My 2007 Prius has 135k miles and I suspect I'll need the big battery change soon. How do I achieve that without the high cost everyone has been telling me about? After all these years, hasn't Toyota - or someone else - discovered a way to change the battery for less than $3,000?
There are used options and rebuilt options and even having your own battery rebuilt, which can be had for less than a new battery from Toyota. However, each carries different risks, and it is still not a cheap fix. A used battery from a salvage has unknown history and condition. A rebuilt battery is suspect, and I would recommend thorough research of the rebuilder. A straight dishonest rebuilder is unlikely, but someone who just made a mistake can't be ruled out. Rebuilding your own can be done with the right equipment cheaper than the other options, but requires technical knowledge, confidence, and research (although all the required information can be found here at Priuschat). Having your own rebuilt carries the same risks as buying one rebuilt.
Dillio, An independent shop should be able to do it for less than $3,000 using a quality rebuild from a reputable supplier. If your local mechanic needs some advice/direction feel free to have them give me a call. XT1049 ?
