Non-Dealership Mechanic Recommendations in Houston

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by EvelynC, Jan 2, 2013.

  1. EvelynC

    EvelynC Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2013
    11
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    My Hybrid battery needs to be replaced and I'm not sure my car is worth the $4,000 they want for the repair.

    Any suggestions/recommendations for mechanics in the Houston area would be appreciated.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 EvelynC, Jan 2, 2013
  2. Meister

    Meister Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2005
    8
    11
    0
    Location:
    San Antonio, TX
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    #2 Meister, Jan 2, 2013
  3. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2005
    12,544
    2,123
    1
    Location:
    SF Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    #3 cwerdna, Jan 2, 2013
  4. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
    3,318
    1,105
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Evelyn,

    If you do find a mechanic here in Houston that can help you with your car, please let us know who you used. I am specifically looking for a local shop that is comfortable with working on the Prius. I have three choices right now, they are DIY, Toyota, and a local mechanic that I have used for years. My local mechanic admits he does not have the knowledge, tools, and expertise to handle everything on our Prius.

    I know this does not help you specifically, but as time passes, all of the mechanic shops will need to become more proficient in "Hybrid Technology", otherwise they may find themselves missing out on a lot of work. It seems that right now the manufacturers are more and more building cars with the hybrid aspects in them, which means in the end there will be more and more of these vehicles on the road as time goes by that eventually will need some sort of repair, much less the service end of them.

    You might consider calling Ash Automotive that is referenced in this string and see what they say. You might also call ReInvolt About Us I spoke with them six months ago about the hybrid battery in our '09 and they said that they use a rep in Austin to install their batteries. ReInvolt comes highly recommended on this board, and their primary business is repairing/replacing traction batteries. If push comes to shove, and I end up needing a battery I will order one from ReInvolt and then have Toyota put it in if my local mechanic won't do the job unless I can find someone else here in Houston that can do the job for me.

    Good luck to you and let us know what you finally do.

    Ron
     
    #4 dorunron, Jan 2, 2013
  5. Mike Mc

    Mike Mc '16 Prius 4, '13 Prius 3

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2011
    88
    35
    0
    Location:
    Fort Worth
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Evelyn, I don't know what your mileage is or what package is on your Prius but according to KBB, in working condition it is roughly worth between 5k and 7k. Maybe that will make you feel a little better about the repair cost. Good luck to you.
     
    #5 Mike Mc, Jan 3, 2013
  6. EvelynC

    EvelynC Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2013
    11
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Thanks everyone for the responses. Since no work has been started on my car yet, I called Ash today. They are booked and can't even look at it until Thursday. The last new replacement they did ran $3,500. They suggest I find a refurb on eBay. Their installation would be $350.00. I can't find anyone on eBay who offers a warranty on a reburb battery. I checked REVOLT's site. Apparently they are closed until 1/15. :(

    I found another mechanic (on Craiglist - cringing but hopeful) who says they can do the repair for $1,750 with a 14 month warranty. I'm trying to talk them into an 18 month warranty. If all goes well with them, I will post their name and number.

    For inquiring minds, my 2006 has 140,000. I really didn't expect the battery to go out this soon, but I have had absolutely no other issues with it since I purchased it new with 200 miless on it.
     
    #6 EvelynC, Jan 4, 2013
  7. Mike Mc

    Mike Mc '16 Prius 4, '13 Prius 3

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2011
    88
    35
    0
    Location:
    Fort Worth
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    On car-part.com, LKQ has one in Houston, it might be worth looking into.
     
    #7 Mike Mc, Jan 4, 2013
  8. ewxlt66

    ewxlt66 Active Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2008
    535
    186
    0
    Location:
    Dana Point, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    I have the same question but for SoCal.
     
    #8 ewxlt66, Jan 4, 2013
  9. jwTXprius

    jwTXprius Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2005
    4
    1
    0
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    I have used John's Xpress Lube in Houston for oil changes and tires. Not a resident of Houston, but working there for extended periods, I needed a repair shop I could depend on.

    They are hybrid certified and I feel confident using them. That said, I've never discussed changing the traction battery with them before.

    I suspect if they didn't think they could do a good job that they would refer you elsewhere. They're a dying breed of family-run mechanics who take pride in their work and who value every customer who comes through their door. Whenever I was there I noticed satisfied customers, many of whom said they had been coming there for years.

    (Unable to post their link for reasons known to priuschat) their info is:
    John's Xpress Lube
    4572 Bissonet, Houston, TX 77401
    (713)661-7119
     
    #9 jwTXprius, Apr 5, 2014
    dorunron likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)