Hybrid cars - is it worth the switch now?

[Earthboy]

I don't really know if it is worth the switch but imo the servicing of hybrid cars isn't as matured as in the states. Try googling for specialized hybrid servicing workshops and you will get more results for those in US. And probably because of that the few specialized shops here is showing sign of complacency knowing that they can capture the market even with poor standard. Recently i got the dreadful POA80 fault code and check your hybrid fault light and after searching high/low for a reputable shop decided to go to HEVSHOP at Kaki Bukit due to the numerous good reviews online. What I experienced was totally the opposite in term of transparency, cost and customer services. I went in hope of they being a specialized shop able to offer a cheaper option than the OEM but they shot down my suggestion of reconditions my batt or even swooping with a already recon batt. Their justifications were bad and were flip-flopping along the way just to narrow down my option to buying a new batt which they offered at a price approx the same as the OEM. Left with no choice as they have ready stock I decided to go for a new batt change after considering for 2 weeks and was told that the price is now $300 more due to a new batch that they bought at a higher price.i was skeptical because the guy think called Simon was trying to pluck a number in his head and didn't want to commit but when I asked for a exact price he settled for $300 more than his initial quote. Scary to think it could have been more... I decided to still go ahead but requested for assurance that the batt will be a new OEM original which I was assured that there will be pictures and data printout provided. However when collecting my car I was shocked to find neither but I insisted on that cos I'm paying good money for an original OEM and I don't think is too much to ask for assurance that it is indeed an original. Was told they forgot to take pic but would run a data test on the "new" batt. I asked for any other thing like a label with serial number or packaging but was shouted at for asking too much. In the end they showed me some discarded wooden box saying it was the packaging. And to my horror the date on the batt was 2 months back which means it isn't a new batch and I really want to question why the additional $300 but they were getting a little too aggressive for my liking so decided to leave it as that. The warranty on the battery is subjected to me sending my car there for regular 6 mth servicing but no way I am not going back even If it means to forgo my warranty.

The above is not against any particular shop as some other specialized shop for hybrid may also be exhibiting the same to certain extent but some shop could be worse. But it just goes to show the mentality some of the shops here if they don't feel there is any competitors out there to make them focus more on their services and transparency. On a ending note I would suggesting also monitoring the maturity of the maintenance industry for hybrids as one of the factor to consider as well if not be prepared for the risk of burning good money and getting frustrated both at the same time during maintenance.

Sorry to hear your bad experience. What ride is that? Since they are not cheap did you not consider going back to AD or was it from PI?

[Victor68]

i am no expert but battery is still a big issue. just look at your handphone you would understand.

 

not many workshops know and have the skills set for such cars. it is a direction car manufacturers are targeting for the future.

 

if i have a choice, i woukd avoid till the technology matured. hybrid is still a better choice than elect.

[alikato]

I don't really know if it is worth the switch but imo the servicing of hybrid cars isn't as matured as in the states. Try googling for specialized hybrid servicing workshops and you will get more results for those in US. And probably because of that the few specialized shops here is showing sign of complacency knowing that they can capture the market even with poor standard.

 

Recently i got the dreadful POA80 fault code  and check your hybrid fault light and after searching high/low for a reputable shop decided to go to HEVSHOP at Kaki Bukit due to the numerous good reviews online. What I experienced was totally the opposite in term of transparency, cost and customer services.

 

I went in hope of they being a specialized shop able to offer a cheaper option than the OEM but they shot down my suggestion of reconditions my batt or even swooping with a already recon batt. Their justifications were bad and were flip-flopping along the way just to narrow down my option to buying a new batt which they offered at a price approx the same as the OEM.

 

Left with no choice as they have ready stock I decided to go for a new batt change after considering for 2 weeks and was told that the price is now $300 more due to a new batch that they bought at a higher price.  

 

i was skeptical because the guy think called Simon was trying to pluck a number in his head and didn't want to commit but when I asked for a exact price he settled for $300 more than his initial quote. Scary to think it could have been more... I decided to still go ahead but requested for assurance that the batt will be a new OEM original which I was assured that there will be pictures and data printout provided.

 

However when collecting my car I was shocked to find neither but I insisted on that cos I'm paying good money for an original OEM and I don't think is too much to ask for assurance that it is indeed an original. Was told they forgot to take pic but would run a data test on the "new" batt. I asked for any other thing like a label with serial number or packaging but was shouted at for asking too much.

 

In the end they showed me some discarded wooden box saying it was the packaging. And to my horror the date on the batt was 2 months back which means it isn't a new batch and I really want to question why the additional $300 but they were getting a little too aggressive for my liking so decided to leave it as that. The warranty on the battery is subjected to me sending my car there for regular 6 mth servicing but no way I am not going back even If it means to forgo my warranty.

The above is not against any particular shop as some other specialized shop for hybrid may also be exhibiting the same to certain extent but some shop could be worse. But it just goes to show the mentality some of the shops here if they don't feel there is any competitors out there to make them focus more on their  services and transparency.

 

On a ending note I would suggesting also monitoring the maturity of the maintenance industry for hybrids as one of the factor to consider as well if not be prepared for the risk of burning good money and getting frustrated both at the same time during maintenance.

 

Help you to paragraph and emoticon, no need to thank me..

[Deckbuild]

Actually whats the worry with the Hybrid battery if going towards BM for their hybrid? 10 years warranty, I myself claim once after 160k km 4 years. Brand new batter again and save tonnes of petrol as well.

[leehock13828]

Actually whats the worry with the Hybrid battery if going towards BM for their hybrid? 10 years warranty, I myself claim once after 160k km 4 years. Brand new batter again and save tonnes of petrol as well.

For hybrid cars, i suggest that buyers buy from agents instead of PI. The reason is that the after sales suport for agents is much better and you will definitely need it as not many outside workshops have the skills Edited March 10, 2017 by leehock13828

[Mustank]

Quickly buy hybrid cars!

[L23]

I don't really know if it is worth the switch but imo the servicing of hybrid cars isn't as matured as in the states. Try googling for specialized hybrid servicing workshops and you will get more results for those in US. And probably because of that the few specialized shops here is showing sign of complacency knowing that they can capture the market even with poor standard. Recently i got the dreadful POA80 fault code and check your hybrid fault light and after searching high/low for a reputable shop decided to go to HEVSHOP at Kaki Bukit due to the numerous good reviews online. What I experienced was totally the opposite in term of transparency, cost and customer services. I went in hope of they being a specialized shop able to offer a cheaper option than the OEM but they shot down my suggestion of reconditions my batt or even swooping with a already recon batt. Their justifications were bad and were flip-flopping along the way just to narrow down my option to buying a new batt which they offered at a price approx the same as the OEM. Left with no choice as they have ready stock I decided to go for a new batt change after considering for 2 weeks and was told that the price is now $300 more due to a new batch that they bought at a higher price.i was skeptical because the guy think called Simon was trying to pluck a number in his head and didn't want to commit but when I asked for a exact price he settled for $300 more than his initial quote. Scary to think it could have been more... I decided to still go ahead but requested for assurance that the batt will be a new OEM original which I was assured that there will be pictures and data printout provided. However when collecting my car I was shocked to find neither but I insisted on that cos I'm paying good money for an original OEM and I don't think is too much to ask for assurance that it is indeed an original. Was told they forgot to take pic but would run a data test on the "new" batt. I asked for any other thing like a label with serial number or packaging but was shouted at for asking too much. In the end they showed me some discarded wooden box saying it was the packaging. And to my horror the date on the batt was 2 months back which means it isn't a new batch and I really want to question why the additional $300 but they were getting a little too aggressive for my liking so decided to leave it as that. The warranty on the battery is subjected to me sending my car there for regular 6 mth servicing but no way I am not going back even If it means to forgo my warranty.

The above is not against any particular shop as some other specialized shop for hybrid may also be exhibiting the same to certain extent but some shop could be worse. But it just goes to show the mentality some of the shops here if they don't feel there is any competitors out there to make them focus more on their services and transparency. On a ending note I would suggesting also monitoring the maturity of the maintenance industry for hybrids as one of the factor to consider as well if not be prepared for the risk of burning good money and getting frustrated both at the same time during maintenance.

 

 

FYI, I can be very sure that AD give a better price than from 3rd party in this issue.

You just need to use a bit of your PR skill when doing nego.

Other plus point is they are the AD and you can be sure that the part are genuine (unless you are those type ppl don't trust anyone, you can always go ahead to request for those shipping and purchase document of the new battery)

 

Why I'm so sure?

My uncle recently changed one in AD and they make sure you are around when they open up the new battery.

I kaypo went along.

Btw you should know you can get some discount off the listed price right?

You will be amazed by the discount if you know how to ask.

[leehock13828]

FYI, I can be very sure that AD give a better price than from 3rd party in this issue.

You just need to use a bit of your PR skill when doing nego.

Other plus point is they are the AD and you can be sure that the part are genuine (unless you are those type ppl don't trust anyone, you can always go ahead to request for those shipping and purchase document of the new battery)

 

Why I'm so sure?

My uncle recently changed one in AD and they make sure you are around when they open up the new battery.

I kaypo went along.

Btw you should know you can get some discount off the listed price right?

You will be amazed by the discount if you know how to ask.

The best hybrids will be from toyota. The Koreans Also have hybrids but its a new field of technology for them.

[Victor68]

Actually whats the worry with the Hybrid battery if going towards BM for their hybrid? 10 years warranty, I myself claim once after 160k km 4 years. Brand new batter again and save tonnes of petrol as well.

so you change yours after 4 years. do you expect the replacement to last the balance 6 years?

 

for environment, is replacement of battery a good thing and why battery that suppose to last 10 years need to change in 4 years?

[Deckbuild]

so you change yours after 4 years. do you expect the replacement to last the balance 6 years?

 

for environment, is replacement of battery a good thing and why battery that suppose to last 10 years need to change in 4 years?

 

I sold off my car already.

 

Anyway 10 years warranty, if change already still spoil then change again, since it's covered why care. And if really want to care about environment, go public then. 

 

I wouldn't blame toyota on the battery, I am always trying to squeeze as much mileage out of my prius c previously so I'm always stressing the hybrid battery. 

[Victor68]

I sold off my car already.

 

Anyway 10 years warranty, if change already still spoil then change again, since it's covered why care. And if really want to care about environment, go public then.

 

I wouldn't blame toyota on the battery, I am always trying to squeeze as much mileage out of my prius c previously so I'm always stressing the hybrid battery.

do you ever consider why toyota is willing to replace your battery even they know it is going to fail in 4 years? if I am toyota, I would add in 3 replacement battery cost to the car when i sell it.

[Deckbuild]

do you ever consider why toyota is willing to replace your battery even they know it is going to fail in 4 years? if I am toyota, I would add in 3 replacement battery cost to the car when i sell it.

 

Well, when I bought my Prius C, it cost more than Altis, and it's Borneo that gave the warranty, and already factor in all the replacement cost so just have to suck thumb since I opt for this car. 

[Khng8]

With Uber and taxi companies buying so many hybrids now, who knows if they set up theirnown workshop to service them? And then branch out to service other private owners?

Another revenue source for them.

[Hybridereparation]

Hi, I'm Andy, I'm new here, can anyone tell me are there many hybrid cars in Singapore?

[L23]

Hi, I'm Andy, I'm new here, can anyone tell me are there many hybrid cars in Singapore?

U must be the first to reach sch Everyday.

Friday just end the 1st term.

U already come here to report.

[Hybridereparation]

What are you talking about? I asked a question because I'm seeking answer, if there are many hybrid cars in Singapore. I don't understand what is that have to do with terms and Friday and when I reach my school? If this meant to be funny then I must admit we have cultural diffrence, because I don't get the laughing point.

FYI I'm always late for school.

[leehock13828]

do you ever consider why toyota is willing to replace your battery even they know it is going to fail in 4 years? if I am toyota, I would add in 3 replacement battery cost to the car when i sell it.

That's because the local agent have a reputation to maintain. They are not like those so called specialised hybrid shops that will take you for a ride

[Matrix0405]

Does hybrid car specify the capacity of the battery? HP, powerbank all got specify.