hey all! it feels like ive been living on these forums since my 05 prius started having problems im debating my choices on fixing my 05 or getting a new car, and was wondering- how hard is it to install a battery yourself? for context, im a 21 year old girl with absolutely zero car experience, but id like to think im pretty smart! my dad has previously replaced my old cars battery for me (2010 nissan maxima, RIP) but from what im gathering a hyrbid battery seems to be more complicated? is this something a youtube video could walk me through? or is going with greentec or greenbean a better option? with the last question, about how much did greentec or greenbean run you if you've used them before? is an 05 prius worth investing in to fix or should i let it go considering its almost as old as me? TIA!
those are all difficult questions with no right answer. first of all, the hybrid battery is much more complicated than the 12 volt batteries your dad was replacing. i would suggest watching a few youtube videos, there are lots of them. if you decide to proceed, it would be very helpful to have someone with a bit of mechanical knowledge/experience, and strength as the battery is over one hundred pounds.
greentec or greenbean are okay options, but often not as good as an oem new battery. as for investing in an old car, you will keep running up against this problem everytime something expensive breaks. but only you can decide whether it's worth buying something newer and what you can afford. when our daughter was your age, i recommended a non hybrid that any corner shop could repair.
If you find another friend to help or 2.....watch several videos together and take notes. It is not brain surgery. If you can study and follow directions you can do it. I'd offer to help but I'm quite far away in Kansas City. a power drill and socket set with 8mm,10mm, 12mm, 14mm sockets are needed. Much of the job is taking plastic covers off and getting to the battery itself. Inside a garage in the shade is ideal. space to spread out parts and have one friend label baggies and put the bolts in them. This makes putting everything back. Have that same friend take video and pictures. The other friend can run a socket. Do you have any car friends? It could be done by my niece and her friends easily.
