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Hybrid Battery Replacement - What would you do?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PriusFruit, Jun 30, 2020.

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  1. PriusFruit

    PriusFruit Member

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    It's been a while since I've been back here. That's a good and bad thing. :)

    Today I found out my 2007 Toyota Prius, which has been going great before this, needs a new hybrid battery.

    At 157k on the odometer the Prius has been going great! Regular check-ups and maintenance was keeping the MPG around 40-45 MPG still.

    No major problems before this. I remember reading some hybrid batteries give out sooner and others go for longer. Luck of the draw type of thing.

    (I did notice in the past few months the overall gas mileage of the car was looking like it was getting lower; ie would have to fill-up at 300 miles since last fill-up instead of 350ish. Not sure if this is related to anything or just aging.)

    The mechanic I go to for regular check-ups only works on Toyota and Lexus was able to squeeze me in today to check the codes.

    I trust him and he does good honest work knowing him for the past 2-3 years. I knew it would be expensive once he said the hybrid batter needs to be replaced.

    He gave me a rough estimate between $3,000 to $3,500 for a replacement from Toyota with 10 year/100,000 warranty.

    I've been reading through the old threads on the topic to get some ideas.

    I'm curious to know, if you were my situation what would you do here?
     
    #1 PriusFruit, Jun 30, 2020
  2. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Not spend that and find out how to test and replace the modules yourself or check out green bean batteries, they offer a lifetime waranty come to you to install it and the warranty is not only transferable when you sell your car but they will reinstall it if it ever needs to be replaced. About half the cost of toyota pack.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 AzusaPrius, Jul 1, 2020
  3. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    I believe the warranty on a Toyota replacement battery is 3 years, not 10 as you were told but it should last 10 years.

    Be aware that Green Bean would replace your battery with a "reconditioned" that is made with old cells. So, you are counting on their warranty to replace their battery one or more additional times in the future. I wouldn't recommend it if you plan to keep the vehicle for a long time.

    An alternative is a battery kit that you would install yourself made up of new cells from newpriusbatteries.com for $1600. Should be more reliable than Green Bean but warranty is 2 years/25,000 miles.
     
    #3 royrose, Jul 1, 2020
    Aaron Vitolins, PriusFruit and dolj like this.
  4. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    That quote is way high. He should be able to buy the replacement OEM HV battery assembly for ~$1650. Add $450-$550 labor and then add taxes. Total should be in the $2200-$2500 ballpark.

    If you want a reliable vehicle and not have to think about HV battery issues for a good long while, buy new. If your idea of fun is digging into the HV battery regularly and have your car out of action while you get the second-hand battery supplier back to fix under warranty, that would be an option you could consider.
     
    #4 dolj, Jul 1, 2020
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  5. PriusFruit

    PriusFruit Member

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    Thanks. My plan is to fix this and hopefully have a reliable Prius for another 1-3 years. I'm more comfortable to spend a little more now to have some more peace of mind down the road.

    That's what I thought as well...hybrid costs about 2k to replace. The cost of living in the bay area is over-priced so it looks like everything gets jacked up in prices.

    @dolj reliability is my main thing. Like I mentioned above. I'm hoping to fix this and have a reliable Prius for another few years and hopefully longer for the next owner.

    What would you do in this situation?

    @SFO shared some links for a new battery from Toyota dealers for around $1,800 to $3,000. I'm weighing all the options.
     
    #5 PriusFruit, Jul 1, 2020
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  6. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    bumblebee batteries was mentioned in a thread. I checked them out and found their "upgrade" piqued my interest. Haven't read much else about them on this board....

    Just so long as the engine is not burning oil...

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #6 jzchen, Jul 1, 2020
  7. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Careful I mentioned bumblebee and the BeeMax they have and was accused of working for them and/or they shoot the company down and mention the one they always mention on here "newpriusbatteries" and some toaster dude getting all that money instead.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #7 AzusaPrius, Jul 1, 2020
  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Hybrid automotive works with Bumblebee to supply their modules when a battery has failed;).

    I'd say they have some redeeming qualities:).

    So another option(y).
     
    #8 Raytheeagle, Jul 1, 2020
  9. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    I just decided to read through their COVID statement. Apparently they are newly offering a lifetime warranty option, which gives us new battery with lifetime warranty as a choice, vs. green bean reconditioned/remanufactured, whatever you'd call what they do...

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #9 jzchen, Jul 2, 2020
  10. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    I wish Bumblebee would give more info about their new cells that they claim are "premium grade cells - certified by their manufacturer to have the highest performance characteristics, cycle life and runtime". I didn't think that a new battery could "actually improve its (your vehicle's) power and performance" as they claim.

    Since they charge more for a 4 or 5 year warranty, a lifetime one is likely to cost even more.
     
    #10 royrose, Jul 2, 2020
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2020
  11. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    I just had my 2005 replaced with a genuine Toyota battery, at a genuine Toyota dealer, with a genuine 3 year, nationwide warranty. I paid $1700 for the battery plus $445 for install, taxes, fees and rental car = $2145 out the door. I decided not to try the 2 year old DIY experiment from the cranky guy in Colorado.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #11 kenoarto, Jul 2, 2020
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  12. PriusFruit

    PriusFruit Member

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    That's a steal at the prices I'm looking at.

    How's the car been so far?
     
    #12 PriusFruit, Jul 2, 2020
  13. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    That's a good question.

    I guess they have a website designer because they haven't integrated their new offering into their options list. Should be easy to get some sort of certification and post it, as it has been "certified".

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #13 jzchen, Jul 2, 2020
  14. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Car was running perfectly before the battery was replaced, so no change other than the screen tends to stay in the blue bars rather than the green bars...just like when it was brand new.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #14 kenoarto, Jul 2, 2020
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  15. srivenkat

    srivenkat Active Member

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    Glad to learn you had such a nice deal from the dealer. Wondering if you could let me know who the dealer is. I am looking for a new Camry Hybrid battery; Sent PM as well. Thanks.
     
    #15 srivenkat, Jul 2, 2020
  16. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    Toyota Lincolnwood (just north of Chicago) was running a 25% off deal. Have seen a few of these around the country. Have also seen a few 15% deals, too.
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #16 kenoarto, Jul 2, 2020
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