I'm a long time Toyota owner. They are a good quality cars. But I have just had some issues that Toyota is just screwing with the consumer. A 12 Volt battery for my Prius, for $320. I picked it up and installed it. It's just a custom size, small battery that should cost $100. Now I'm fixing a bad HV cell in a 2006 Prius. From what I can tell Toyota doesn't sell them. Just 4000 for a whole new battery box. Just a real obvious we got you from Toyota.
You pay a premium for the latest styling exercises too: Whaaa?! | Page 2 | PriusChat The jump in list price in particular, sets you back on your heels.
toyota seems to feel that when your hybrid battery dies, it's better to buy a new car. as for the 12v, there are 4 or 5 on the market now, but nothing cheaper than almost $200., unless they are on sale.
It sounds like you're dealing with a bad dealer. California is noted for having higher prices and many dealers here only charge $180-200 for the 12v. Likewise, they're gouging you on the hybrid battery. Toyota hybrid battery replacement cost guide (2016 update) MSRP is $3939 and you should be getting a core credit of $1350 for the old one.
I think the core charge is on top of the list price. 2010 Prius for example: Toyota Parts Online list price agrees with your link, but the core charge is added, at time of purchase, then refunded when they receive your old battery. In short, list price is what you pay. There's also a discount, going through TPO, but that's another story.
Real, safe Prius battery, $128 amazon.com/ACDelco-ACDB24R-Advantage-Automotive-Battery/dp/B010GKJ8F6 It is AGM and has external venting, and fits.
In case you didn't already notice from the above replies, it is not just a custom size small car battery. Such a battery is not safe inside your passenger compartment where living things would be breathing the sulfuric acid fumes. It is an AGM type with vent tube. The car has a vent connection to dump those fumes outside.
I do not think this is a Toyota rant. I think it is a Toyota Dealer rant. Each Toyota Dealer is an independent business, Toyota is severely restricted in how much it can order a dealer around. I went to my dealer today for my 105,000 service: $19 out the door. YMMV, as each dealer sets his own rates.
I stand corrected regarding the core charge, Mendel Leisk. Thank you for clearing that up. It is still a situation, as pointed out by Jimbo Palmer's post above, where different dealers charge different prices. The OP should shop around for a more reasonable dealer.
Gen2 Tom- As far as Hybrid Battery you can try to ask for Goodwill Warranty assistance from Toyota. Especially if you are a good Toyota customer that sometimes helps to justify them helping. If you got a new 2016 Prius as shown, that might help them justify helping with the 2006. HV Battery Goodwill Warranty Listing - Toyota Prius USA | PriusChat
I have been putting away 22 dollars a week for my "battery fund". Withing 5 years, I will have money to by the 12v and within 7 years, I will have enough to buy the big main battery. I have been caught short too many times in my life and this isn't going to be one of them. I will have the money and time to shop around for the best new battery when the time comes. I'm not interested in a used one. Just me. Again, been there done that. For me, when it comes to electrical, new is king.
that's a lot of money, will probably pay for regular maintenance as well. hopefully, you won't need the batteries that soon. how many miles per year are you averaging?
Miles around 12k per year. And yes, its a lot of money, but its my money till I need to use it, if at all. It's my insurance (drawing interest as well) that I am covered. Yes, hopefully I won't need to do it, but I plan on keeping this car as long as possible.
the good thing is, in cali, at 12k/year, you're covered for 12 years. okay, only 10 years by years. still better than 7.
There are no "MAZDA" AGM batteries anymore for the first gen Miatas. Originally, Mazda sold Panasonic AGM cells, but once those were discontinued in 1998, Mazda started putting normal wet cell batteries in without vent tubes. They are sealed, though. To get an AGM like the car came with, you must buy an aftermarket battery.
