I need to replace my big battery.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Zeppo Shanski, May 15, 2024.

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  1. Zeppo Shanski

    Zeppo Shanski Active Member

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    Hello.

    I've got a 2005 Gen2. It's been well checked, everything is good, it's worth fixing. I've read here that there are guys with experience in the used/reconditioned traction battery market. I'm looking for the best quality I can get in the "inexpensive" bracket.

    I live in the southwest Chicago suburb of Downers Grove.

    THANKS IN ADVANCE for any help.
     
    #1 Zeppo Shanski, May 15, 2024
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    give @ericbecky a call. bit of a haul, but he may know someone closer.
     
    #2 bisco, May 15, 2024
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  3. Zeppo Shanski

    Zeppo Shanski Active Member

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    #3 Zeppo Shanski, Jun 2, 2024
  4. Zeppo Shanski

    Zeppo Shanski Active Member

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    HELLO!!!

    It seems like I'm not getting any love here. Come on guys. ... I need some opinions PLEASE.




    TIA for your/any help. ​
     
    #4 Zeppo Shanski, Jun 5, 2024
  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Compare it to a new Toyota battery that always always works for 10+ years.
     
    #5 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jun 5, 2024
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  6. ColoradoCrow

    ColoradoCrow Senior Member

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    I would go new OEM battery from Toyota. Best price is about $1650.00 installation costs vary. If I lived closer I'd do it for you.
     
    #6 ColoradoCrow, Jun 6, 2024
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  7. spirit390

    spirit390 Junior Member

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    Who is offering this best price deal? Thanks
     
    #7 spirit390, Jun 6, 2024
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i wish i could help, but i've never heard of those guys.

    the big thing with reconditioned batteries is how they go about it, which you'll never know.

    so what comes next is warranty, and will they honor it. you won't know that so you have to rely on reviews and hope they are honest.
    and of course, hope the company is in business when you need warranty replacement.

    there are a million threads here on reconditioned batteries. some are happy and some are not. might be the luck of the draw.
     
    #8 bisco, Jun 6, 2024
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  9. Zeppo Shanski

    Zeppo Shanski Active Member

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    THANK YOU ALL.

    I called Toyota. Their price was over $4,500. These guys that I'm asking about are $1,650 installed w/ a 60,000 mile / 3-year warrantee. I've read their reviews and they are very good. For that price they'll install it in my driveway.
     
    #9 Zeppo Shanski, Jun 8, 2024
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  10. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Be sure to understand all the details about the warranty - as you will likely need to use it.

    What do you need to "prove" the installed pack has failed? Do you have to pay them for diagnostics? Will they come to your house for diagnostics and warranty replacement? etc

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #10 mr_guy_mann, Jun 8, 2024
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  11. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Don’t ask for advice if you don’t want it.

    You can get a new set of modules for $2k if you shop for them and get somebody other than the dealer to install.

    You will regret “reconditioned” batteries. Usually the mobile guys will ghost you after the first six months and downtime will be frequent even if they replace it once or twice.

    You will get a mix and match set of modules out of an old Prius just like yours. A few better than you had but still old. They wear out but guys looking for a deal make the mix and match salvage sellers happy.
     
    #11 rjparker, Jun 8, 2024
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2024
  12. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
     
    #12 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jun 9, 2024
  13. Zeppo Shanski

    Zeppo Shanski Active Member

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    When the time comes, before they come out, the guys want to know the codes coming up when read by a reputable mechanical shop, not just the auto-parts store. I'm OK with that.


     
    #13 Zeppo Shanski, Jun 18, 2024
  14. Zeppo Shanski

    Zeppo Shanski Active Member

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    rjparker ... Why exactly would I ask for any advice if I didn't want it?!?

    What makes any "new modules" that I had to "shop for" any better than a reconditioned battery from a reputable dealer?!? Maybe things are different in "Texas hill country" than they are in Chicagoland, because it's not all that easy just to go find someone good to install it. Anyone good is gonna wanna get properly paid. Nobody is doing this job for FREE. $1,650 OTD is a much better deal than $2,000 plus installation. Ive read the reviews for the guys I'm considering. They seem very good. A 60,000 mile / 3-year warrantee seems really good for a 20-yo car that I've driven for 7-years and put +/- 60,000 miles on.

    Have You checked out the company I posted?!? ... Here, I'll post them again.

    Volts Hybrid Car Batteries
    Volts – Hybrid Car Batteries Replacement in Chicago


    TIA again for your/any help.​
     
    #14 Zeppo Shanski, Jun 18, 2024
  15. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Except you are comparing brand-new OEM modules that will easily last 10 years with a collection of monkeyed-with secondhand modules that may last 2 years. Some don't even last 6 months. Maybe that is all you want, if so, go for it.

    Be confident with the warranty because you will need it.

    IMO, reviews on the internet are worthless. So easily faked and spoofed.
     
    #15 dolj, Jun 19, 2024
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  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    agree on a shop that can read all the codes, $150. well spent
     
    #16 bisco, Jun 19, 2024
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  17. Zeppo Shanski

    Zeppo Shanski Active Member

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    OK ... So the battery was installed today ... and I drove away happy.

    It runs nice and smooth. It seems as though the hybrid switches in a lot more and a lot faster. All I've done however, was around town driving. Like I said ... I'm happy.
     
    #17 Zeppo Shanski, Jul 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
  18. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Good. Hopefully you are still happy with your mix and match used batteries two years from now.
     
    #18 rjparker, Jul 18, 2025 at 3:52 PM
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  19. Zeppo Shanski

    Zeppo Shanski Active Member

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    Thank You rjparker, for your solid positive attitude and well-wishes.

    My new battery comes w/ a 3-year 60,000-mile warrantee.
     
    #19 Zeppo Shanski, Jul 18, 2025 at 4:03 PM
  20. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Please report back in three years or sooner if the refurbished hybrid battery fails. I hope it lasts you three years.
     
    #20 Brian1954, Jul 18, 2025 at 5:23 PM
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