vehicle for that price, with equal or better reliability? A: Doubtful

2) At ~$900/year in fuel costs for a Gen 2, that is essentially 1/2 of that for most vehicles, so in three years you PAID for the NEW HV battery just in fuel cost savings. Way earlier if you drive more than the 12k/yr average.

 

Your arithmetic is a bit off 05PreeUs. With the current price of gas at $2.29 per gallon in the U.S., it would take 8.9 years to reach the break even point for a new $3000 pack compared to a car that gets 30 mpg (which many late model 4 cylinder cars easily achieve these days).

And yes, I am aware that gas prices will undoubtedly be much higher a few years from now.

12,000 mi / 30 mpg = 400 gallons x $2.29/gallon = $916.00

12,000 mi / 50 mpg = 240 gallons x $2.29/gallon = $549.60

or a difference of only $366.4/year.

That's one reason I parted ways with my 05. I didn't want a remanufactured pack and a new one costs too much.

 

No, my math is good, but let's review the REAL numbers and not estimates....

Assuming: Currently owned Prius v "new" 2012 "average vehicle" and good luck finding a reliable 2012 anything in decent condition for $4k.

"New" vehicle @ 12k/23.8 mpg = ~504 gallons x $2.29 = $1155 ( The Average Fuel Economy of All Vehicles Sold in the U.S. in 2012 was 23.8 MPG : TreeHugger )

Current Prius @ 12k/46 mpg = ~260 gallons x $2.29 = $597 ( Used 2006 Toyota Prius MPG & Gas Mileage Data | Edmunds )

So would save ~$560/year over the AVERAGE 2012, meaning the payback is $3700/$560 = 6.6 years at STEALership prices and $2500/$560 = 4.5 yrs at reasonable prices.

Replacing the HV pack on a Prius is a repair that can pay for itself, easily.

 

Okay, you want to get REAL, let's do that.

We're talking about Prius owners here. Not Joe Average who could care less about mpg (when gas is "cheap").
I doubt that there are or will be many Prius owners who would revert to a 23.8 mpg vehicle to replace
their hybrid when the time came. So that's why my 30 mpg number is more realistic when considering
the hybrid owner demographic.

Let's talk about one former Prius owner - me. The car I bought for my daughter to replace my Prius gets 39 mpg combined.

Bought a used 2015 Hertz rental with 27K miles for $7200 out the door. Sold my 05 with 257K miles for $1800 (quick sale -
could have gotten more if I had been more patient but Michigan auto insurance is outrageously expensive).

Putting in a new pack in the Prius would have been $3000. That is the only way I would have kept it.
Buying the 2015 Mirage and selling the Prius cost $5400.

So for only a $2400 difference, my daughter has a newer car that is still under warranty for three more years or 33K more miles.