Police Warn Of New Auto Scam Targeting Hybrid Batteries!

If you stay behind the wheel of your hybrid car long enough, then you can easily save yourself money thanks to your improved fuel economy. Unfortunately, a busted hybrid battery will eat into those savings, and fast. Buying a hybrid battery replacement can cost you thousands of dollars, up to $4,000 for certain makes and models. For some hybrid drivers, the cost of a new hybrid battery replacement sends them looking for cheap alternatives.

And some of those hybrid drivers will find cheap, used hybrid battery replacements on Craigslist for a fraction of the price. While that might seem like a good deal at first glance, there’s a major reason to avoid these too-good-to-be-true hybrid batter replacements. According to Forbes, there’s a roaring trade in stolen hybrid batteries online, and often stolen batteries end up on Craigslist, where thieves can avoid a paper trail that could attract police scrutiny.

In June of 2015, Forbes reported that “used units often sell for around $500-$1,000 via Craig’s List on the Internet. That’s a lot more than a street dismantler could hope to get from a recycling center, and it avoids a paper trail for law enforcement to follow.”

If you go looking for hybrid battery replacement deals online, you could end up inadvertently supporting the illegal trade in stolen auto parts. Plus, there’s no way to ensure the battery you’re buying will actually perform as advertised. And if the battery was damaged during it’s illegal liberation, then good luck trying to get your money back from a crook.

So before you go looking for used hybrid batteries, double check to see if you have an existing hybrid battery warranty on your busted unit. Many states require hybrid vehicles to include warranties for up to 150,000 miles. And even if you can’t find a warranty, your new (lawfully obtained) hybrid battery replacement will come with a warranty. At the very least, you can ensure you’ll be covered in the future should you experience issues with your new hybrid battery replacement.

Another advantage of replacing a hybrid battery the right way? Hybrid battery replacements often come with improved features and fuel economy, meaning your hybrid could perform better than ever.