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Worth fixing?

  

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Hi Scotty,

   I've got a decision to make. I have a 2008 Lexus rx400h with 149,700 miles on it. The other day I went to drive it and the battery was dead, so I jumped it and went to buy a battery. When they checked the battery they said the battery was fine and my alternator was fine but could get no results for the starter.

  I left there and was driving back home when my car started to slow down for no reason, so I pushed on the accelerator which did nothing. I pulled off to the side of the street and parked it. It threw up some faults-check hybrid system, check awd system, and check vsc or vcs system. 

  I did some searching when I got home and someone else had the same issue. He had a code reader that said there was moisture in the hybrid system. He removed the seats to get to the hybrid batteries and discovered water was pooling around them on the floor. He soaked it all up and says the errors have cleared.

  If I would've known more about hybrids back when I purchased it I never would have. I know the car is still young mileage wise because it's a Lexus. My question is, is it worth going through all that to fix it being a hybrid. It's 15 years old and the hybrid batteries won't last forever and they're not cheap to replace. I could also seeing it last another ten years.

  Sorry this is so long, I just wanted to give you as much info as possible. Any advice would be appreciated. I love your videos, I've been a follower for quite some time.  Thanks

 

 


2 Answers
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I personally would not fix this vehicle. Replacing hybrid batteries cost a small fortune and if the mechanic botches the job, then the situation would end up being worse than its current situation.


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Some relevant details would be nice.
Posted by: @flyinbrian

they're not cheap to replace.

well how much exactly? Did you call Lexus?  You're asking "is it worth it" so this is a key piece of information right?

If it's only three or four grand which is what my coworker paid for his Camry, then I'd say it could very well be worth it.  It also depends on the condition of the vehicle. Did you research the market value?  Is it in good condition? clean, no rust, good paint etc.

With only 150k miles it's probably got more life left in it.


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