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Reliability of Prius battery, hybrid system

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by allopatry, Apr 11, 2012.

  1. allopatry

    allopatry Junior Member

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    I was talking about getting my new c after reading an article on so called hybrid owner loyalty and had a friend who owns a honda civic hybrid complain about how they had to replace the car battery and were not happy at all with hybrids. The implication was that hybrids are not reliable and that the battery on my current 04 prius would need to be replaced soon. I pointed out that Honda and Toyota use two completely different hybrid systems and that 96% of Prii built since 1998 are still on the road.
    In looking for research I came across the following video of testing on the 2nd generation of Prii which shows just how reliable they are. I have zero doubts about the reliability of Toyota's hybrid synergy drive. Just wanted to share the video:
    http://news.consumerreports.org/car...ll-reliable-efficient-after-200000-miles.html
     
    #1 allopatry, Apr 11, 2012
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  2. Kirkuleez

    Kirkuleez New Member

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    That is a good article and reassuring for many who have concerns about longevity of the hybrid components, thanks for posting.
     
    #2 Kirkuleez, Apr 11, 2012
  3. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    Nice thing about some Honda hybrids is that you can rip the battery out, install a bypass board, and keep driving the car. They are grossly underpowered at that point, but the fuel economy is actually better.

    Toyota batteries last significantly longer than a Honda. Toyota loyalty is very high; Honda is very low.
     
    #3 seilerts, Apr 11, 2012
  4. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    There is a very increasing amount of Prius I see on the road today.

    It seemed more like a gimmick the first year or two, but now it is no joke.

    Toyota has really stepped up their game with the Prius C as it
    now captures a compact car, and also with a more younger and sportier look.
    Add in the under $20k price and wow!
    I am still amazed and many others will be!

    Most Asian car makers do have reliable vehicles over the american,
    and so saving in repairs just adds to the savings in gas.

    A true no-brainer
     
    #4 dig4dirt, Apr 11, 2012
  5. Kirkuleez

    Kirkuleez New Member

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    I love my C and I also loved my previous car a 2010 Honda Fit. I think the Prius c will force Honda to bring the Fit hybrid over to the U.S. That would be much more serious competition for the c compared to the insight.
     
    #5 Kirkuleez, Apr 11, 2012
  6. Oldwolf

    Oldwolf Prius Enthusiast

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    I remember when that article came out in the magazine. I can't imagine not having a Toyota hybrid anymore. Last week I posted a picture collection of Toyota Prii in San Fransisco working as taxi's. Apparently they are very successful and reliable in that work mode too.
     
    #6 Oldwolf, Apr 11, 2012
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  7. Fritzi56

    Fritzi56 New Member

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    My 2007 Prius with 148,000 miles just killed it's battery! All the warning lights came on and it started jerking and not running smoothly! Took it to the dealer and he said the battery was bad! $4279.00!!!!! Of course I paid the loan off in March! and now this!
     
    #7 Fritzi56, Apr 11, 2012
  8. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    You can replace the battery for a lot less than that. Do a little reading on this site to get better information.

    Tom
     
    #8 qbee42, Apr 11, 2012
  9. Oldwolf

    Oldwolf Prius Enthusiast

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    Don't panic just yet. There are quite a few shops that rebuild the battery for a lot less. Let's let some more knowledgeable folks chime in here. Probably won't be long.
     
    #9 Oldwolf, Apr 11, 2012
  10. Oldwolf

    Oldwolf Prius Enthusiast

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    #10 Oldwolf, Apr 11, 2012
  11. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    As Qbee said, your dealer is quoting a higher cost than required. A reasonable dealer price is $3400 nd you can get a remanufactured battery installed for about $2000 (see: Remanufactured Hybrid Vehicle Battery Packs).

    JeffD
     
    #11 jdenenberg, Apr 11, 2012
  12. ItsNotAboutTheMoney

    ItsNotAboutTheMoney EditProfOptInfoCustomUser Title

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    Even if you require an entirely new battery that quote is high. Last I knew new battery MSRP was about $2,600 and it doesn't take that much labor to replace it. You'll want to check at other dealers and see if you can find an independent.

    Plus, please post a new thread in the Gen II forums asking for advice.

    There are cheaper alternatives to buying a new battery: many times the battery can be repaired by replacing a cell or a component and you can buy cheaper rebuilt and salvage batteries.

    There's also the possibility that the battery itself hasn't failed and the codes reported are caused by something else.
     
    #12 ItsNotAboutTheMoney, Apr 11, 2012
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