Where is the landfill with the old Prius hybrid electric batteries that I could dig up?

The ones on Ebay are asking $1,000 and $1,800.

Bob Wilson

 

Very well put. thank you.

FWIW, I use the same 'option package' argument constantly- it has never failed to stop a skeptic dead in their tracks. At least MY option package has a HOPE of recouping the cost.

 

Thanks, I just edited answer #370 to the "real hybrid owner" question:

"370) skeptics are anxious to share mytical problems about your hybrid."

Bob Wilson

 

It may have stopped them in their tracks but not likely because it made sense to them. It certainly doesn't to me, I can comprehend features such as reducing emissions for earth conscious reasons, or reduce foreign dependency, but buying a hybrid won't be decided on those factors.

For most people fuel consumption is a cost, and to us recouping is the only incentive of a hybrid.

For me getting a 2wd 2.7L Tacoma was a no brainer. It did require getting a model that isn't available in Colorado traded from another region which wasn't easy. Costs was $5600 LESS than the 4wd 4L and I'm getting 27mpg after 6000 miles, compared to max 20mpg with the more expensive truck. Far better for me and my needs than any hybrid. I'd like to see a Tacoma hybrid but if it doesn't pay for itself, no thanks.

You can compare the hybrid option to other options like larger engines, or leather, or stereo, but none of the other options ever were intended to have a payback potential.

If you're saying a hybrid wasn't intended to have a payback, then I and most of the population just don't get it.

 

One of the curious aspects of driving a high MPG vehicle is the price of gas has become less important, small change. But by all means requirements should drive an individual's purchasing decision.

In my case, I'm getting a fuel savings that pays my return on investment. But then, I got a good deal on a used car and my savings comes without any tax breaks.

Since getting 03 Prius, I've learned the total cost of ownership appears to be lower than originally expected due to lower maintenance costs and apparently, higher resale value (per Kelly Blue Book.) It doesn't hurt that I'm getting better than EPA MPG and am working on modifications that will improve it further.

One of my first requirements was a modification having nothing to do with MPG but rather emergency power. My second modification, use of synthetic transaxle oil, fit within the normal maintenance schedule and appears to be making a modest improvement in MPG.

Different requirements would drive different choices. Our family has two adults, one retired, and a small dog and no big loads to haul around. I have a 10-13 mile, daily commute route and the hybrid-electric has turned out to be an excellent commuting vehicle. The hybrid-electric city mileage allows taking urban short cuts without a fuel cost penalty and this shortens the commute distance by 3 miles. The shorter commute route cancels the time spent on a slower street and reduces weekly commute distance. This has been a win-win decision.

Still, I don't presume to speak for the "most people" family, just ours. For those who take a different approach, Mr. People's family is welcome to pay their money and get what they paid for.

Bob Wilson

 

Good question. As I said before, at the time of the posting I could find no evidence. Just now I went through only the first 300 of the 130,000 google returns for 'prius battery landfill'. Then I gave up.

IIRC the original (mythical?) posting referred to MN, MI, or WI, so it's going to be a long drive for either of us.

All the Prius batteries I have seen sold on ebay were in the $300-$800 range, except for one $42 plus shipping, stated as having a failed module. Maybe I shoulda bit on that one. Sigh. The electric vehicle DIYers use them. One college built an electric airplane with them.

DAS

 

Who? When? URL?

Bob Wilson

 

That so many people here are discussing that it is such a common and often frustrating question about "paying for itself" or "recouping the cost" gives me confidence that my presumption isn't wrong.

And I'm considering synthetic fluids for my differential and 5-spd, and I've been using mobil 1 since the first oil change. Even with a scanguage it is hard to quantify the effects, I may go back to regular oil as a test, though I also expect engine longevity to improve with synthetic. And with 100,000 mile change intervals the synthetic gear lub is worth a try.