We are the second owners of a 2004 with about 155K. Original battery. The A/C system needs to be replaced, and the A/C compressor is now making noise and will fail in the near future, according to a reputable local mechanic. We could pay about $6K to get a new battery and A/C system and keep the car running. We love the car; it's been our favorite car of 45 years of car ownership. We live in South Carolina (humid) and mostly commute 10-15 minutes to work, with a long trip (1200 miles) or two a year. Any thoughts on longevity vs buying a new/used Prius or other used car? We're tempted to pay the $6k and keep the car, but maybe that's not smart.... TIA, Bob
It's probably worth somewhere near zero now, so why not drive it until it's fully dead, and rent a car for your road trips? You effectively have nothing to lose.
welcome! i think i would fix it, but shop around to make sure the price is right. as for long trips, i agree with egg salad, rent a car.
I'd fix it... notice I said "I'd fix it." I found years ago that it's less expenive to do my own work and the warranty never expieres. So far, so good. But that's a choice.
You can do much better than $6000. We have members here that sell nearly new batteries for less than $1500 and new batteries for $2000-$2500. AC compressor probably won't run you that much either. I'd say fix it and drive it until it dies Where do you travel on those 1200 miles?
You've a gun, and a bullet fully loaded already. So, you shoot emm, at the right target. What target? Fix em!
Thanks for the reply. I actually was contacted by a member here who offered to do a new battery in the price range you mentioned. The 1200 mile trip is up to PA and back. No mountains, etc. Could get just the compressor replaced though local mechanic said since A/C wasn't working prior to this that the whole system will probably go down eventually anyway. Thoughts?
We have a Prius with over 300k miles, the AC compressor was shot so we bought a used compressor for $50 and replaced it ourselfs. It was actually easier than other non hybrid cars. Thats because the compressor has its own electric motor and works without the gas engine. Essentially plug and play.
I'd be inclined to repair as well. Not sure why you'd need to a rent a car for your long trips with a new battery? @JC91006, so what can someone expect to pay to replace a Gen II hybrid battery these days? I'm outside Chicago and will hopefully not need it, but I do have two Gen IIs with low miles.
Around 2k for a new Toyota battery. That will pretty much last a baseline of at least 10 years if driven regularly.
Thanks @Aaron Vitolins and hello to Nashville! I lived there for many years and still have some family there. Wouldn't mind being there again since it is -3 here currently.
I have replaced parts in cars where the parts were worth more than the car. The big thing is you know your car, buying another high mileage car is the old pig in a poke joke. If you can do some of the work yourself you can save half of the expense if not try not to be in a hurry and shop for better deals on repairs. I traded in my 2008 and only got $3,000 for it last month and there was nothing wrong with it, I basically gave them the car, I just didn't need another car around the house I didn't need.
