Having needed a jump two times in three weeks, I figured it was time for a new battery (6 years since the last one). Brought it to the dealership since it had a recall out anyway, and they'd quoted me $109 for the new one, which seemed reasonable enough. But then of course, when I actually spoke to the service guy, he said that was the wrong price, this is a special battery and it would be $369 installed (including one hour's labor!). Due to the rest of the bogosity they were spouting, I'd like to just do the recall and take it to my friend's beloved mechanic for the battery and have him check the other things they were mentioning. Question is, does the hybrid really require a special 12V battery? I'm not talking about the big batteries, just the one that starts the car. And is that difficult to install? He hasn't worked on hybrids before and is a little hesitant - I think a tribute to his honesty. Thanks much!
You can purchase an Odyssey PC-680 from Amazon and install it yourself for $125. Some people have installed an AGM motorcycle battery from Walmart with no problem. It's not anything magical. I'm sure BritPrius will tear me a new donkey for this post but, hey, he's a wanker.
The Prius 12V battery is different from a typical car battery. But you should be able to have it replaced for $200 or less. It is not difficult to install and there are several Youtube videos that show how. Your mechanic might want to watch one or two to bring himself up to date on this procedure and advertise for this business. It looks like the Toyota dealers are leaving a lot of room for competition. Here is more info. 12v Replacement Question | PriusChat
Why you persist in recommending a battery that is half the capacity (18 amp/hr against 40 amp/hr) of the OEM battery and has the wrong layout of posts is beyond me. Yes I agree it will work but so will a 7 amp/hr alarm battery, but I certainly would not recommend it's use. The OEM battery is already considered by many to be small in capacity. Name calling does nothing for your credibility, if you have some useful credible information all here are willing to listen including myself. John (Britprius)
A safe Prius battery is AGM and externally vented, be sure it is both of these. The ideal Prius battery has JIS Posts in 'reverse' order and is sized to fit the space available. Optima DS46B24R Optima battery direct fit replacement for Prius 2004 + & Plug-in Prius with Instructions Toyota Prius Starting Battery - Exide Edge 51JIS Flat Plate AGM are examples of ideal batteries.
The Optima battery upgrade solved many lingering issues for me. I installed it myself without much bother. I would rate it as "simple" for any qualified mechanic.