traction battery replacement

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PHLY50 @ Nov 21 2006, 05:08 PM) [snapback]352801[/snapback]</div>

I'm answering from only partial knowledge, but if I recall correctly, the warranty on the second generation Prius is 8 years or 100 kmiles. You've looking at only about 36k miles on a '98 and I've got about that mileage on my '05. I don't know what years of service actually does to battery lifetime, but I believe that the current warranty specs were based on the battery lifetime of the first generation batteries. If that's the case (no promises), you should have at least some life left in the batteries.

Yes. The replacements probably are expensive. Several thousand dollars (U.S.) at least. I"m hoping my batteries last long enough that when they "die" I'll be able to replace them with newer technology batteries (e.g. Li-ion).

I don't think replacement has to be dealer only, but you'd have to find someone else you trust to do the work (including yourself, if you have the appropriate manual). Certainly some of the people installing new batteries to improve fuel economy are having someone other than a dealer doing the installation.

Oh, and welcome to PC. There's a wealth of information here from people who know a lot more about the Prius than I do.


Dave M.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PHLY50 @ Nov 21 2006, 08:08 PM) [snapback]352801[/snapback]</div>

Phil,

The 98 model was very early and the batteries are now much better. The ones in the 98 (japan only) model have had failures, but as was noted, they are covered by a good guarantee and Toyota has even replaced some at low cost (labor only) when they were beyond the protection. In general the later models 2000+ are better used car purchases. Good luck.

JeffD