I’ve searched a lot of threads and have seen some good stuff but it’s not really consolidated. I have a high mileage Gen 3 (2010) and although I don’t have major battery problems now, I’m on borrowed time and want to have a plan. Below are options that I’m aware of in my area. I’d love to hear which are best and worst options and any other ideas that you all have. · Dealership- not going to do. My car’s not worth the $ they charge · Green Bean- ~$1800. I’ve seen mixed reviews. · Local shop- Dorman ~$3400 · Hybrid Hero - $1000 to replace all 28 cells or $2480 for new battery · NexPower Lithium. $2120 + installation (need to find someone- my local shop will install regular hybrid batteries for about $600, so I think they would do the same with this one.) Thanks for any advice.
Plenty of you tube videos if you fancy doing yourself, not as difficult as you might think and relatively cheap, I did mine for £120, replaced 4 cells with used items cleaned up bus bars.... So far so good but it is early days yet. Mine failed at 340,000 miles and I've done another 7, 000 since I repaired it. I initially was going to get a recon unit but everyone has a different option on what reconditioned is, the cells themselves are sealed so you can't do much except charge them and clean connectors. Bus bars can either be replaced or cleaned and bad cells replaced with used cells... Other than that you can't do anything, had a watch of some vids and thought I can do that and save some cash. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
I just installed another Nexcell day before yesterday and charged $168 for 3.5 hours of work @$48 per hour because I'm just a Prius nerd and don't own a shop. The owner paid me way more than that and lectured me about how my price being so low made me seem sketchy and that I needed to charge more. But yes, most mechanics charge $400-$600 for the same job, which seems wrong to me. Have a look at the installation video: This is something you, a friend or a family member can handle and if you use my affiliate link I'll be available on my phone during the install to help with any confusion or challenges: https://projectlithium.com/?ref=9qLPw
I used the Prolong system on mine, and it gave it new life. It lasted a year and then I did it again. Well worth the money for me. I turned 293,000 miles today...
You have to realize, those places that use "rebuild" packs, are just used ones. They may or may not balance the packs. And they have the same or close too the same usage as yours. And be prepared to sit and wait, often, while they eventually get to your to replace their pack.... Unless they are NEW.....
Look into newpriusbatteries.com, maybe? You get new cylindrical modules instead of the old prismatic ones, no core return required. I have no personal experience with them, but the owner is a member on these forums.
Things have been a bit "dicey" with newpriusbatteries. There's been some long overdue orders reported here, lack of response, and so on. Business owner has been responding in threads here, and making customers whole (sometimes just fulfilling requested refunds, after months of silence) so hopefully ok now, but go in with your eyes open.
Does anybody know if any of these options would void the new inverter lawsuit warranty. I would hate to put something in that does. I didn't see any details on the post card or website.
