Hi, everyone. I have been reading the posts in this and other forums for several weeks and appreciate the contributions of all. However, I have one question that I have yet to find answered. (It was actually previously posted by someone and still unanswered.) Decided to go ahead and register and start posting.

I have a 2003 HCH MT with about 120,000 miles on it that I just recently purchased. As far as I know, it is still on its original IMA battery; I bought the car assuming that I would be soon replacing the IMA battery at a cost of $2,500, but so far it seems to be performing okay.

What am I wondering is this: When I do replace the IMA battery, will its replacement by Honda be some kind of upgrade (i.e. a Gen2 battery, or one used in the HCH II, etc.) that might last longer than those originally put into the vehicle?

I have a 2004 mt also and so far so good with 90k. I think the two software updates that were installed while I had the car reflected changes to the operation of the battery that Honda did to enhance battery life. I suspect these changes are installed from day on with new batteries. I have not read of any improvment in the design of these batteries , but of course i dont get most of the info relating to improvments.

I thought it was the IMA hardware that got improved in the HCH-II, not the batteries. The HCH-II had *more* batteries than HCH-I, however.

Hi everyone. I have a Honda Civic Hybrid 2003, with 120,000 miles, and I just had to replace the IMA battery and the catalytic converter. After 2 calls to Honda, they agreed to make me pay only $250 for the IMA battery, and half the price of the $1000 catalytic converter. I am the sole owner of the car and had all my work done at one Honda Dealership.

Needless to say I am VERY happy Honda helped me out, and I sure hope the new IMA batteries are better than the older ones. I can't imagine that they wouldn't be.

But doesn't it seem sad to think we have to replace these IMA batteries at 120,000 or so miles? They quoted me $4,000 for the battery and the cat converter, so I was SURE GLAD to have to pay $800!

My original battery pack is still good at 180k miles. Finger's crossed.

My battery was replaced (at Honda's expense) at 120,000 miles. Once I started driving from dealer it started charging like crazy and has been working fine ever since. I'm up to 150,000 miles now with no problems. I assume it's the same kind of battery pack. I doesn't drive any differently. Still on the original catalytic converter.

Howard