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Ownership Concern

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Velkoz, Jun 21, 2020.

  1. Velkoz

    Velkoz New Member

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    Hi everyone,

    I got my Prius Four (Solar Panel) in 2015 brand new. It only has 30K miles and nothing is wrong with it except the tire pressure light won't go off. I already figured that out, so no biggie.

    I checked my warranty and it does say that the hybrid battery has a 8 years or 100,000 miles warranty; whichever comes first. With my driving history (I live next to work and don't travel much), I don't think I'd even get to 100,000 anytime soon. So, my 8 years will be up soon.

    I'm feeling anxiety about the possibility of needing to replace the hybrid battery since from what I know, that's a dealership trip and costs a lot.

    I reckon, I might get a really good price for it now and just get a regular gasoline car; e.g. the good used Lexus IS 250. What's your take? Are my worries valid? Thanks.
     
  2. Solar Blue

    Solar Blue Member

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    Your worries are not valid.
    Something could go wrong, of course. But it isn't typical. Replacing the battery isn't that big of a deal now days. Check out YouTube for some informational videos.
    Also, if you trade it in, a plug in car like the Prius prime would be a good choice if you do mostly short trips.
    But, if you do want to sell it, hit me up!
     
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  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Probably not. But to some (many?) people, having to spend over $1000 on a car repair IS a big deal.

    Use is likely a much bigger factor in battery aging than time is.
    The expected life is stated in the number of complete charge-discharge cycles......not in a number of years.
     
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  4. bettergolf

    bettergolf Active Member

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    My opinion....driving only 5 or 6 thousand miles per year kind of defeats the purpose of owning a Prius since you're considering a non hybrid gas fueled car anyway. I don't think your battery will just suddenly die at the eight year mark but I do think you could get a good price for it right now with 30k miles on it. I would sell it and buy the non hybrid and eliminate the eventual problem of the cost of a replacement battery since you don't drive it enough to save any substantial amount of money on gasoline.
    Unless you just like the Prius...then keep it and don't worry about it, the battery may last 12-15 years, who knows?
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    get the lexus, sounds like fun
     
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  6. Velkoz

    Velkoz New Member

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    Thank you! I really like the Prius. It's my second Prius. I first bought a used Toyota Certified; I loved it so much and when I saw how the 2016 Prius was going to look like, I quickly grabbed a brand new one from the dealership. THEN, I moved closer to work so that explains the low miles. It's going to be really sad to part with it because it's the only new car I've ever owned (60 months, 0% interest on it). :cry:
     
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  7. Velkoz

    Velkoz New Member

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    I did some research and it just so happens that the Green Bean Battery company is local and it would cost $1700, installed. What say you?
     
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  8. Solar Blue

    Solar Blue Member

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    I say that's cheaper than a new transmission for a Ford F-150!
    It's about half that price if you do it yourself.
    I'm capable of that but not everyone is.
     
  9. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    Search Green Bean Batteries on this site... no shortage of information.

    I'll give you the Reader's Digest version: you're just buying someone else's old, used battery. If you're replacing a battery, go new. @2k1Toaster sells a tested, proven aftermarket NEW battery for about the same price as Green Bean and other "rebuilders".
     
  10. MelonPrius

    MelonPrius Senior Member

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    Enjoy the Prius and keep it until 2023. Sell it before the manufacturer warranty on the traction battery runs out. The Prius should still have low miles, based on your commute, and you should still command a good price on the used car market.
     
  11. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    WHY get rid of the car just because of the battery?
    People pay $1500 and up for a used engine, why not for the hybrid battery?
    And if the car is paid for, it's the least expensive car you'll own.
    Everyone should set aside a certain amount of money each paycheck toward repairs for the car.
    So when you need it, you'll have it. $1700 is lot less than $6000 and up for another used vehicle.
     
  12. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    I have a 2015 with same mileage. Paid off almost 1 year ago.
    IF, i went same route and purchased another car, it would cost me $6000/yr in payments.

    BUT, I now have a car paid off with no payments.
    I plan to keep it until warranty runs out, and then keep it even longer.

    It gets driven few miles here, few miles there and then more miles on trips.
    Still saves me at the pump.

    If and when battery needs to be replaced, I have 100% confidence that I can put in a new one myself.

    IF Toyota releases something that catches my eye, I might think totally different tho.

    Also, I do not want to go backwards into a gasoline only vehicle.
    Might be different for others.

    Good Luck with your decision. But give more time to think about it.
    I highly prize both my Toyota Prius
     
  13. Velkoz

    Velkoz New Member

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    Thank you for your input. I guess it's a trip to the dealership for the two of us (maybe not you) due to yesterday's recall announcement.

    That is a good point. Thank you. I just got it appraised from CARVANA. I don't really like what they offer although if I do want a low-miles Corolla, I could just get one from CARVANA and they would owe me some cash. But, buying cars like buying that is new to me.

    I actually got that information about 2k1Toaster selling those new batteries here. So, that kinda lifted up my spirit. Thanks.
     
    #13 Velkoz, Jun 25, 2020
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 25, 2020
  14. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    IF.....you would have continued making pseudo-car payments to yourself.....you now would have $6000 in the bank towards paying cash for the next one, whenever that happens.

    And I think there have really been no significant technological improvements in vehicles in more than 10 years and we are overdue.
    Hopefully the "next generation" will be ready when you are.
     
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  15. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    I say they are completely valid.

    Lots of examples have shown that hybrids need to be driven to perform to the fullest capability. Short, infrequent drives are very hard on the HV battery, add in a hot climate (Oklahoma) that is also known to shorten battery longevity, and it's a tough life. Short drives also mean low mpg's so the hybrid "payback" is so far down the road it is never seen.

    Plug-in or traditional ICE are better for the OP's situation but if the 2015 is paid off, replacing the HV battery with a NEW one is still the best option in terms of lowest costs+reliability.
     
  16. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    If you put just $3000 aside, you'll easily be able to replace battery and have money left over.
    Labor is usually the highest cost. So being able to do it yourself is best. And learning is good
    also. Unless you are physically unable you.
    Waiting for "new" tech is not worth the effort, at least not for me, or most people. Unless the mpg go up
    50% it's just more things to go wrong, cost more money.
    Heater, air conditioning, radio, cruise control, most important stuff. Everything else is just toys.
    You don't NEED anything else.
    Electric window, door locks, anti stop brakes, etc, are nice...
     
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  17. Fred_H

    Fred_H Misoversimplifier

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    If you buy a non-hybrid car, then the chances go up that you will have to repair or replace other parts like the transmission, brakes, starter, and alternator. On average, the total cost of ownership of a Prius, including battery replacement, is not higher than for a comparable non-hybrid car.

    Also, when the hybrid battery does go bad, it typically does not suddenly completely fail without warning. When the first signs of battery weakness come, you usually have some weeks to decide on the best solution.

    If you are not able to overcome your battery life anxiety, or if you find a good deal on a car that you like better, then I would even encourage you sell your Prius. There are many who would love to drive one, and are not uncomfortable with repairing or replacing the battery if or when the time comes.

    (As a disclaimer, I may be a little biased, since my HV battery is still going strong after twelve years and 300,000 miles.)
     
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  18. Velkoz

    Velkoz New Member

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    I went to the dealership today for the Hybrid System Upgrade Recall. When I was there, I asked how much it would cost to replace the hybrid battery on my car. $4500.00, installed. I guess it's not that bad. I still have 3 years and if I put aside $125.00/month, I should be able to afford that post 2023. :)

    So, are you saying that if I usually let my car drive on EV mode (not the button), that's BAD for the car? I purposely do that while cruising so that I could max out my MPG.
     
    #18 Velkoz, Jun 25, 2020
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 25, 2020
  19. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    No.

    Economy experts say using EV a lot actually lowers hybrid efficiency. And that's as far as I'm going to go down this rabbit hole! LOL There is a ton of info here in the economy sub-forums.

    GOOD LUCK!
     
  20. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    You heard it on the Internet so it MUST be true......right ??
    The battery is there to be USED. Use it and don't worry.
     
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