My 2005 prius hybrid battery just died. Toyota is telling me its going to cost above $3000. The car has 158,000 miles on it and according to Kelly bluebook is only worth about $5000. Any thoughts?
Used batteries from later model salvaged cars and rebuilt batteries are viable alternatives. Prices of $500-1500 have been reported. Start doing some searches for info in here. You will find lots of informative threads. Start looking for sources locally and spread out from there.
Regardless of what Kelly Blue Book would value your vehicle. What shape would you say the rest of the vehicle is in? If you feel the rest of the vehicle has been maintained and is in good to great shape? I'd seriously consider simply replacing the hybrid battery and hopefully enjoying another 158,00 miles or more. If it's been a "tough" 158,000? You might consider whether a new vehicle is a better choice. And yeah, from what I've read in this forum, there are several independent shop options as far as battery replacement goes.
either way, you will pay for the replacement battery (trade-in or selling on your own), so why not just replace it and see where you go from there? If that's all your car needs, it might be considered a cheap cost, but if the car is in bad shape, you can replace the battery and still sell your car for whatever the KBB price is.
Some links: Remanufactured Hybrid Vehicle Battery Packs Should be near $2000 installed with a 18 month warranty 2005 Toyota Prius Base 1.5L in Charging & Starting Systems | eBay Ebay is much riskier and all labor is by you.
have you gotten second and third opinions on your batteries? a bad 12v frequently sends bad error codes.
