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just bought new Prius - "battery theft" song and dance?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Wander88, Apr 24, 2008.

  1. skguh

    skguh Member

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  2. hobbit

    hobbit Senior Member

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    Maybe he was confusing battery rumors with the reported rash
    of catalytic converter thefts going on, mostly aimed at SUVs and
    trucks since they're easier to get under, but those wouldn't
    go for 12 grand either.
    .
    _H*
     
  3. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Wow, a new level of sleaze. Just wondering if the Chris Farley clone had pupils that were pinpricks, or as small as purely theoretical particles? That would help narrow down what drug the sleaze was on

    Catalytic converter theft actually does happen though. A Hyundai dealer here in Winnipeg was quite surprised last year when a bunch of their vehicles had the cat's ripped off
     
  4. SparrowHawk60

    SparrowHawk60 Happy to be green!

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    The alleged battery stealing dirt bags who have to take your whole car. Thus you'd be covered by your insurance companies theft policy.

    I've been hearing of Catalytic converters being stolen lately. Still it takes a while for the dirt bags to rip these off your car.
     
  5. Jiipa

    Jiipa MGySgt USMC (Ret)

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    Now I can't get this vision out of my mind of going out to my Prius and finding a dead crackhead who had electrocuted himself trying to get my battery.
     
  6. Spoid

    Spoid New Member

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    Did you ask him if he lives in a van down by the river?
     
  7. HardCase

    HardCase SilverPineMica, the green one

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    Seems like it might be fun for a bunch of us to call/email that dealership and inquire about battery theft coverage. I'd be curious to know which company underwrites it.

    I'm likewise aware of a rash of catalytic converter thefts. And, also, in some urban areas I am hearing that theft of air-bags is a problem, break a window, slash the steering wheel and the dash, pull out the air-bags, and sell them to selected body-shops for $200 a pop, a druggie's dream-come-true.
     
  8. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    PLEASE do not do this, we don't need anyone bashing Priuschat, particularly a Toyota dealership, for harrassment or anything. Publishing the name of the slimy dealership is adequate I think.
     
  9. Stefx

    Stefx Member

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    Doc said 1.21 Gigawatts, right?
     
  10. mingoglia

    mingoglia Member

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    We could however say, "yeah, I was talking to a guy at a gas station in Gresham and he said that you guys offered a Prius battery theft warranty".... and not even mention the forum. :D
     
  11. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    "Hello, Broadway Toyota?"

    "Yes sir, how may I direct your call?"

    "I'd like to speak to the Finance Manager, I think his name is Matt Foley"

    "I'm sorry sir, we don't have a Matt Foley working here"

    "Can I just speak to the Finance Manager, please?"

    "Ok, sir I am transferring your call"

    {connecting}

    "Hello, Is this the Finance Manager?"

    "Yes"

    " someone just stole the HV Battery out of my Prius last night, and I would like you to send me a new one"

    "Uh.....What?"

    "I purchased the Battery Theft Protection Plan and someone has stolen my battery, so I would like you to send me a new one"

    "Sir, you must be mistaken, there is no such thing as a Battery Theft Protection Plan"

    "Oh no, your Finance Manager, I think his name was Matt Foley, insisted that I needed to protect my $12,000 hybrid battery, so I purchased the plan. I'm sure glad I did, because I woke up this morning and it was gone."

    "Sir, there is no such thing, you will need to purchase a new battery"

    "You will be hearing from my lawyer. I'll see you in court."

    {click}

    :evil:
     
  12. northwest

    northwest New Member

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    These finance people come and they go....I am sure Broadway will be seeing him go, sooner rather than later.

    I bought my last Camry from Broadway and got the best deal around. The finance guy pushed hard on "all the extras" but that is their job.

    I would assume that there was a misunderstanding of sorts here...I would think that instead of battery insurance, he was probably trying -- very ineptly -- to sell an extended warranty and was trying to use all sorts of buzzwords like the hybrid system is very complicated the battery alone is worth thousands, etc.

    The finance guy at the Dealership in Eugene oregon where I got my Prius did the same thing. I only half-listened, but I am sure he rattled on about the highly complicated battery system that only a select few mechanics can repair etc.

    In other words, I doubt there was any specific battery insurance being sold, I do assume that there was a very poor attempt to paint the car as being beyond anyone but a rocket scientist to repair at the cost of "billions upon billions," but nothing that probably a large percentage of Prius buyers hadn't heard all about the country.:rolleyes:
     
  13. NaptownPrius

    NaptownPrius Getting Greener....

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    "Holy Schnikey...
    [​IMG]

    Battery theft from Hybrids...probably from someone living in a van down by the river."

    [​IMG]
     
  14. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Guess what happens now when you Google "Battery Theft Protection Plan" :


    [​IMG]

    :D
     

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  15. Wander88

    Wander88 Junior Member

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    Ok, let me clarify - overall Broadway Toyota was fine. The two salesguys I dealt with were fine. But the Financial guy did try to sell me battery theft protection--it was specifically for the battery and he kept bringing it up over and over. But once he got enough "No"s from me, he handed me the papers to sign and off I went. So this post wasn't to bash Broadway Toyota. I was just wondering if the "battery theft" gig was a common thing dealers threw at customers because it's obviously a crock.
     
  16. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Its ok, I completely believe you, we (I) are (am) just having fun with this because it is so ridiculous. And, having dealt with the finance guy who tried to convince my GF that he accidently overcharged her for an extended warranty because "I'm not that familiar with the new computer system" , I can totally see this happening. Plus, the Chris Farley thing just gives it something extra.

    Thanks for posting your story. :)
     
  17. Spoid

    Spoid New Member

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    Oh no, you've created an infinite loop!
     
  18. Jiipa

    Jiipa MGySgt USMC (Ret)

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    But unless the financial guy was moonlighting on his own on the dealer's time, he was pushing this battery theft protection for Broaway Toyota. It is something that the management there dreamed up to generate additional profit. Therefore, in my mind, they deserve any and all bashing that they get.

    I would assume that if your battery was stolen for wome unknown reason that it would be covered under your regular comprehensive insurance (less your deductible).
     
  19. Wander88

    Wander88 Junior Member

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    Good point, re: the dealer. Somebody must have been behind the battery theft story. Also one of my salesmen kept telling me he was "new" but the story kept changing as to whether he'd been there one week or several weeks, but "since he was new," he had to have another salesman with him at all times to supervise the sale. I figured since the story kept changing, it was a ruse to make sure one of them was with me at all times--I was never left alone. Being female, I'm sure they figured I was an easy mark since they made sure they picked a "pretty one" for me to test drive. I was disappointed they didn't have a pink fluffy Prius that shot hearts out the exhaust.
     
  20. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    I think they are working on that model for next year. :D