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Gen 1 - 12v Question

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by three3nine, May 11, 2018.

  1. three3nine

    three3nine New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Good evening.

    I am new here but I've lurked a lot recently. I have searched around, read a bunch of posts, and I am still finding myself at somewhat of a loss for a specific answer regarding the Gen 1 12v.

    I don't want to beat a dead horse here because I've found a ton of posts regarding the 12v. I'm not particularly auto-inclined. I focused on computers growing up rather than helping my dad in the garage. Consequently, I've got common sense but I'm not a mechanic. I only know what I've learned from others and what little I've done myself. Nothing frustrates me more than something being a pain my backside -- and this battery situation has become that for me. A big part of that stems, however, from the fact that I don't feel I know enough to be confident in a solution (even after reading).

    Ultimately, though, for a 2003 - Gen 1:

    1. Is there a specific battery other than the stock Toyota battery that will fit and work without any (or very, very minor) modification?

    2. In answering this question, is there anywhere that I can find something less than $200 that is safe, isn't going to blow up, give off fumes that will kill me or my passengers, or that I have to pour water into?

    I kind of feel like the answer is already apparent -- we either pay $200+ for a stock battery or we have a "rig" something to work. I don't mind the rigging part but my family does. If someone can give me specific advice, I'd feel a lot better today.

    Thanks -- and I'm sorry for repeating this question. I'm just hoping I'll either get a better answer than I've seen thus far or get confirmation of my initial inkling.
     
  2. tada

    tada Member

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    2002 Prius
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    Base
    Welcome to PriusChat!

    Here’s a link to a company that will sell you a battery for less than $200 that will fit with a little modification or a much better Optima battery that requires a little modification. 12 Volt Toyota Prius Battery for 2001-2003 with installation kit. Good luck!
     
    #2 tada, May 11, 2018
    Last edited: May 11, 2018
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  3. tada

    tada Member

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    One more thing, try shopping a few Toyota dealers near you. You may find a direct replacement for less than $200.
     
    #3 tada, May 11, 2018
    Last edited: May 11, 2018
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  4. three3nine

    three3nine New Member

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    Thanks for your replies! :)

    I tried to do my due diligence and call. The dealership closest to me was $235 -- which is pretty good compared to some of what I've heard. The next two closest were $255 and $285 respectively.

    I'm totally up for a non-stock battery but I want to feel safe in what I've chosen. I realize that no solution is 100% (even with the stock batteries given that some of them are seemingly duds) but I want the best bang for my buck.
     
  5. tada

    tada Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    The best bang for your buck is the Optima battery. Shipping is fast and free, comes with all adapters and full instructions. It is totally safe and will outlast the OEM battery. All for $240 - Optima battery and installation kit for Prius 2001 to 2003. You will find many members here have moved to this battery.
     
    #5 tada, May 12, 2018
    Last edited: May 12, 2018
  6. Brian in Tucson

    Brian in Tucson Active Member

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    Yeah, you ARE beating a dead horse. This has been discussed (evenly recently!) ad nauseum. Search is your friend.
     
    three3nine and scona like this.