should I bother swapping 12v optima into new used Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by sfwood, Mar 18, 2016.

  1. sfwood

    sfwood Junior Member

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    Trading in my 2005 Gen 2 for a 2012 Gen 3 tomorrow (2005 has failing traction battery, dealer is generously offering $3k on it in trade for the not too unreasonably priced 2012) . In January 2013 I replaced the 2005's 12v with an Optima DS46B24R, which should be slightly newer than the battery in the 2012 and is an Optima. Should I bother with the hassle of trying to get the dealer to let me swap the batteries so I can keep the Optima, or leave well enough alone? The 2012 is Toyota 'certified' so maybe they actually checked over the battery.. Thanks
     
    #1 sfwood, Mar 18, 2016
  2. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    It Doesn't hurt to ask ............:love:
     
    #2 mrbigh, Mar 18, 2016
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I would recommend leaving it alone. You are not gaining much from a 2013 battery vs a 2012 battery. My opinion is OEM is better than Optima.

    Also if you switch anything out, if there are problems that arise on the 2012....the dealer could blame it on your swap.
     
    #3 JC91006, Mar 18, 2016
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  4. sfwood

    sfwood Junior Member

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    That is how I am leaning. The 2012 is coming with a 12mo bumper to bumper (at least that is what they are hyping) so maybe best not to mess w/ that. Thanks.
     
    #4 sfwood, Mar 18, 2016
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Plus a battery swap could "complicate" the transaction: they've done you a favour, and so on.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Mar 18, 2016
  6. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

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    +1
     
    #6 Munpot42, Mar 18, 2016
  7. sfwood

    sfwood Junior Member

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    Picked up the 2012 today. Said goodbye to the 2005, optima battery and all. In the 2012, 56mpg on test drive, 52mpg on 30 mi trip home. Seldom saw above 45 in the 2005. Call me impressed. Thanks for all of the helpful responses.
     
    #7 sfwood, Mar 19, 2016
  8. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    Within the last year, we traded our long held 2005 for two pre-owned Gen III's and never looked back. You didn't say what "package" the 2012 was? We prefer the Persona (package three plus softex, 17-inch alloys) over the package two with cloth and plastic, one keyless door, etc. Enjoy it!
     
    #8 FuelMiser, Mar 19, 2016
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  9. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Your on the right track with the 12 volt battery though. Whenever you buy a used car its good idea to check the battery after you buy it. You never know how long the car has sat on the lot and that's not to much of an issue with a regular car but you know you don't want a dead 12 with a Prius.

    Get a good volt meter. First thing in the morning before starting the car open the hood and turn on the head lights. Measure the voltage on the front jump points and report it back here. Anything below 12 volts and the battery is highly suspect.
     
    #9 edthefox5, Mar 21, 2016
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