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Replace Hybrid Battery and service other items or not?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by xae736!1, Jul 27, 2020.

  1. xae736!1

    xae736!1 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2020
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    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    2006 Prius with 106,xxx miles. Acquired 1 year ago from family member. Last week Tuesday I was driving and the dash board lit up. Car lost power. Nursed it to a dealer. Finding below.

    JC91006 and SFO have provided solid insight to other posts. Like the suggestion to call Toyota corporate for a goodwill warranty. Have not tried that but might. I'd like to thank everyone in advance for your input.

    Dealer Findings:
    1. Hybrid battery - $2,960 - Includes Parts & Labor
    2. Lower Control Arms - $1,260
    3. Fuel Tank Straps - $420
    4. Drive belt - $185
    5. Misc light bulbs
    6. Did not test 12V battery because the trunk handle trim is broken and dealer did not want to open until necessary.
    Since August 2019 oil changes and replaced a heat shield (1/2020) above the exhaust to protect the battery. No other maintenance. I now know there are a couple fans I should have cleaned and replaced some filters. Have maintenance history and records.

    Net/ net I'm not an auto DIY'er. Might have a friend that could assist but let's figure I don't.

    I'll be putting $5k into a $4k car. Another post had a comment "at this age many other parts will start to fail "brake actuator, catalytic converter, shocks/struts, bad wheel bearings, etc." I understand not every car has the same history, or future, but it seems that I might be going down a rabbit hole. BTW that was the situation with my last car. Seeking to avoid if possible.

    A newer auto at a higher price point is not the direction I want to go. Attempting to approach this situation logically to avoid a money suck hole.

    Any other information/ background I can provide?

    Interested in the forums thoughts on these questions:
    1. Any new data points to on what else might break/ need replacement going forward? Or is the above still accurate?
    2. Given the above issues, thoughts on if good money be invested in the car or accept defeat and move on?
    3. If new information leans to the possibility of getting fixed so it runs, what if I have dealer just replace the HB battery? (I'm the control arms can be fixed someplace else)
    4. If I'm able to replace the HB Battery myself with a new OEM part, how should or does that change the current decision? Basically save $1000.
    5. If I don't fix, thoughts on best venue to list/ sell the car?
     
    #1 xae736!1, Jul 27, 2020
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2017
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    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Welcome to PriusChat!!
    #1You can replace the HV battery yourself, and when the car dies a rusty death you can take/sell the new HV battery.
    #2 How bad does it drive?
    #3 Is the tank about to fall off, can you look under the vehicle or take it somewhere for a free inspection? (control arms, tank straps)
    #4 Drive belt, that must be the water pump belt, easy'ish $15 DIY fix.
    #5 Can't be rocket science to replace those.
    #6 You can test the 12v with a voltage/multi-meter from the jump points under the hood

    #1 Looks good. And someone could steal the catalytic at any moment.
    #2 Lower mileage with known history, doubtful you would find something to replace it for anything close to 2 or 3k.
    #3 I bet you could find someone to do the swap for relatively cheap compared to the dealer.
    #4 That makes the most sense, then you are only into it for 2k. Make sure you clean the HV battery fan as well.
    #5 Depends how much effort you want to spend, some use carmax, others like craigslist. With 106k (verified), and an untouched OEM battery that has recently failed, you could get back much of what you've paid for it and call it good.

    How many miles per year are you driving, you might want to get a non-hybrid, like a civic or corolla instead.
     
    #2 SFO, Aug 3, 2020
    Raytheeagle and 2k1Toaster like this.
  3. xae736!1

    xae736!1 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2020
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    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Appreciate the replies. All valid points. Been in conversation with Toyota Brand Ambassadors in Texas since my original post. It seems Toyota will be stepping up to the plate on this issue. Toyota offered 1) a Loyalty Credit on a new or certified car or 2) specific credit amount to be applied to the battery replacement. Waiting for them to process the credit as my plan is to have the battery replaced with new OEM. Hoping to have the car at the dealer by mid week. Will address the other issues once drivable.
     
    #3 xae736!1, Aug 11, 2020
    SFO likes this.
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