Replace Hybrid Battery -- Where to buy dead battery to repair?

Well those are the installed prices. Prices are different for me since I will install it myself. Here in my area the prices are lower for some reason. So $1,100 for Dorman versus $2,100 for a new one.

It's true that there is reason to have "faith" in brand new batteries. But in my mind they are only guaranteed to last 12 months by Toyota. So in the off chance that the battery dies after 18 months, and force me to buy another battery, that will totally piss me off beyond measure and hate Prius for all eternity. That will make me take this Prius to the junk yard and thrilled at watching it smashed to smitherines and then dance on it's grave.

Saving 50% for guaranteed 3 years is a real bargain and calms down my frustration of all the money we're throwing into this supposedly cost efficient, fuel efficient car. In my mind, the cost of batteries over the life span of Prius kills any potential savings on fuel efficiency.

But since it will only cost about $1,100 and guaranteed for 3 years, then I'll accept the Prius are cool and reliable cares in every other way even if not economically efficient.

 

Well people recommended Eric's advice. And he's been replacing batteries for 10 years. Am I mistaken? I recall him telling me on the phone that he has customers that suffered early factory battery failure. Sure that's rare. And he said most of his customers opt for new batteries just like you. And I will recommend new to my customers but please respect my decision.

At this point in my frustration with Prius batteries I'm not willing to take that risk of new battery failure even if it is 1 in 1 million odds.

 

I'm willing to be corrected if Eric will assure me that new batteries never fail. I might have heard wrong.

 

And it's important to think of what the customer most wants. Is it worry free driving? or the most economical choice? for me I want the financial lack of worry more than the lack of risk of a battery failure.

Hey if we were talking about the brakes for the car, that will be different story. With brakes, lives are at risk.

 

JC, first, we agree totally about 1 man operation reconditioned batteries.

But when it comes to new versus Dorman. It's a personal decision.

I'm taking the option with Dorman which is ZERO chance of spending any more battery money for 3 years. And that is costing me HALF of the new battery cost since I'll install myself.

There is a concept in finance called the "time value of money". My cash right now is WAY more valuable than cash in 3 years from now.

In 3 years that car could get totalled or gas engine dies or whatever else--it's already 11 years old. My daughter might even trade if for another car in 2 years. And I can use the $1,000 saving for another investment.

IF, we still have that car in 3 years and it's still otherwise in good condition and IF we are still alive and IF the dollar still has any value, and IF IF IF, then I will simply put another Dorman in it for another 3 years.

Anyway, that's how I see it. Because I want to keep my $1,000 bucks right now and use it for something else more urgent.

 

Sorry, if there is a misunderstanding. Eric recommended me to buy a battery locally not through him since he is comfortable that I can safely install it myself. I was only quoting Eric's prices for installed for comparison purpose.

Eric is incredibly honorable guy in my opinion of only a few conversations with him. It's clear that he works out what is in the best interest of each person based on their financial situation and skill set and so forth.

In fact, he talked about the situation where somebody is a college student and just bought a used Prius and has nearly zero cash to afford either a new or a Dorman battery. In that case, for that person, he will swap a module for them to get back on the road.

While you have very kind intentions, you seem to only be thinking about your situation is and your needs and your goals and your perspective and your financial resources and your abilities.

Every person and every situation is different. The reason Eric is so well respected (including by me) is that he figures out what each person needs.

And most of the time that is a new battery that he installs for you.
Sometimes they cannot afford that or just prefer rebuilt battery.
And rarely somebody is so short of funds that even a module swap is the thing.

But if people (like me) can install themselves, then Eric gives much more
information and guidance on the tools and safety to get it done.

Eric is the man!

 

Exactly, if you were in business, then it will be incredibly honest and smart of you to explain all this an then allow the customer to choose what is more important to themselves. Lower cost now and more hassles later or higher cost now and mostly trouble free.

Not everyone will make the same choice. I choose lower cost. And I'm not alone in this point of view.

 

Also, I respect other who opt for higher price and trouble free.

In fact, Eric totally convinced me to offer this option as I build my business since he said that the vast majority of his customers opt for new and trouble free.

But a percentage of his customers opt for Dorman. I'm one of those personally.

But I will always give my customers the choice and explain the difference that new is certainly better risk long term. They can last 8 or 10 years or longer if properly cared maintained.

Dorman will probably never last more than 4 or 5 years at the outside.

It's a choice.

I greatly appreciate you all trying to make the choice clear to me. But I'm very clear and opt personally for Dorman.

 

OMG, Bisco, that is so true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

18 months ago when her battery first died, I wish that I had all the facts and information that I have now. I was ignorant and they guy who solve me that reconditioned battery didn't education me---frankly I don't think he actually knows all this. He was super nice and totally hassle free to come replace the battery during warranty. He's a great and nice and honorable nice guy.

I just wish he was more knowledgeable and gave me all the options.

I do feel for people who make Prius battery decisions without all the facts. And when I'm in business I will explain it all clearly....new versus dorman and also module swap. And how long each could last....10 years, 5 years, and 6 months. And the relative prices.

Then I will respect their choice.

 

Well, I regret you feel that way. I tried to be clear that I respect everyone else's point of view and decisions of new versus rebuilt.

And yes, I totally changes my views after Eric spent time thoroughly educating me.

OMG, his knowledge about reconditioning batteries and all the "gotches" is astonishing.

I was really convinced reconditioning batteries myself was the way to go but Eric kindly and patiently showed me every possible flaw in that plan.

So now I see that new is best if a person can and willing to pay, the Dorman is next best, and finally module swap for those seriously strapped for cash.

I don't think I'm smarter or better than anybody. But I have a right to choose which battery for my daughter's car right?