Prius batteries: When they die, what do you do?

The growing demand for Toyota Prius hybrids has created a fascinating spinoff business: an underground aftermarket in Prius batteries.

"Since last year eBay has seen an 850 percent increase in Prius batteries changing hands," Newsweek reports. "Prices for used Prius batteries—which come from junkyards and auto body shops—range from $450 to $1,700, says Famous Rhodes, director of eBay Motors parts and accessories."

The reason: With gas prices gong through the roof, "on the car Web site MyRide.com, the number one search term last month was "Used Toyota Prius"—up 944 percent since January," the magazine reports. But if you buy used, you're likely to have to deal with a dying battery -- and dealers charge an arm and a leg and another arm for replacements. Hence the interest in cheap batteries on the Internet.

Those used batteries come with a catch, though: Installation.         

"That's labor-intensive work for which dealers can charge $900," Newsweek notes. "But Rhodes does not recommend that amateur mechanics try to tackle this high-voltage repair job. 'This is not something where a DIY can just open up an installation manual and put in their own batteries,' says Rhodes. 'You need to have a mechanic or an electrical technician do it.' "

--Craig Pittman

Comments

[Kilolani]

I do not accept his major premise that "if you buy used you're likely to have to deal with a dying battery." Toyota has stated explicitly that the battery should last, "the life of the vehicle."

[Mike H]

Dying battery is a myth Detroit put out when they had no hybrids. My 2002 Prius has 205,000 miles & performs like new. At 100k the dealer tech said the worst cell in the set was at 98% of new spec. There can be a bad cell in any set, but those are very rare & Toyota has been stellar in taking care of them, even after warranty has run out. My hat is off to Toyota for a fabulous engineering feat.

[electrical installation]

haven't experienced it yet

[ElizaDay]

I have a 2001 Prius with 131k miles on it. The warning light went on, I had it towed to Toyota and was told that I needed a new battery AND auxillary battery. They said BOTH were covered under warranty. I cannot tell you the relief I felt.

Then when I left the same warning light went on. I went back and they said "Woop! Our bad. You're over 100k miles therefore you are NOT covered and you owe us 5000"

I still owe 6000 on the car. Does anybody have any advice. If so, please email me: elizaday66@gmail.com

[Leslie]

Toyota said a lot of things. My battery died at 130k miles and I've met a whole bunch of people just like me.

2001 Battery just died. Does anybody know of a Prius mechanic in Tampa? I don't want the dealer. They expect me to pay 5k for a new battery when the current battery can be repaired.

I want either a salvaged or refurbished battery or even better, somebody who is sophisticated enough to be able to change the battery modules which the diagnostic code has revealed to be the problem.

If anyone knows of somebody in Tampa, please email me: elizaday66@gmail.com

Thanks