NOTE: If this is in the wrong thread, let me know. I can repost. My beloved '02 is probably a few years from being replaced. I just (possibly irrationally) put a refurb battery in her because nothing else seems wrong with the car. But when the end comes, It's likely that my battery will be worth more than the car. Since there is a several hundered dollar core exchange, and the battery company is whisking away my old battery, it strongly implies that a battery has value to these companies. I checked in with this one to see if they bought old batteries, but alas no. Are there companies that buy old batteries, or would I be stuck selling on Ebay? If so, is it OK to post the names of those companies? I'd rather just ship it off for money than go through the Ebay process. Also, is there a good market for inverters, and what else might be worth stripping? I want to use as much of this buffalo as I can.
I imagine the companies selling used and refurbished batteries go to auctions for trade ins and insurance totaled cars, which is likely how most of the used car parts end up in the supply chain. If the car isn't sellable when the time comes, and you don't want to part it out yourself, then I'd suggest contacting a scrap yard.
Out here in the North Bay area of California there are several individuals who rebuild Prius batteries - might be worth the time to do a quick Google search and see who sells/rebuilds batteries - they could be interested - given the number of first gen Prius that need the hybrid battery replaced for sale on Craigslist in the bay area I would be surprised if you had trouble selling a good battery
Your battery may last longer than you think. And you're planning way too far ahead. Why not drive and enjoy your car, and when the time comes (however that is) scrap it, give it to a charity, sell it for what ever, or give it to a young relative. Yes, they are approaching (are beyond?) their service life, yet there are nice examples that provide good daily service (like mine.) Don't worry, be happy!
This one is well beyond it's expected life. It's got nearly 250K, and I've been through a few batteries. Generally, refurbs seem to last about three yearsish, maybe 70K miles.
Another question might be: what parts should I yank for resale before scrapping it? Battery, inverter, what else?
