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Old 03-16-2011, 10:15 PM   #61 (permalink)
RobertSmalls
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Buffalo, NY, USA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CindyPA View Post
Robert,

I have an 03 Civic hybrid with a dying IMA battery. I've talked with Ron at hybridbatteryrepair.com, and checked out other options, including buying a salvage battery. My very competent and trustworthy mechanic wants to help, but isn't willing to venture into this area, so I'm probably going to end up paying the dealer's price. Two questions, though.

You say "You can repair your own IMA battery for $100-350 including equipment and replacement cells, instead of paying someone $1000 to do it for you, or dropping $3000 at the dealership." I would be happy to pay someone $1,000 to do it as long as I knew they were reliable. Hybridbatteryrepair.com is mentioned all over the place online, but I've seen few testimonials. Do you know of anyone else?

And do you know if IMA prices vary by dealer? Driving a distance would be worth saving some money. Thanks.

Cindy
Cindy,

InsightCentral.com is littered with positive testimonials of H-B-R. I've met Ron, who runs H-B-R, at various car shows, and he'll probably be at the GGP. He's been very helpful to the Insight community, including helping me to understand some of the nuances of hybrid battery repair. I highly recommend the H-B-R option over the dealership.

As far has H-B-R competitiors, there aren't many. I believe there's a new startup in AZ or NM or some such place, and that's about it.

If your mechanic doesn't want to play with high voltage, call a few different mechanics. If all else fails (and it won't), I can install a battery for you if you bring it to Buffalo. It's really a straightforward "out with the old, in with the new", as long as you understand and respect high voltage.

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