No matter what anyone tells you, a reconditioned battery is inferior to a new battery. Reconditioned batteries are typically assembled from components that are already 10+ years old and have anywhere from 80,000 to 200,000+ miles on them.
Here at Phoenix Hybrid Batteries, we have a very high bar for components used in a battery that carries our name in what is arguably the harshest environment in the country for these batteries. If those criteria can't be met, those components aren't used. Period.
We’ve had many batteries last 5+ years; however, we’ve had the occasional warranty, but most last 2-3 years. THAT should be the the expectation, and that’s what we recommend for perspective when weighing new vs. reconditioned.
Lastly, regardless of what you get for a replacement battery, please, please, please do not buy the “new” cells that are made in China. They are “D” cells adapted from the aftermarket batteries installed in Honda hybrids, and they are VASTLY INFERIOR to new Toyota batteries as well as a quality reconditioned battery.