So I bought a 2011 at 85k. I figure the battery might need replacing soon. What options are out there for battery replacement?
So I also bought a 2011 Prius II at 77k one year ago and now my odo is just shy of 86k. You can plan battery replacement, but it may never happened: Toyota Prius Taxi Running Strong With 600,000 Miles And Original Battery - HybridCars.com
First off, is it the 12V aux battery you're referring to or the HV traction battery? If it's the 12V, not a big deal. It won't (or shouldn't) cost you more than $400 to have it replaced. Much less if you DIY, which you definitely should. Before you do, you need to test it. There are many ways to do this. Do a search and you'll fiind more than you need to help with this. I bought a AC DELCO 12V AGM battery at Pep Boys a few years ago. Works great. The original battery lasted for eight years and might have lasted longer but I didn't want to risk another winter with it so out it went. If it's the large battery behind the back seat you are asking about, it had better not need replacing soon. It's only five years old (or less). I know Florida is known to kill traction batteries because it's so freaking hot down there six months a year. Even if, it's still covered by the Toyota warranty for another 15K miles or 4 more years if you don't drive it very much in that time.
In 100,000 miles you should seriously begin worrying for another 100,000 miles. <G> I do not think we have a statistical number of gen 3 batteries fail, if you had a Gen 1, we would know more. 1) You could have the dealership put in a 'new' battery. This is the least labor for you and the most expensive. $3500 to $5000? 2) You could have a remanufactured battery put in, either by a independent mechanic or yourself $1500 to $3000? Hybrid Restoration of Memphis | Hybrid Battery Specialists is close to me. 3) Ebay has Prius batteries as more Prius crash than batteries fail.$700 to $1500? Toyota Prius 2011 in Other | eBay
If your traction battery is good now, it's good Really, either you go new for 2500$ parts plus labor (when needed) or go used, used isn't new.... But buying a used Prius, check out a dealer, have them check it, they don't have to fix it but they have to check it, if your not getting good mpg's presently.....
absolutely. in fact, it's fairly easy. you just need to follow directions carefully and use CAUTION around high voltage. your life depends on it. but there are plenty of threads here and utube that detail removal and installation. so you can buy new, salvage or rebuilt. all have their pros and cons.
It helps have a friend, it may be too heavy to avoid damage to the upholstory. The first 7:30 should convince you that you can safely disconnect the high voltage cables to the inverter.
What makes you think the battery would require replacement soon? I bought a 2010 at 230k and the battery is on par. Charges fully and discharges as expected. XT1060 ?