I have a 2005 with only 106k on it. Had error lights come on the other day, took it to my local mechanic (a Hybrid Shop). Told me the hybrid battery has failed . All in will cost me about 4000-4500. If it was last year, it would have been covered under warranty. Ugh. To me it doesn't seem worth paying that. So now I am left with a question of what should with the vehicle now. What are my best choices to dispose of the car. Everything else is great on the car, never been in an accident, rarely drove much, always been garaged. Thoughts, suggestions welcomed.
A Prius with only 106K miles still has oodles of life left in it. My 05 has 252K miles and I'm seriously considering installing a new HV pack in it some day for $2200 if I can get a dealership to sell me one. This type of swap is challenging because the new pack sold by Toyota is not a direct drop in unit. In my opinion, you should not panic. You could get a Dorman remanufactured pack for $1400 with a three year warranty. You would need to install it yourself for that price which isn't that difficult if you watch Dorman's video. I would install it for you for $200 if I lived on the left coast. You might find a Priuschat member in your area to install it for you for the same amount and then you're only looking at $1600 plus tax which is not bad, again because your Prius has such low miles on it. Whatever you do don't sell it for $2000. Someone will put a remanufactured battery in it and sell the car for $4000 and pocket $400 for two hours of work (not including the time to buy and sell it obviously). Or they will drive it for 100K miles at least having invested only $3600. I'd also seriously consider doing that.
I had the hybrid battery replaced and a new 12v battery installed for $2,000. At 106k miles it's got lots of useful life left.
Hope this is in the right thread. I have a 2005 with 135K. Brought car to dealership to change all season to snow tires. For whatever reason the service advisor came out and said I should have the following service items done. This dealership always trys to up sell me. They were both under the hood and under the car. BTW I always service the car at dealership and do the required maintenance.Anyway When I left the dealer the "dead hybrid" red traingle light was on. I turned car around and dealer rechecked the car and said that codes P30000 and P0A80 were diagnosed and wanted 4400.00 to replace hybrid. It's just too coincidental. The car has operated PERFECTLY and I watch the charge screen etc. It is my belief the dealer/service tech did something to the car. They have been accused of this before. I'm having my local garage look for a possible "fix" but it seems that you need to go to a specialist for hybrid diagnoses. ANY HELP would be appreciated. I live in Sherman CT. I'm about an hour north of White Plains NY. Called a place about an hour and a half from here and they said bring car, will swap out battery for 1350.00 with a 12 month 15,000 mile warranty. The car will drive with just the engine....will I hurt it driving 100 miles to get battery swapped. HELP PLEASE
