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Brand new Genuine Toyota Traction for $1699?!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by bej, Apr 6, 2019.

  1. bej

    bej Junior Member

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    Toyota Marin is selling brand new Toyota traction batteries for $1699:
    G951047031 - Toyota Battery assembly, hv supply. Local pickup only!! we cannot ship this item | Toyota Marin, San Rafael CA


    Apparently, Salinas Toyota is selling tem for the same price:
    Toyota Prius Battery assembly, hv supply. Electrical, wiring, cable - G951047031 | Salinas Toyota, Salinas CA


    Why on earth would someone get a refurb battery or replace cells if you can get a complete brand new battery for this low cost? Am I missing something?
     
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  2. maddog2020

    maddog2020 Junior Member

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    $1,700 is quite a bit more than $40.


    iPhone ?
     
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  3. bej

    bej Junior Member

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  4. maddog2020

    maddog2020 Junior Member

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    You said “or replace cells” - you can buy a replacement module for $30 (call it $40 with shipping). And it’s a pretty easy job to replace a single module. That’s often all you need to do.


    iPhone ?
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    erm...
     
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  6. bej

    bej Junior Member

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    I was pretty much looking for a long-term solution..such as a new battery or a battery with brand new cells. I plan on keeping the car for another five years, not just replacing used cells with used cells and take the chance of the battery failing again short term. I was just trying to share what I found..
     
  7. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Yup, it's a no brainer unless you just want to get it running to sell it and screw the next guy. New battery and drive it 10-15 more years, or disassemble, repair and rebalance every few weeks or months? That's an easy decision for me. Especially when that new battery goes for the same price as a 2-year old battery from a wreck sold for two years ago.
     
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  8. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    When it comes to batteries, new is safe, dependable and worth the money. One would have to ask, would you buy a used 12 volt battery for your non-hybrid car? I did that once back in the day. Failed me miserably. And when it failed, it was not at a good time. Since then, I will save the money, and just always buy new batteries. Better return policies, and, if and when I go to sell, it validates the value of my hybrid.
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    @bej okay, what's with that avatar??
     
  10. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    You wouldn't!

    Good news is you are one of the few that has a dealer that is willing to give the battery out near their wholesale cost. Like it says, local pickup only. No shipping. And there is a core charge on that too.

    If you aren't in the area, then too bad. Most other dealers won't do the same pricing.
     
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  11. bej

    bej Junior Member

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    To make along story short, it was my roommate's car. Low mileage and super nice. Leather, etc. I got a call one evening to pick him up....and wellll...

    I wish I could have saved the battery from that one.
     
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  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Don't change it, lol.
     
  13. bej

    bej Junior Member

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    I'm about 40 minutes from Salinas Toyota. I'm going to call when they open tomorrow to see how many they have.
    Isn't there a certain way they want to see the core charge returned in the box or they won't accept it?
     
  14. bej

    bej Junior Member

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    A great guy, but wow, he's not a good driver lol
     
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  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I would think if you:

    1. Open box, remove new battery.
    2. Transfer from old battery to new, all components missing.
    3. Put remainder of old battery in box.

    You should be kosher?
     
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  16. bej

    bej Junior Member

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    I'll find out more info on how many they have, core charge etc and post them here for the rest of the folks that might live in the Bay area..
     
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  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    A menace to trees...
     
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  18. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    Last I checked at local Toyota in Michigan with commercial discount it is $1650.

    If my Prius had less than 150k miles I'd have it rebuilt. I know a guy that charges $400 to rebuild so must be a pretty simple job.

    So $400 vs. $2000 is reason I would rebuild (he charges $300 to put in a battery).

    And since my car has over 200k miles I cannot fathom putting 2k into it on 1 repair. Especially since it is only worth $2500.

    If my car battery goes bad I'll just sell it as-is. Not worth putting even a grand into it...Luckily, aside from oil burning it has been a zero-issue zero-problem zero-maintenance car the last 65k miles.
     
  19. bej

    bej Junior Member

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    Called Salinas Toyota at lunchtime today and they confirmed that this is the correct price and they will sell direct to the customer. Core charge is $1350. Pickup only, no shipping. They only keep one in stock at a time.
     
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  20. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Do yourself a favour and DO NOT try and get the core return done in the parking lot. It is not a straightforwards swap, and if you forget 1 piece... Well you won't get it back.

    Take it home, work on it, power up and drive it, then return the core. Don't shortcut it.