Buyer Beware: $3,800 to replace Hybrid Battery in Toyota Prius

Five different warning lights came on in my 2007 Prius with 154,000 miles on it.  I pulled out the owner's manual to see what each light meant, but it just said "see dealer" next to each light (so helpful!).  So I took my Prius in to the dealer and was informed that the battery needed to be replaced, for a whopping $3,800.  Mind you, that's just to replace the battery...not the transmission or the engine, which both probably have substantial wear and tear.

While I've liked my Prius, I would not buy another one, and I would warn anyone against buying a used one with high mileage.  In some states (including California) the battery is warranted up to 150,000 miles, but most states it's just 100,000.  It's not IF your battery will die, but when.  Why pay the premium for a hybrid, and take the risk of a costly repair, when many gas engine models get nearly 40 miles per gallon?  The answer is that you shouldn't.

Just another bit of advice from Dave.  You're welcome.