190k 2008 triangle—needs new hybrid battery, what’s the lowest cost option

contact steve at phoenixhybridbatteries.com. He'll get you a deal for a new OEM battery from Toyota.
Alternative if you want to sell it, I would be interested in buying it. Email me at [email protected]. We can discuss details (possibly give you a loaner battery for 7-13 weeks)

 

What price are you looking to sell it for? The prius I have has a lot of rust being in Ohio for 10 plus years. Looking to get a 'new' one on the cheap.

 

Depending on where you live "parting out" a vehicle requires one or a few special licenses from the state -- of course, lots of folks do not bother and most don't get "caught."

 

newpriusbatteries.com $1600 delivered to your door and No Core Charge.

 

it really depends on your situation. you can put in a new battery for way less than 3k,or a rebuilt for much less than that.
but a 13 year old car is goig to continue to need maintenance. if a $200. 12v battery bothers you that much, you should probably just sell/trade for something newer. but it depends on your financial situation

 

Maybe that's why the OP is asking here - to get a sense of whether it makes sense to keep going with costs on the car. I'd say, having just bought a 2004 w/ 165K, a failed HV battery and needing a couple thousand in 'traditional' repairs, that it depends not so much on the Prius but on the owner and the owner's family.

After I got my car for free, I fixed the battery for free, but there were options to replace the HV battery between $600ish and $2000ish. My car was well maintained and documented ... up until the last 15 months, when it appears to have sat (new brakes all around), and there were some age related things: new rear struts (ouch!), a water pump (sure), gas tank straps (really?), a muffler (we salt up here in Boston). So my free 17 year old prius ended up costing over $3K. Not economical for most. I'm really enjoying it and the '#priuslifestyle. The other car is a similarly old convertible and the wife drives a newish MB, and is therefore happy.

 

You might be able to donate it and get a tax deduction on your 1040 Schedule A, though since the 2017 trump tax law changes, this is usually only good now for single taxpayers. If you sell it cheap with the red triangle to somebody who can fix it, or wants to plunk down the $200 (self rebuild) to $2,000 (new, someone else installs), you'll make your buyer very happy!

FWIW, 12v batteries, brakes, struts/shocks etc are expected maintenance/replacement items. More senior PChat posters tell me that the mileage your car (and mine) have is considered low for Prius Gen 2s. Do you still like/love it? If not, move on to your next car and enjoy your Tesla.