Refurbished w/12 month, or New HV battery w/better warranty?

That sounds like a perfect analogy, Isaac. It puts the situation in clear perspective. From the four Toyota dealers near me, the out-the-door price for fully installed, brand new OEM battery, ranges from $3,234 to $3,925 (plus ~$50 shop fees). As bisco stated above, the pricing is competitive, as when I told one dealer I was awaiting pricing from three others, he said he would match any lower offer if I provided it in writing. I'm awaiting responses on Monday from four of the highest rated privately owned repair shops, to see if I can save sufficient amount on the labor via a non-dealer mechanic. I'll let you all know what final pricing I end up.

 

I'm not able to replace the modules nor perform a lot of the work being described in this thread, thus the reason why I was asking about the two purchase options: refurbished or new. I'll write more details below, but I've decided to go with a new battery, installed by a private company whom, based upon my research, has a lot of happy customers who trust him. Should be ready for pick up tomorrow, so I'll update if all goes according to plan, as I'm so very much hoping for.

 

I would if I could, Jeff, but unable to anymore. Maybe 5 years ago, yes, but my shoulder and hand joints are pretty shot (osteoarthritis) from handful of very strenuous years working in a copper mine, as well as years of motocross and other dirt-bike adventures (read "crashes"). I would probably be able to complete the work, but the pain and it's limitations following the exertion would not be worth it. Unfortunately, I have to choose my battles, and this one, with the cramped work in the trunk, and the lifting of the batteries, is just outside of my abilities at this time. I purchased a new one and it will be installed tomorrow by a private company. I'll post details below. Thanks for all of your time and consideration, and really helpful insights.

 

Just a brief update - 6/6 pm: After receiving quotes from all four dealers, and then four highly-rated non-dealers, I've selected one family-owned shop whom I believe was the most honest and accurate, based upon text messages, online reviews, and from phone conversations we had. He also seems to be more interested in making a living off of me and not a killing. His price included full diagnosis, and the new fan, control module, and all other peripheral components of the brand new Toyota OEM battery. As he is certified he indicated the 3-year mfg warranty would be honored anywhere by Toyota. He also gave a 12 month warranty on his workmanship. He had great reviews and his responses to the few complaints I read were calm, intelligent, polite, and fact-based. Of all the folks I talked to, including the dealers, he seemed most accurate and clear regarding the work steps and effort, based upon the multitude of videos I watched of batteries being replaced and the great information I've gleaned from this thread on PriusChat. Estimated labor is 2.5 hours and total cost out-the-door, including tax, is just a sliver under $3K. If you're interested, I will post outcomes tomorrow after work is complete. If not, many thanks for all of the contributors to this thread...I've learned a ton and greatly appreciate you time and consideration.

 

Thank you alftoy, but just a bit too late for me, as I already selected a shop and approved the work to install the new battery. I will keep Steve's info in my file for any future needs, or if the work being done now goes south for any reason.

I did read through his blog and FAQ's and found tons of tips and valuable info, so I bookmarked and sent to my wife and daughter (they both have prius as well).

 

All of the dealers I called, as well as all of the shops, all offered 3-year warranty for OEM battery.

 

Final update - New battery installed and car working nicely. Battery didn't come with fan, which I was told it would, but instead they said they cleaned the fan squeaky clean. Unfortunately I can't confirm unless I take it all apart, which I can't, so I have to trust them. All it was $2,974, and I called Toyota to confirm I had the 3-year warranty, associated to my VIN number. Was pleased that car came back super clean, as I was concerned dirty hands would leave marks all over light grey interior when removing/replacing seat and paneling. Now onwards to many, many miles in the future on the sturdy hybrid Prius (as I never want to have to purchase a car solely dependent upon battery alone).