Looking to replace totaled 2007 Prius Touring, but worried about potential battery problems

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Chodronish, Feb 21, 2017.

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  1. Chodronish

    Chodronish Member

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    Sadly, my step-daughter totaled my 2007 Touring Prius (144,xxx miles). I bought the car used in 2012 and have loved it, having minimal problems with it. I wasn't considering replacing it with anything but another used Prius, probably something 2007-2012, and I'd appreciate suggestions. However, after reading numerous posts about hybrid batteries going bad, I'm getting a bit paranoid. I had previously read that the issue of hybrid batteries going bad was overstated and many Prii last for 200,000 miles on original battery. I would sure appreciate input about the risk of buying another Gen II Prius or even an older Gen III. Is it just a gamble? I don't want to have to shell out additional thousands on top of what I pay for the car. I feel sheepish posting this, but the hybrid battery horror stories on some of the forums have me a little worried.
     
    #1 Chodronish, Feb 21, 2017
  2. 'LectroFuel

    'LectroFuel Senior Member

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    Definitely go for a 3rd gen 2010 or after. 2012 is when they mid cycle refreshed the Prius, so that's something to consider. 2012s and later get better gas mileage and a little more angular styling. Be sure it hasn't been in an accident and the mileage isn't extremely high.
     
    #2 'LectroFuel, Feb 21, 2017
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  3. Chodronish

    Chodronish Member

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    Thanks for your input! Yes, if I bought a 2012 now with around 80,xxx miles, I would be doing about what I did in 2014 when I bought the 2007 with 80,xxx miles. I had not planned on replacing my 2007, so originally thought I'd just replace it with another about the same age and mileage, but now, as I mentioned, I am worried about the hybrid battery pooping out on me and then essentially ending up paying and extra $3,xxx for the older model car. boo.
     
    #3 Chodronish, Feb 21, 2017
  4. Chodronish

    Chodronish Member

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    I was reassured by this data in another thread, so back to considering a Gen II again:
     
    #4 Chodronish, Feb 22, 2017
  5. gamma742

    gamma742 Member

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    I'd like to sell my 2008 with 107,XXX miles on it and buy my wife a CT200h and inherit her 2010. But it's hard to let one of these go once you get one, they just run forever.
     
    #5 gamma742, Feb 22, 2017
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  6. Chodronish

    Chodronish Member

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    How do you like the Gen II versus Gen III? Hard to get used to that Gen III interior design.
     
    #6 Chodronish, Feb 22, 2017
  7. gamma742

    gamma742 Member

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    I like my Gen II interior better but the Gen III is much more refined, I can hardly feel when the ICE turns on and off on the wife's 3rd Gen. I really like my car but she wants a CT200h and I'd rather keep the 3rd Gen with under 100K than the 2nd Gen with just over..
     
    #7 gamma742, Feb 22, 2017
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  8. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    seek out another 2007 with a known-bad battery. Buy it cheap.

    Buy back your crashed 2007 from the insurance company. Put your old battery in the new car.

    ...better the devil you know, etc.
     
    #8 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jul 9, 2018
  9. Chodronish

    Chodronish Member

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    Good idea, but this is an old thread, so I actually did end up replacing it with another 2007, which I actually love. It had low miles, one owner and had maintenance record. I've had it for about a year and a half now. Also traded in our 2010 van and replaced with a 2008 Prius, with even lower miles. I am wishing I had done a 2012 and a Gen II instead of two Gen IIs, just because two cars that are over ten years old.... But both are fine.
     
    #9 Chodronish, Jul 9, 2018
  10. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Haha, accidental necropost. This forum buries the post dates a little deeper than most.

    Glad to hear it worked out.
     
    #10 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jul 9, 2018
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  11. Chodronish

    Chodronish Member

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    Love that term, "necropost"! :D
     
    #11 Chodronish, Jul 10, 2018
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