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New main battery needed!!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Infini, May 31, 2014.

  1. Infini

    Infini Member

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    Hi all!

    Note: No Prius I gen that I see here so this was the option I saw to post here.

    My Dad just contacted me about needing a new engine battery for his 1st gen Prius! Dealer says $3K. I say bull!! He's located in SoCal in the OC. Any help before he pays for it at that price as he really cant afford it!
     
    #1 Infini, May 31, 2014
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    How many miles on the car? It's not recommended to rebuild the gen1 batteries, should buy new only for a lasting repair. If the car has high mileage, you might want to sell it and get something else

    SM-N900P ?
     
    #2 JC91006, May 31, 2014
  3. Infini

    Infini Member

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    Over 130-50K miles I think. So better to be new I understand but I figure there would be some options other than $3K to replace on a 12-13yr old Prius. Nah he could not afford a new car I don't think.
     
    #3 Infini, May 31, 2014
    Last edited: May 31, 2014
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You can have it rebuilt but you'll be back again shortly with a failed battery. The smart money is on a new one. There are many mobile rebuilders on craigslist, cheap but won't last

    SM-N900P ?
     
    #4 JC91006, May 31, 2014
  5. Infini

    Infini Member

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    Right so your saying that the $3K is a standard price and go with it or get another car? I can live with that if that's the issue. Just wanted to save him a few bucks.
     
    #5 Infini, May 31, 2014
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    some people are rebuilding them with gen II batteries. look for a hybrid repair shoppe or battery reman. company.
     
    #6 bisco, May 31, 2014
    Infini likes this.
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You can try contacting one of our forum members (flxcon). He rebuilds batteries in the Los Angeles area. Last I heard, he charges $350 for a genII rebuild. So you can ask what he would charge for your car.
     
    #7 JC91006, May 31, 2014
  8. Infini

    Infini Member

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    Thanks for the feedback people. Dad is gonna just bring it in for a battery replacement. Put it on the card. Oh well I tried to help. Maybe it's the better choice though. Probably as long as he gets a decent warranty.
     
    #8 Infini, Jun 1, 2014
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Not all dealers charge the same amount. Some have coupons and cheaper parts and labor costs. Socal has many options

    SM-N900P ?
     
    #9 JC91006, Jun 1, 2014
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