The reverse lottery is when you suddenly have a large expense you didn’t plan for, and one that was exceedingly unlikely, but you’re the lucky one who “won” it anyway.<\/p>\n
In my case, it’s my Toyota Prius. It’s a 2005 model with a bit over 200,000 miles on it. Toyota claims that “amost none” of its hybrid battery systems has failed. So I guess you can place me in the “almost none” category. Against all odds, the hybrid system\/battery pack that powers the electric motor, and is charged by the gas motor, has failed.<\/p>\n
Toyota says more Prius owners have been hit by lightning. I’m thinking that maybe a lightning strike would give my battery pack a face-lift and make it work again. But apparently not.<\/p>\n
Toyota wants $4500 to replace the battery pack\/hybrid system. Hah. On a car with that many miles on it, which is starting to use oil? Where replacing the gas engine would be another $5000 or so? Not likely….<\/p>\n
So if I can’t find a Prius battery on the used market (maybe one that was in a front end collision?), I’ll be looking for another car, quite soon. Like yesterday.<\/p>\n
Anybody got any good ideas?<\/p>\n