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Where to get hybrid battery replaced?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by tidus_90, Feb 26, 2016.

  1. tidus_90

    tidus_90 New Member

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    Hello,

    I have an OLD Prius (2006) with well over 100k on the odometer. The hybrid battery finally quit on me, or is in the process rather. According to Toyota, this is the only problem. I have all the usual symptoms and signs.

    My main question is, mostly for anyone near the Nashville/Clarksville TN area, where can I get my replacement done? I feel I may be technically proficient enough to replace it myself, but would rather not. Toyota quoted me at $3,300 (not gonna happen), anybody know of a better option nearby?
     
  2. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    You want to swing a new Toyota battery if possible as it is much more reliable than a rebuilt.
    You can try calling Toyota USA for assistance per below:

    HV Battery Goodwill Warranty Listing - Toyota Prius USA | PriusChat

    I notice Taylor automotive in Sanford NC (formerly Re-Involt) offers for refurbish about $2100 installed. Maybe get a couple deals like that and then call Toyota and say well up to you I can go elesewhere or give you the business if I get good price. You gotta give Toyota USA maybe a week to decide.
     
    tidus_90 likes this.
  3. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Well I suppose nobody has much to lose in looking for "Goodwill" assistance from Toyota. All they can say is either Yes or No. But with a 10 year old Prius with over 100k on it, I wouldn't count on Toyota being too generous. There has to be a line where Toyota DOESN'T help. Even though the precedent of different levels of "Pro-Rated" warranty assistance seems to of existed in individual cases, technically the HV warranty is NOT pro-rated. And unfortunately, you are past warranty.

    I'd make the phone call, because it's toll free...but I wouldn't count on it changing the reality of your situation.

    I notice that you capitalize OLD in your original post.
    I also notice you just joined Prius Chat yesterday.

    So hard for me to tell, how dedicated you are to continuing Prius Ownership.

    You can look at refurbished.
    You can look at trying to obtain a salvaged battery.

    Those avenues have been used by owners with various degrees of long term success and premature failure.

    The best option for continued reliability seems to be the OEM replacement at around 3,300.
    There are cheaper options, but I don't know if there are really "better" options.

    If you go refurbished have an idea of exactly what the provided warranty is...and the reputation for warranty support.

    And if you DO talk Toyota into a helping hand? Let us know.
     
    tidus_90 likes this.
  4. tidus_90

    tidus_90 New Member

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    Oh I love my prius, I just know that its pretty old unfortunately. Being a poor college student though, I cant really go out and buy a brand new one. Toyota is not going to budge on the price either, I have talked to different people, and 3300 is the best they got for me. I have done loads of research on here and elsewhere in regards to this problem. It definitely seems that replacing individual cells is a waste in the long run, but the Toyota option is just out of reach for me at the moment. I have heard of great, smaller businesses in different states that offer great services such as at-home battery replacement. I was hoping someone in my area might know of any similar businesses but it seems TN is not really with the program yet. I will continue my research, and I appreciate the input!
     
    greasemonkey007 likes this.
  5. tidus_90

    tidus_90 New Member

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    I will try it out, though it seems Toyota is not much for negotiating. One of the techs at the local dealer did mention places in town that might replace individual cells, but from what Ive read, thats only prolonging the inevitable.
     
  6. greasemonkey007

    greasemonkey007 Active Member

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    If you'll call me, I have one ready to go. I can be there the Monday morning. It comes with a 1 year warranty, 3 years warranty is available.

    Here's my card. You can check out my facebook page at Page's Hybrid Batteries and Exchange.
    Thanks,
    Charley
    (870) 723-0581
     

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    #6 greasemonkey007, Feb 27, 2016
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2016
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  7. tidus_90

    tidus_90 New Member

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    Wow, I did not think I would get a response from an actual business. I will check out your page and give you a call. To be honest, I have been leaning towards Toyota because I have been researching other repair options. In most cases, there are unsatisfied customers. I hope it is different in your case. Thank you!
     
  8. cthorsman

    cthorsman Member

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    Hi Tidus, I am in a similar circumstance with my 2004 prius in maryland. On of the options i have found is that

    1 - I can buy a Dorman rehabilated battery pack from a NAPA store for about $1,350.00 which has a 3 year warranty. There is also something like a $950.00 core replacement charge (refunded when Dorman recieves the replaced battery pack). Check out Dorman in the forum. Dorman has youtube instructions on the removal process. Also, they seem serious about backing up the warranty. I wonder if anyone offering a 3 year warranty is putting in a Dorman.
    2 - I can have someone rehab the battery pack I have. A mechanic near Washington, D.C. Provides a 2 day turnaround for $5-600.00. The further he travels the greater the cost. One year warranty. Found him on ebay and Craigslist.
    3 - I found a wholesaler that will sell a new Toyota battery pack for several hundred less than my local dealer.

    If I had plenty of time I might try to do the work myself, but that could also be a total screwup :). Also, the peops who do their own talk about a week or more.

    Maybe a local school has a auto mechanics class and I can let them have a go at it (free labor )

    The consensus on the forum seems to be the new battery from toyota is the best bet for someone planning on keeping the car longterm. Mine has 265,000 miles on it. The 04 I wrecked a couple years ago had 295,000.

    Good luck, Craig
     
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  9. greasemonkey007

    greasemonkey007 Active Member

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    You'll catch me easier by calling. Just keep in mind that my price will be about 25% of Toyota's and my work is guaranteed.
    Thanks.
     
  10. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    Stay away from Craigslist, and be very careful of eBay advertisers.

    #2 is not an option IMHO.

    #3 is the best option also IMHO.
     
  11. penquin230

    penquin230 "Golden Hawk"

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    I replaced my battery 22 months ago and 20k miles ago it had a 1 year warranty.. I replaced with a rebuild with gen 3 cells.last week I got triangle of death code P0A80. I looked at a Cardone reman battery that has a 3year 36k warranty. cost 1061.79 core charge 895.50 free shipping one way from Rockauto.com...But i'm opting for a new Toyota battery with 3 year unlimited mileage warranty for 3448 installed price includes taxes...These are the best options I found...
     
  12. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    New OEM is best bet for greatest chance of longevity and trouble free operation. Just internet search Toy dealers in your area, who sell online, to buy at a much lower rate than a retail over the counter purchase. See if your local Tiy dealer will beat or match the lowest price from a Toyndealer selling online.

    Dorman isn't so attractive when you look at the reality. If the battery fails during the warranty period, you have to wait for the warranty replacement to arrive. Have the replacement installed. Ship the defective HV Battery back. How many days will you be w/o a car? Will you rent a car(additional expense)? If you can't DIY, how much does your mechanic charge? Many people think warranty is an indicator of quality. Marketing uses warranty length to lure people to buy. Look how long the original HV Battery has lasted for original Gen2 owners.

    The chepaest HV Battery in my area runs $2071.
    2007 Toyota Prius Parts - Toyota of San Bernardino Online Parts Store
     
  13. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Please be very careful of Craigslist ads from this seller Elite Auto
    Elite Auto - Beware. Craigslist hybrid battery ads should make you leery | PriusChat

    On a different note...
    Toyota OEM batteries require a bit of work if you plan to do it yourself.
    The battery does not come completely assembled.
    Toyota does not provide any videos on assembling it.
    It can take quite a bit of time to get all the guts put in the right places if you have not done it before.
    You must open up your old battery pack as well as the new one.
    You will need dismantle parts of your old battery pack and swap them over to the new one.
    This includes some computer, cabling, venting parts, and more.
    Pay attention to how things are routed as well as the specialty nuts for grounding.
    Some of the bolts are longer than the others. So note which go where.
    Some of the packs will come with new power cables that you will need to attach yourself...very carefully!
    Wear protective gloves and have your tools properly covered so as not to short out the pack!
     
    Robert Holt and cthorsman like this.
  14. bestmapman

    bestmapman 04, 07 ,08, 09, 10, 16, 21 Prime

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  15. drosales

    drosales Junior Member

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    I'm a hybrid battery remanufacturer based out of Memphis TN, serving most of TN, MS, AL, AR, MO, and some of IL and KY.
    Check out my website and past customer testimonials at HybridRestorationMemphis.com
    Also feel free to contact me at (901)786-2412
    We offer 18 and 24 month free replacement warranties.
    Our success rate is pretty much 99% meaning that 1 in 100 batteries ever needs to be warrantied. Our remanufactured batteries are expected to last well beyond the warranty period. :)

    SAMSUNG-SM-N900A
     
  16. tidus_90

    tidus_90 New Member

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    I think I am going with Toyota. It pains me to do so, but it seems to be the safest for me now, and in the long run, despite the extra cost. Good luck to you too!
     
    #16 tidus_90, Mar 23, 2016
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2016
  17. tidus_90

    tidus_90 New Member

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    The last option you mentioned, is that through Toyota? The service and everything?
     
  18. tidus_90

    tidus_90 New Member

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    I appreciate all these responses, its been very helpful. As I said to another member above, I will be going with Toyota. It will be the most convenient, as they are right up the road, and despite the cost, I will likely be safest in this option in the long run.
     
  19. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Definitely the best option for long run.
     
  20. greasemonkey007

    greasemonkey007 Active Member

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    Are you absolutely sure that you wouldn't consider talking to me first? I never heard from you after I replied to your first post. I can save you money on the front end and down the road. It's worth a call to find out about my batteries and their warranties. You can still buy a new one if you'd like. I'm only asking for a chance to tell you what I can offer you.

    Charley
     

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