What should a 12v battery cost me? dead after 56K mi & 23 months. Dealer says $458

I heard somewhere that the price of batteries was going up due to milder winters, which in turn lead to batteries lasting longer, which meant less recycled lead, so the cost of lead is going up.

I'm sure I read it from a credible source, but have to admit it sounds a little far fetched. Anyway, the bottom line being that colder winter were tougher on batteries, led to more replacements.

 

Yeah, but the battery in a hybrid doesn't crank the engine at all, it's just there to boot up the computer. So the cold cranking amps number is next to useless. When I need to replace mine, I'm gonna get one that has the highest Ah rating.

 

Just had it replaced in 2015 Prius at the dealership here in Indy. Cost was $252 and that included labor to install. With coupon brought it down to $232.

 

Id be surprised if you couldnt find one at a local auto parts store.

Autozone, Advanced, PepBoys, Oreillys etc all have batteries for Gen IV Prius so yours being older should have even more options
The cheapest one currently is the Champion battery at Pep Boys for 99 bucks.

 

3rd gen vs 4th gen battery is a factor too. The 4th gen's are conventional lead-acid, but a special shape, not that common, hard to find. And with the 4th gen being newer, demand for replacement batteries just staring to pick up.

 

A few weeks ago Pep Boys had the battery for a Gen. 4 for $100 installed by ordering it on line. The size is a H4.
I hope this helps.

 

Still is

 

gen 4 thread

 

Try Pep Boys, as low as $100 for the H4 battery for the '16 forward.

 

Yes! I put an H4 from Oreillys in my 16 and has worked perfect.