Gen 1 Prius 158K.... Original Main battery DEAD.. Options

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Michelle C., Jan 12, 2015.

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  1. Michelle C.

    Michelle C. New Member

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    Hello,

    SO after spending 230 for a auxiliary battery, cleaning the MAF sensor and clearing out all the codes the car was towed to the dealership (since I am not aware of any local Orange County, CA mechanics that will work on a Prius).

    It was determined that a new HV battery needs to be installed. The dealer has quoted me $3500 to replace the parts and labor.....The car is only worth 2200 running as a trade-in in its okay condition and 3000K privately (if its running).

    What is this board's recommendation? Do I put this much into a car that is now considered 'upside-down'? Do I cut my losses or what is the advantages of getting it up and running how long will it last once the part is repaired?

    Anyone know of any mechanic that will do it cheaper than what the stealer dealer is charging me? Trust me if I could I would get another used car but don't think I can take 2nd car payment.


    TIA,
    Michelle: Fullerton, CA
     
    #1 Michelle C., Jan 12, 2015
  2. Yakoma

    Yakoma Active Member

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    Michelle...I hate to say it, but unless you're willing to make this into a project and DIY, it looks like it's time to sell it and get something newer and more reliable for yourself. Paying a dealer to keep it on the road is a losing proposition IMO. This would be a good project car for someone who wants to put in their own new or rebuilt battery and take care of future maintenance and repair.

    In other words, it looks like you are upside-down in this deal now, but others might not necessarily be.
     
    #2 Yakoma, Jan 12, 2015
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  3. Michelle C.

    Michelle C. New Member

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    I know how BLEAK this sounds..... I do not want to turn this into a project. At this point I don't know if even calling around to general mechanics would be able to assist in getting the price around 2K. I appreciate the reply.
     
    #3 Michelle C., Jan 12, 2015
  4. Avi's Advanced Automotive

    Avi's Advanced Automotive Independent hybrid repair shop

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    Hello Michelle,

    I can install the same battery (brand new from Toyota) for much less than the dealer quoted you. My shop is around 30 miles away from Fullerton.

    Avi
     
    #4 Avi's Advanced Automotive, Jan 12, 2015
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  5. Gen1newbie

    Gen1newbie Junior Member

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    Dorman sells a replacement battery also, you just need someone to install it for you. I have seen some adds to do the job in the Inland Empire.
    The price is around $1332. for the battery, and $975.00 core charge, that you get back when you give them your old battery. It should only take about 3 hours to do the swap out. I would be willing to do the labor for 500.00 at your location.
    David
     
    #5 Gen1newbie, Jan 12, 2015
  6. Avi's Advanced Automotive

    Avi's Advanced Automotive Independent hybrid repair shop

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    If the replacement battery is defective, what happens next?
     
    #6 Avi's Advanced Automotive, Jan 12, 2015
  7. Gen1newbie

    Gen1newbie Junior Member

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    Dorman has a 3 year warranty, covered under normal use, not fleet vehicles. They make a good replacement battery option for all hybrid, and use superior products than the original equipment.
     
    #7 Gen1newbie, Jan 12, 2015
  8. Avi's Advanced Automotive

    Avi's Advanced Automotive Independent hybrid repair shop

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    So, you'll install the replacement for free?
     
    #8 Avi's Advanced Automotive, Jan 12, 2015
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    $500 for 3 hours? I'm giving up on McDonalds
     
    #9 JC91006, Jan 12, 2015
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  10. Michelle C.

    Michelle C. New Member

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    Avi,

    I would like to talk to you about my issue. I am from NoHo so nothing like the magical valley to make everything else. I shall give you call about my Pruis.
     
    #10 Michelle C., Jan 12, 2015
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  11. Michelle C.

    Michelle C. New Member

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    I would like to thank everyone for there help after much debate in my house we will be selling the prius as is for around 1000.00..... It has low miles and lots of features that you would not find on the model. I think we may have tried to start it too many times which has caused the HV battery to go dead...... I thank everyone again for their help!

    xox- Michelle
     
    #11 Michelle C., Jan 13, 2015
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    are you sure it's not worth more?
     
    #12 bisco, Jan 13, 2015
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  13. Michelle C.

    Michelle C. New Member

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    Bisco....its worth more.....I know that but I need it off my hands at this point being this is a daily commuting car for us we need to get rid of it.

    Also our HOA will not allow us to have any more than 2 cars that fit our single car garages.
     
    #13 Michelle C., Jan 13, 2015
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  14. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    $1000? I should buy it as a project. I can tow it home with aaa
     
    #14 JC91006, Jan 13, 2015
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  15. Yakoma

    Yakoma Active Member

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    FWIW, I think you made the prudent choice. I agree with Bisco that it's probably worth more but I understand why you would want to dump it quick Bisco, you should jump on it. I imagine USAA Buying Service would probably pay at least that to come and tow it away.
     
    #15 Yakoma, Jan 13, 2015
  16. DaveGoodrich

    DaveGoodrich Member

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    I heartily recommend Avi, if you haven't already made the sale. He installed a brand new Toyota battery in my 2001 for me at 286k miles. It now has 359k miles, and I have had no issues or returning codes. Still getting 47 mpg. Avi was great to work with and even let me hang around and watch and answer my questions while he made the swap. If yours really has low miles and is in otherwise good condition, ask yourself this: what else are you going to buy for ~$2500 that will do what your Prius will do?
     
    #16 DaveGoodrich, Jan 16, 2015
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  17. Michelle C.

    Michelle C. New Member

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    Dave,

    I have spoken to Avi many times (I feel as though we are related). He assisted with getting the buyer for me. His knowledge is amazing and if we do get another Prius, we will be seeing him for all repair needs.
     
    #17 Michelle C., Jan 16, 2015
  18. DaveGoodrich

    DaveGoodrich Member

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    I'm glad you spoke to Avi before you made your decision. I think he is a straight-shooter who wouldn't steer you wrong. When I was there, a (apparently insane) lady was yelling at him about some mixup related to the hubcaps on her car. I couldn't believe the patience Avi had with her trying to make her happy, even though it was pretty clear she was in the wrong.

    If your sale falls through, PM me. I could move my battery into your Prius and loose 200k miles! Good luck.
     
    #18 DaveGoodrich, Jan 16, 2015
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  19. MariCat

    MariCat Junior Member

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    Hi Michelle,
    I'm in the same boat w a 2001. The Toyota dealership in Ontario quoted me 2900, and after some hemming and hawing, brought it to 2610. There's still tax. Avi, I tried your number but it was out of service. If you still do work, let me know how I can contact you.
     
    #19 MariCat, Jan 21, 2015
  20. Gen1newbie

    Gen1newbie Junior Member

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    Michelle, Did you sell the Prius yet? If not I would interested in it.
    David
     
    #20 Gen1newbie, Jan 21, 2015
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