Opinions on used hybrids

[jltabot]

Hybirds aren’t normally my first choice when I think of buying my next vehicle but work is paying me a stipend to drive one.

I’m looking for a vehicle with:
- a reasonable/comfortable amount of space (I’m 6’ 4”)
- hybrid, duh
- isn’t a dud to drive (current ride is an 03 Honda Civic SIR)
- reliable
- budget is 15-30k

I know nothing about having to replace those hybrid batteries (or cost associated) so any insights would be much appreciated.

I’m doing my best to avoid the Prius or something similar.

Top listers right now would be a used Lexus RX or RAV4 but wanted to know what else could be a decent option.

[RZRSHARP_SVX]

Toyota hybrid batteries have a low rate of failure in my experience. For the Highlander and RX the hybrid battery is about 6000 plus labour.

It all depends on how much space you need. I prefer driving the rxh but the highlander is pretty much the same thing just a little bigger.

[craigcd]

Have you looked at the actual $ value saved vs. non-hybrids? Depends on the vehicle I am sure, I have looked at Camry vs. Camry Hybrid and both are very economical cars to drive, I would chose the standard engine and likely benefit from lower maintenance cost and better resale (assuming people are scared to buy a used hybrid down the road). That's my take on it anyway. Looking at SUV's the cost savings might be better with a hybrid and make it more favorable.

[jltabot]

It’s not about a hybrid vs non-hybrid debate and which choice is more economical. I could just continue driving my car but I also don’t want to miss out on the free cash to drive a hybrid. My car is getting pretty old too so an upgrade would be nice haha.

[ExtraSlow]

Hybrid Tahoe FTW!
83014

[craigcd]

Hybrid Tahoe FTW!

In a past life when I was in fleet management we put a handful of GM 1500 hybrids into O&G fleets. Total hassle and zero cost savings.

- - - Updated - - -


It’s not about a hybrid vs non-hybrid debate and which choice is more economical. I could just continue driving my car but I also don’t want to miss out on the free cash to drive a hybrid. My car is getting pretty old too so an upgrade would be nice haha.

Im sure the fuel cost is more economical on the hybrid. I would question the total lifecycle cost though....

[born2workoncars]

Lexus GS450h meets or exceeds all your criteria

[C4S]

Lexus GS450h meets or exceeds all your criteria


Second that ... awesome vehicle that people overlooked it ... (but it is RWD, which is fine if you are a good driver with a set of good snow tire)

[craigcd]

Second that ... awesome vehicle that people overlooked it ... (but it is RWD, which is fine if you are a good driver with a set of good snow tire)

I actually had to look it up and I am big Toyota/Lexus fan. Super clean one listed in Edmonton at the moment. Seems very close to a ES350/IS350/Camry in terms of body size......

I still think the additional cost you would pay to purchase a GS450H which is well above a ES350/IS350/Camry of the similar year/KM would never be offset by fuel savings.

Really depends what you are looking for I guess.

[jwslam]

I know nothing about having to replace those hybrid batteries (or cost associated) so any insights would be much appreciated.

I see what you did there...

I have nothing to add but I'm also interested in this topic.

[rage2]

It's $4-8k to replace a hybrid battery depending on size/vehicle. That's OEM, there are aftermarket companies that will do it for 1/2 of the price.

This is for Toyota, not sure about other brands.

[revelations]

Lexus GS450h meets or exceeds all your criteria

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2007-lexus-gs-gs-450h-sedan/1352929829?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

[C4S]

I changed from GS350 to GS450 ...

Gas mileage from 12 to 7.5 .. real driving gas mileage..(not so great gas mileage when -35c last winter.lol)

[jltabot]

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2007-lexus-gs-gs-450h-sedan/1352929829?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Perfect candidate but the color isn’t ideal

[C4S]

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2007-lexus-gs-gs-450h-sedan/1352929829?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true


This is a good one with good price, in general speaking, for Calgary driving, Toyota/Lexus hybrid battery should be good for 12+ year/200,000 km, and around $5K to replace, so this one should be good for few more year, unless it was US model.

I rarely see local car with hybrid battery have issue, mostly US car, from Taxes etc Hot area ... heat is the biggest challenge for the Hybrid battery, (and moisture) so, they are good for Calgary.

I like the GS450 over the GS350 is not just the gas mileage, but the performance, noticeable quicker car, and sit almost an inch lower. (RWD with the big battery at the rear, so not too bad on snow)

:)

[Mostwanted]

How many kms do you usually last in a tank with the 450H? I was planning to get one before settling with a Rav4 just cause of the awd factor, but the V6 on these things arent that great on gas, and I usually over do it with studded tires in the winter anyways.

[revelations]

Perfect candidate but the color isn’t ideal

Can always vinyl wrap (2-3k) if the price is right.

[C4S]

How many kms do you usually last in a tank with the 450H? I was planning to get one before settling with a Rav4 just cause of the awd factor, but the V6 on these things arent that great on gas, and I usually over do it with studded tires in the winter anyways.

That part, I didn't pay attention, I have the new current version GS450H, which suppose to be new and better hybrid system compare to the older one, and according to Lexus, 25% better gas mileage (8.7L per 100km vs 6.4L per 100km official number) but in real life, hardly to the 6.4L per 100km (unless I only go Tim Horton...) but I am not going to complain 7.5L/100 with glenmore, deerfoot, winter etc driving ...

[rage2]

That part, I didn't pay attention, I have the new current version GS450H, which suppose to be new and better hybrid system compare to the older one, and according to Lexus, 25% better gas mileage (8.7L per 100km vs 6.4L per 100km official number) but in real life, hardly to the 6.4L per 100km (unless I only go Tim Horton...) but I am not going to complain 7.5L/100 with glenmore, deerfoot, winter etc driving ...
Your numbers are wrong. It’s 7.5L city and 8.4L highway. Aren’t you my Lexus sales guy? :rofl:

Hybrids aren’t really anything special on the highways.

[C4S]

Your numbers are wrong. It’s 7.5L city and 8.4L highway. Aren’t you my Lexus sales guy? :rofl:

Hybrids aren’t really anything special on the highways.

7.5L city 8.4L highway is the old GS450H gas mileage, new one suppose 6.2 and 6.5 ... (very gentle driving .. )

[bjstare]

I looked into older Lexus RX hybrids when we were car shopping. Found a bunch cases online about the inverter (IIRC) going, and it's an outrageous cost to fix. Explained why there's a $5k discount to get a hybrid RX compared to a normal 350.

More direct answer to OP's question... I wouldn't buy an off warranty hybrid.

[Darkane]

I reccomend an RLX if you stretch the budget. Soft spot for those cars

[dirtsniffer]

Neighbor had to replace the batteries in their highlander. Cost about 5k

[revelations]

I looked into older Lexus RX hybrids when we were car shopping. Found a bunch cases online about the inverter (IIRC) going, and it's an outrageous cost to fix. Explained why there's a $5k discount to get a hybrid RX compared to a normal 350.

More direct answer to OP's question... I wouldn't buy an off warranty hybrid.

That inverter failure was generally covered under recall/warranty. Just check to see if the vehicle had it done.....it was apparently reliable after wards.

[jltabot]

Are there better hybrid systems over others. What about GM, Subaru, Kia, etc? I’m assuming battery technology should be more or less the same or am I out to lunch?

[C4S]

https://www.autobytel.com/hybrid-cars/car-buying-guides/the-most-reliable-hybrids-128956/

I guess that tell you something ... not mean to hard sell Lexus/Toyota .. (8 of top ten rating hybrid are Lexus/Toyota, but one Honda, and one Lincoln...)

When talking about Hybrid, Toyota/Lexus is the King!

[craigcd]

https://www.autobytel.com/hybrid-cars/car-buying-guides/the-most-reliable-hybrids-128956/

I guess that tell you something ... not mean to hard sell Lexus/Toyota .. (8 of top ten rating hybrid are Lexus/Toyota, but one Honda, and one Lincoln...)

When talking about Hybrid, Toyota/Lexus is the King!

Surprised Prius was so low on the list.......

[J-hop]

Surprised Prius was so low on the list.......

I think in the real world the Prius actually isn’t very good on gas. Friend is a courier and says his Honda Fit gets better gas mileage than his courier company’s Prius and the fit has more useable space for carrying stuff even though it’s shorter.

And in terms of reliability I’ve heard not great stories about battery longevity

[ExtraSlow]

Answer is always Honda fit.