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Retiring a 2005 with newish HV battery replacement - options?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Vincent Kargatis, May 23, 2021.

  1. Vincent Kargatis

    Vincent Kargatis Junior Member

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    We have a 2005 Prius with 140k. Replaced the HV battery 2 years ago (1 year left on warranty). It's been usable, though not in great shape, but a couple nights ago our (unprotected) catalytic converter was stolen. Given the cost of cc replacement, and that this car is quite long in the tooth with many minor flaws** at this point, I am inclined to not indulge the sunk-cost fallacy of having renewed the battery recently, and retire it instead. The car outside the battery likely has negligible value, particularly with the missing cc.

    What practical options do I have to sell the healthy HV battery? I'm not inclined to bend-over-backwards to capitalize on it, but figured I'd ask for advice on easier options if any.

    ** fyi, stuff like:
    - struts are functional but rumbly
    - rear bumper partly broken and, yes, held together by duct tape
    - door speakers cones buzz
    - etc
     
  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Hi and welcome to PriusChat.

    If the hybrid vehicle battery was a Toyota new supplied and installed then it might be worth a bit ($1,200 - $1,600), but if it was a rebuilt/remanufactured/reconditioned/repaired battery then it has no real value.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    look around for a gen 2 that needs a battery
     
  4. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat!!
    Though I could be mistaken about the smog requirements in DC, you may be able to install an aftermarket bolt on cat for around $130. You will need a new oem/denso upstream A/F sensor (100ish), since it was likely stolen as well.
     
  5. Vincent Kargatis

    Vincent Kargatis Junior Member

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    Yes, the replacement was done at the Toyota dealer. What I naively don't know is the easiest way to potentially get anything for it. Just list the car locally emphasizing that particular part? What's the value proposition to such a buyer - the value of the battery minus the cost of handling and scrapping the car themselves? Or is paying a mechanic to remove the battery to sell to a buyer, then donating the rest as scrap, the likeliest sequence?
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    put the whole lot on c/l and see what comes of it. mention everything in the ad.

    car has a lot of life in it, you might be surprised at the offers. mosthere wouldn't hesitate to buy a running 05 prius with cat, so, it's just one thing to be done.
     
  7. ZTE

    ZTE Junior Member

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    I would recommend selling it as is.