Gen II Prius Past 150K -- Big PicturMaintenance Schedule Question

Where I think this is going is as follows:
Repairs on the 2004 Prius will take time, careful attention to detail, and patience, and promises to be a long and winding road. My wife needs a dependable ride for work right away. A late model used Prius, or new one, given the dealer incentives I am reading about on line, seems like the prudent path forward. The 2004 Prius is going to either (a) become a second vehicle, long term project, with the help of my co-worker, where we take our time, do things right, and with the help of the resources here, or (b) will be sold as is for what I can get for it on Craigslist. But first order of business is to get a reliable set of wheels my wife can use for her work purposes. I am going to switch to a different forum for advice on Prius II, III, and PiP models, and pros and cons of buying new, pre-certified, and ordinary used vehicles. See some of you there, I hope, if you have experience strngth and hope on those kind of issues.
Regards, Beatle

 

Back again. The Dealer invoice states the following: "Performed on board diagnostics, scan tool, inspection codes present as either current, pending, history fond codes: codes P3000 P0A80 HV Battery Pack. Recommend Replace HV Battery and Filter. $3700. Owner Advised."
I drove the Prius home and it is parked out front of the house. The new Prius Gen 3 gets to park in the driveway, of course, but I feel bad for the old guy. Time marches on, I guess. But, not so fast! My plan is to buy an OEM Toyota part #G9510-47031 HV Battery, which carries a Factory Toyota 12 Month unlimited milage warranty, which I see online 100 miles from my home for a mere approximately $1990. My tech colleague will do the install, and the bottom line will be far less than what the Dealer would charge me. First, should I check the 12v Battery to see if it is okay, as I have seen mentioned on some discussions? Following that, the colleague is going to work on the punch list. I asked the dealer to print out the service history records, and after battery replacement, I will use those to help set priorities of what else needs to be done in what order. Due to lack of attention on my part I don't now when if ever components may have been repaired, e.g., struts, water, pump, PCV valve, and serpentine belt. Then I am gong to detail it and either give or "lend" it to our son as a college graduation present. How's all that sound to you folks?
Thanks

 

Yakoma, I went to Toyota online and the records I found were general, not specific and detailed. The dealer is mailing mine. I plan on changing the ATF fluid, using Toyota OEM only is what I was told. Exstudent, I was given a front and rear strut replacement from a service shop, not dealer, that came to around $1350. Parts were going to be $600, and labor $750. My friend is willing to do that work and I assume it will be a it a bit less. On HV battery -- I will check to make sure the Toyota parts seller will do a HV sale to a retail customer, otherwise I might ask a mechanic shop friend of mine to call in the order, and then I pick it up.
I also want to mention that I appealed to Toyota to cover the HV battery under warranty, given the closeness to the line of 10 years, and 150K miles. They said they would consider it in the context of us having just purchased a 2015 Prius. I asked the boss of the dealership who sold us the new Prius to weigh in on our behalf. We are proven loyal customers Toyota should work to keep happy is the pitch. Let's see what happens.

 

OP -- who are you addressing? If it is me -- Bob -- I don't think I am over thinking. Maybe you can be specific and help me understand. i.e., where does the $5000 figure come from? As said, I am not going through the Dealer for the HV battery, unless they offer to pay some or all of the cost. Also, I am relying on a colleague at a far reduced labor rate to do the maintenance. Anyway, help me out here, cause I don't get your point.

 

I think I got it. Thanks for clarifying. I am more in camp #2. I think everything involved is going to come in under $4000. What I will have at that point is a very well fixed up car, one I have known since its birth, fuel efficient, nav system, keyless entry, other bells and whistles, and no accidents, no corrosion, ready to roll for another 100K, with some luck and attention to scheduled maintenance. Where else am I gonna get that for that price?
BTW-- Got what OP is, SS is scheduled service, or something else?

 

Good news just came my way from Toyota Corporate -- they said the will cover the replacement of the hybrid battery all except for $1000. I am pleased as punch!!!
This might be overthinking, but the dealer I bought the new Prius from is NOT the same dealer as the one who last serviced the old Prius, and where Corporate expects me to bring it back for the hybrid battery replacement. Question, will this dealer be pissed at me and treat my old Prius like crap? I am assuming it was likely made known to them that we bought a new Prius in the back and forth conversations they had with Corporate. Plan B could be to arrange to have the work done by the dealer who sold me the new Prius. They are located a bit further away, however. Any opinions on this?

 

I think I have my answer, per this email I just got back from the sales rep at the new car dealership.

"Bob, Great news!! I am very happy for you and your family. That really is wonderful. I copied my boss on this email and as much as we would like your business I would have to say if the vehicle is apart at the dealer where you have it perhaps best to have the work done there. However, if it is sitting on the lot ready to be driven over to us by all means feel free to bring it to us. We will take excellent care of you!
Either way, I am honored to have you as our customer and am available any time to assist you.
Have a wonderful evening.
Respectfully,"

The Prius is drivable and in front of our home, so I am going to bring it there.