There are many parts in any car that cost just as much, if not more. A coworker complained once that he was charged more than $1K for a plastic bumper for his import. Besides, the $3,400 is for the new battery under warranty. How much would anyone pay for a used battery, with unknown provenance? How many owners of hybrids are so poor that they have to buy parts from vendors in a dark alley?
$1000 to a repair shop is reasonable.
“There are many parts in any car that cost just as much,”
But they aren’t as easy or quick to remove.
“They are worth 3,400 bucks,”
Some are worth that in used but good condition. Some new are much more.
“How much would anyone pay for a used battery, with unknown provenance?”
How many would buy a stolen Rolex? Or if by chance you were thinking condition, easy to test. Also there is around a thousand dollar core charge on them as they can be rebuilt.
“How many owners of hybrids are so poor that they have to buy parts from vendors in a dark alley?”
More than you would imagine. And I would venture a guess some salvage yards out there wouldn’t ask on a quick money maker.
Those cars are going to depreciate dramatically when the batts approach their expected lifespan.