Advice on '08 Prius with possible battery failure

I've read this forum before - fantastic! Hoping you knowledgeable folks can help me!

On my way to work today my dashboard lit up with the red triangle, yellow brake system warning, VSC & check engine lights, along with the red car & exclamation point on the touch screen. I turned around to head home, but the car eventually lost the ability to accelerate at all. I coasted to a stop & parked on a street about 2 blocks from home.

Once my husband gets home from work, we will get the car home & go from there.

Does this sound like hybrid battery failure to those with experience in this?
My husband is fairly handy with cars though the only space we have to work on a car is under a carport or in the street. We plan to pass this car on to our son in a year and a half when he turns 16, then get ourselves a newer Prius.

Which option would be our most feasible?
Purchase of a new battery with my husband installing?
Having a mobile service come & replace the battery? (New or refurb?)
Something else?

Our home A/C unit is on its last leg and we're already looking at 5 grand to replace it. NEED SOMETHING VERY AFFORDABLE!

Thank you SO MUCH for any advice you can offer. I am totally in the dark here, but willing to research and listen to those with experience and knowledge.

 

Thank you!

 

I was wondering if you all had recommendations for purchasing new batteries. Our local Toyota dealership (Fowler) has a reputation for overcharging & recommending unnecessary work in addition to high prices on new & used cars. I went there for a couple of oil changes and after being stuck in the waiting area for 3-4 hours with 2 small kids & always paying more than expected, I haven't been back. We DON"T have a "close"relationship to say the least!

 

I know you've been involved in discussions re: GreenBean Battery...here is my game plan so far (INPUT WELCOME FROM ALL!!!)
1. Try for goodwill warranty through Toyota
2. Look into purchase of new battery for my husband to install - don't know WHERE TO BUY ONE. Suggestions?
3. Have GreenBean install refurb with 5-year warranty (provided they are still in business in 5 years) for $1549, and replace with new battery when in better financial position. Other then Green Bean, it looks like we'd have to tow the car down to TX to have it serviced, pr pay someone to come to OK to service it. Unless I'm missing another option. ???

 

From what I can tell on the website they won't have Gen 2 batteries till October. I would have to rent or borrow a car (slim chance) until then...

 

Contacted Olathe Toyota. $1625.80 for battery but they will not sell over the counter.
Hudiburg Toyota & Fowler Toyota in Oklahoma charge $1950 for the battery + $1350 core charge & will sell over the counter.
Toyota Customer service was not willing to offer any goodwill as the car is an '08 with 186k miles.

I did. He's got a shipment coming in in October if nothing gets held up. I've been trying to get creative about transportation possibilities till then, but I don't think we will be able to work it out. Otherwise I would be HAPPY to purchase a battery from him!!!

 

Do you have a number for Matt? I emailed them, so if not, I should hear from them soon. THANK YOU!!!

 

The guy I spoke to in Parts said they would sell it to me but it MUST be put in my certified Toyota techs. I mentioned that they were recommended as a reasonable source for purchasing Prius batteries; he wasn't impressed.
I wonder if I called and asked for a manager if I would get a different answer???

 

Spoke with 21KToaster. He says:

"My understanding is that you just got the first red triangle of death of battery malfunction codes. If true, then you should be able to clear them, drive carefully, and get longer out of the battery knowing it is on its last legs. Usually 3-6 months is easily achievable. I went about a year on my "dead" battery and many thousands of miles.

Basically just keep a code reader/clearer with you. Avoid using the battery or allowing it to balance and test itself. Meaning don't reverse if you don't have to, and especially not at the beginning of a trip. So reverse into your garage so you can pull straight out later, pull through parking spaces, etc. Do NOT try to drive using the battery only. Limit AC usage, heater on to force the engine on is good. If the codes come back on, you can clear them and keep going. It has a problem and you know it now so you do need to get it fixed."

He has batteries coming in around October 1, and I feel like this is my best bet, unless I can get a battery from a dealer in OK.
Is there ANY chance a dealer would refuse to refund the core charge? It is original. I don't think there is any possibility of water damage either.