Used 2013 w/ 8K Miles Battery Concerns

I would not be too concerned about the traction battery. They do not lose charge while sitting, like a typical lead-acid battery. So I'd be more concerned about the small-ish 12v battery at that number of years old. That said, a traction battery should level out at about 6 (of 8) bars on the state of charge (SOC) gauge in level, steady driving. You don't want it below 3 or above 6 bars unless you have sustained uphill or downhill driving. The SOC should only vary a couple of bars in either direction from 6 in normal driving. Larger swings from low to high and vice versa are indications of a aged traction battery.

 

not sure there's any way to know what effect sitting that long will have on the battery, especially in the long run.

 

maybe i'm not good with math, but thought 2017-2013=4?
i think what temp the battery sat at is more relevant than how long. basic chemistry teaches us speed of reaction doubles every 10C increase.

 

I see. NiMH or Li batteries don't suffer from storage in partially discharged state like Pb batteries. Make sure to test the 12v battery, as it's probably bad if not replaced. Makes you think why they didn't use a compact 12v Li battery like in a laptop.

 

I'd run the VIN at ToyotaOwners just to get an idea where the car has spent it's life til now, and any other possible clues to it's story. If it's from the deep south/southwest there is the chance it's spent time parked outside with the battery cooking in the sun. If it's lived in a moderate climate, there should be less concern as to battery health, although keep in mind extreme low-mileage battery failure has tended to be a real thing as reported here at PC. Regardless, you'd likely have enough hybrid warranty, even if the car was originally registered in an 8/100 state, for any problem to surface and be tended to on Toyota's dime. If the car has 10/150 warranty, I'd have no reservations at all.

A good friend has a 2012 CT and I've driven it some. It is Lexus-like in fit/finish and comfort and destroys a Prius in this regard. It is tiny, however, being Matrix-like in interior/exterior dimensions. It still offers a decent level of hatch convenience, though. Good luck.

 

I'd jump all over it. Can I ask how much?

 

I lived abroad for a year. My 2010 Prius had about 50,000 miles on it, then sat for a year. The 12 volt battery died but the traction battery has worked like new as I have put about 27,000 since returning almost 3 years ago.

 

congrats, al the best!

 

That is one sharp car. I think the only reason there is wiper on the back of there is to clear the back window when you first get in the car or sitting in traffic, ect. The back of mine doesn't seem to accumulate anything when driving at normal speeds. Not sure why its so small though. Maybe you could put a bigger one on if it's an issue. Again, really nice.

 

How are you making that happen?

 

Are you trading up, or actually converting it?

 

I love white cars. Small white cars look gorgeous and this one is no exception. I see very few of those cars around here. How is the rear visibility?

 

I wouldn't worry about it. Our 2015 has sat for 5-6 months at a time with no issues.


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