Whatever. I do have to read these posts to dispell misinformation because, like you, I also believe prospective buyers should know the truth about repairs/maintenance.
The question isn't whether or not they're expensive repairs, but whether or not they are more or less common than expensive repairs with other vehicles, and so far the Prius seems to be more reliable. Granted, I'm not sure how well the Gen I is fairing since that article is a year old, but I haven't seen evidence that speaks to the contrary. P.S. Anecdotes don't constitute evidence.
How much does it cost for a non-techie, non-DIYer to get a Prius Gen II hybrid battery replaced? I'm in Atlanta, GA and am in the middle of this process now. The only option I have found locally to get the battery replaced with a NEW battery pack is at the Toyota dealer. I was quoted $3200.00 out the door. Are you saying that there is a cheaper option to get a new battery installed in a Prius that is available in any major metropolitan area? I'm a techie and DIYer and so I'm replacing the hybrid battery myself with a remanufactured battery and it hasn't been a very good experience so far. I'll post more on this later after it's complete and I have some miles on the reman battery. I'm also pretty sure that these reman batteries do not have all new battery cells with fresh shelf life but would like to know if there are reman options will all fresh battery modules. I embrace new technologies that make us more efficient. We just need to make sure that we find a way to get the cost of consumables (battery) down and the maintenance easier and more accessible so that second and third owners don't end up with high maintenance costs. I think this is achievable and am bullish that the Prius can get there. I just think that right now, the cost of replacing the hybrid battery pack on a GenII isn't built into the resale value of a Gen II that is prime for replacement and that non-techies or DIYers need to be educated on this potential expensive repair. -VR
Well said. I educated myself on this site and others before buying my Gen II Prius and believed that at 130k miles the hybrid battery had a lot of life left in it. I was surprised when it failed less than a year later but now am learning that the failure has a lot more to do with the age and operating climate. With this new information, I probably overpaid for my 2004 Prius at $9k. I'm not reading this thread as folks bashing the Gen II Prius. I don't think anyone here is going to junk their Prius over a battery wearing out. We're just trying to educate used Prius buyers with good information on their potential purchase. -VR
