Hybrid battery replacement - refurb or new?

The new vs. refurb question is something for which we would all like a definitive answer. So far the results for the refurbed batteries seems to be mixed, with some failing too soon, others OK. The Prius refurb battery business is still rather new.

The Toyota battery is new, so the one year warranty is not a concern. It should last as long as the original. The one year warranty on the refurb is more salient. If cash is tight, you would be forced to go that way, and see how it turns out. If your battery needs attention after 13 months, how will you feel? If you don't want to do any of the work yourself, then I would say go with the new battery. If you want to try an experiment, get the hybrid battery charger (sold in PC store Hybrid Battery Preventative Maintenance Grid Charger for 2004-2009 Toyota Prius - PriusChat Shop) and try equalizing the cells.

 

I suppose the simple answer is "new" is better.
But since the warranty is the same as with a refurbished-One Year, you are still rolling the dice with a new battery. You can hopefully expect similar durability and life , but unfortunately Toyota doesn't give you the "New Prius" Hybrid Battery warranty with purchase of a new battery, only a minimal 1 year coverage.

I would personally base my decision on a few things.

#1. The reputation of the place you are purchasing the refurbished battery from. Have you found any reviews or information about the place you intend to buy the refurbished battery from? Any reputable place, that has done any significant amount of business should have online reviews posted somewhere. I'd want to be confident that I'm buying a properly refurbished battery from an outfit with experience that does back their product.

#2. How much longer do you wish or intend to keep your Prius? If you're looking to trade it in in 3 years or less? Then I think I'd definitely go with the more economic option. If you aren't looking to put another 132,000 miles on your Prius and get another additional 7 years or more life? Then the "potential" longer life of a new battery doesn't seem worth the expenditure to me.

#3. What condition would you rank the rest of the vehicle? Has it been well maintained? Is it otherwise in good/great condition? How much you want to continue to invest, would be tied to how much more you project you might have to invest in other maintenance issues over the next X number of years. If you are looking at needing suspension work, tires, maybe even engine repair? Then again, I don't know if I'd invest the extra money into the only "maybe" better long term option of new.

Off Topic #4.

Your profile says you are driving a 2008. Your hybrid battery failure at only 7 model years old isn't typical of most Prius. You are only 20,000 miles past the warranty. Some people have contacted Toyota directly and been lucky enough to have Toyota assist them in a pro-rated cost of replacement. You might try this with the attitude that it doesn't hurt to ask. You don't have much of a case if they simply say Too Bad....but you also have nothing to lose.

 

i would go with new on an '08, if i were going to hang onto it. the rebuilds have been iffy, although there is no official data. if you do go rebuilt, check out the company thoroughly, there are some iffy rebuilders as well.

the problem is, there are many ways to skin a cat, and they don't all equal the same outcome. all the best!

 

As a third option you could get a used battery from a yard. Just make they have a return policy.

 

My hybrid battery needed replacement and I considered a lot of options, but ended up getting a brand new replacement battery from the dealer. They gave me a good deal at $2070 plus tax, and I replaced it myself. When I looked at all the refurb options I didn't like the fact that there wasn't anything preventing another failure in a year, and I'd be messing with it again. This way I should be good for another 9 years or so. The car has 168,000 miles.

 

good move and a great price!

 

Thanks bisco. They also didn't charge me for the core ($1350) because he said the paperwork to do that is a pain. The parts guy trusted me to bring it back and that helped enhance my experience with this dealer. I was also pleased that everything worked perfectly right from the get-go after I made the change. Other stories here explained problems with throwing codes, etc.

 

The guy trusted you to bring back $1350? Good thing it wasn't his money

 

The dealer core price was $1,350, but the actual cost to the dealer was $200 which is the credit the dealer would get by returning the failed battery to Toyota.

So by taking a risk on $200, the dealer gains a highly-satisfied parts customer. Not to mention the profit made on the new traction battery parts sale which probably was close to $1K.

 

Are you saying the price of the hv battery can be purchased by the dealer for close to $1100? He only paid $2070.

The motivation didn't seem to be satisfying the customer, it is more to avoid the paperwork on the core, which is a pain. This inadvertently lead to the customer being happy with their experience of not forking over the $1350.

 

MSRP of the battery has now increased to $3,236 according to the AutoNation Toyota Gulf Freeway parts website, and their price is $2,427:
2004 Toyota Prius Parts - AutoNation Toyota Gulf Freeway Parts

The OP got a great price at $2,070. My guess is that the dealer cost of the battery ranges from $1,100 to $1,600 given the MSRP. It wouldn't surprise me that the retail markup would be 2x - 3x over wholesale.

 

Getting a new or quality rebuilt battery is really up to you.

Depends on the cost differential as well as whether you'll be keeping the car, too.
Most dealers, if they will sell a pack at all, are going to have a cost more near $2,500, plus the refundable $1,350 core fee.
Unfortunately, there are some dealers who will not sell them to customers. I just ran into this in Kentucky the other day.

Through my shop I have sold both new and quality rebuilds. Each customer's situation is different. Feel free to give me a call if you want some personal advice. If nothing else, I can at least help steer you away from the not-so-good rebuilders. (Like the guy who sells Spicy Sausage and horror movies as well as rebuilt batteries. True story!)

 

Dorman battery 1307 3 year warranty unlimted miles.shipping included both ways solid warranty from solid company.installed mine in oct over 3000 miles ago happy

 

Good news, Lew...looking forward to hearing updates about your Dorman battery and its longevity. This price seems unbeatable.

 

3400 miles 3 months now works great just like new