Same Hybrid Issue after one year

With the summer heat, these posts are now popping up several times a day so you're not alone.

Only you can answer your question because we don't know just how much you value you car, how long you plan to keep it, your financial situation, etc.

 

What's the dealership saying, for replacement cost with new battery?

If I recall correctly it can vary from $3000 to $4000.

Also: how many miles on it?

 

In another thread aren't they saying the Toyota Dealership brand new warranty is 3 year and unlimitted mileage?

Personally, I'd go for the extra pain of the Toyota deal, seems like it's the only one that lasts.

 

I would suggest that you confirm the health of the 12v battery in the back. It is pretty unlikely that this is the problem, but the cost savings would be substantial. If the battery is 4 years old or older, I would change it regardless of what it's condition appears to be.

 

almost 12 year old car w/154k? how much longer would you like to keep it? a new battery will get you another 8-12 years and 100 to 150k miles.
a reman is always iffy, and only as good as the warranty and the company standing behind it. which in many cases are scam artists.

 

To me that's a no-brainer: go with the new Toyota battery.

These "remanufactured" sellers/shops need to keep up with the market and re-evaluate their price structure. When Toyota was charging $4000 - $5000 for a new battery, then sure, $2500 for a refurb may have been a viable choice. But look at the above quotes: $2295 for a USED battery, when you can get a brand new OEM from Toyota for another $800... that's ridiculous! And the dope selling used batteries for MORE than Toyota is selling them new... crazy.

 

Maybe crazy like a fox?

It's not unheard of: business with lagging sales raises prices, and suddenly every one has to have one, lol.

Addendum: @tvpierce : Found a link to a particular CBC Radio Under the Influence episode on this topic:

The Psychology of Price. - Home | Under The Influence with Terry O'Reilly | CBC Radio

Sorry for the topic drift, btw.

 

Crazy that they're able to stay in business.

 

It's possible that when you took the car in to Toyota, the code showed one of your battery modules was unbalanced (hence why they said you needed to replace the battery), but the car was able to adjust the voltage balance so you could drive it for that long without issue.

I'd consider a traction battery replacement similar to an engine replacement or any other expensive fix. The first question to ask is whether it's worth it to you to sink that amount of money into your current car or if you'd rather put that money toward buying another car. Only you can answer that. But if you do decide it's worth it to replace the traction battery, then I'd definitely get a new one from Toyota. As mentioned above, that's going to be the only option that will last another 8 years or more.

 

please keep us updated, and make sure to ask how long the warranty is. all the best!

 

Good choice. Remember, your car will retain a higher value with a new Toyota battery as opposed to those with rebuilts or originals. Also if your car should, unfortunately, get wrecked or suffer some sort of major breakdown, you can always sell the Toyota battery for good money and thus recoup a fair bit of your costs. Save your receipt!

 

Yeah, that bit.