Discussion
Any advice when buying used hybrids, £5-10,000?
I'm looking at Honda CR-Z & Insight and Toyota Prius.
Next Spring I'll be getting a proper car for fun and weekends, but I'm fed up spending north of sixty quid a week on petrol for 100 miles to & from work and local bimbling.
I'm looking at Honda CR-Z & Insight and Toyota Prius.
- Anything in particular to watch for?
- Is there a way to test or verify the battery pack(s)?
- Any model/year to avoid?
- Any advice welcome (except naysayers telling me I should get a diesel
).
Next Spring I'll be getting a proper car for fun and weekends, but I'm fed up spending north of sixty quid a week on petrol for 100 miles to & from work and local bimbling.
If buying pure EV I would say...
Consider cars with a leased battery? (I think Renault but not Nissan, even though they're the same base cars)
Buy approved used that offers x years battery warranty?
Not sure if either of the above are possible on hybrids.
Take it for a looong test drive, see what kind of range/economy you get.
If you're getting 20-30mpgs it's probably naff, if you're getting 50mpg+ it's probably ok.
If the battery is s**ged it won't hold as much charge, won't run pure ev for as long, won't provide as much assist.
You might have to drive several of the same car, in the same manner, to get an idea of how it should be.
Any particular hybrid you were looking at?
PH probably not the best place to ask.
Weird that this has been moved when countless "what car" threads live on in GG.
Consider cars with a leased battery? (I think Renault but not Nissan, even though they're the same base cars)
Buy approved used that offers x years battery warranty?
Not sure if either of the above are possible on hybrids.
Take it for a looong test drive, see what kind of range/economy you get.
If you're getting 20-30mpgs it's probably naff, if you're getting 50mpg+ it's probably ok.
If the battery is s**ged it won't hold as much charge, won't run pure ev for as long, won't provide as much assist.
You might have to drive several of the same car, in the same manner, to get an idea of how it should be.
Any particular hybrid you were looking at?
PH probably not the best place to ask.
Weird that this has been moved when countless "what car" threads live on in GG.
Edited by scarble on Wednesday 22 November 09:43
scarble said:
If buying pure EV I would say...
Consider cars with a leased battery? (I think Renault but not Nissan, even though they're the same base cars)
Buy approved used that offers x years battery warranty?
Not sure if either of the above are possible on hybrids.
Take it for a looong test drive, see what kind of range/economy you get.
If you're getting 20-30mpgs it's probably naff, if you're getting 50mpg+ it's probably ok.
If the battery is s**ged it won't hold as much charge, won't run pure ev for as long, won't provide as much assist.
You might have to drive several of the same car, in the same manner, to get an idea of how it should be.
Any particular hybrid you were looking at?
PH probably not the best place to ask.
Weird that this has been moved when countless "what car" threads live on in GG.
Thanks.Consider cars with a leased battery? (I think Renault but not Nissan, even though they're the same base cars)
Buy approved used that offers x years battery warranty?
Not sure if either of the above are possible on hybrids.
Take it for a looong test drive, see what kind of range/economy you get.
If you're getting 20-30mpgs it's probably naff, if you're getting 50mpg+ it's probably ok.
If the battery is s**ged it won't hold as much charge, won't run pure ev for as long, won't provide as much assist.
You might have to drive several of the same car, in the same manner, to get an idea of how it should be.
Any particular hybrid you were looking at?
PH probably not the best place to ask.
Weird that this has been moved when countless "what car" threads live on in GG.
Edited by scarble on Wednesday 22 November 09:43
scarble said:
Weird that this has been moved when countless "what car" threads live on in GG.
f
king ridiculous! I won't be bothering again. 
Toyotas are generally fine, they've been doing this for 20 or so years now. The rate of battery failure is very low, although there are one or two reconditioning services available now. I believe you can replace individual cells if they do fail, at fairly low cost.
Even if you had to replace the whole battery pack in a Prius, which is close to being unheard of, it's only about the same as a clutch/DMF and a set of injectors in a diesel, if that.
Everything else on the Prius is very simple, very well engineered and just goes on and on. Day to day servicing is cheap.
Just get a Prius and don't worry about it.
I don't know anything about Hondas, other than my mate and my brother both having one (not the Hybrid), and having big reliability problems with them both. That doesn't mean Hondas are not as good, just my anecdotal experience hasn't been great, that's all.
Even if you had to replace the whole battery pack in a Prius, which is close to being unheard of, it's only about the same as a clutch/DMF and a set of injectors in a diesel, if that.
Everything else on the Prius is very simple, very well engineered and just goes on and on. Day to day servicing is cheap.
Just get a Prius and don't worry about it.
I don't know anything about Hondas, other than my mate and my brother both having one (not the Hybrid), and having big reliability problems with them both. That doesn't mean Hondas are not as good, just my anecdotal experience hasn't been great, that's all.
Hi mate!
I own 2006 Prius with 350 thousand km's. I bought it last year so it was old and stty already but it has been reliable car. I drive like 35K km's in a year with this car. If you have something to ask, i try to answer 
Toyota does use old and reliable battery packs and i wouldn't consider an old hybrid/EV with li-ion battery packs. Go and make a long test drive, if the battery will recharge to full/green it will work. It may take some time if the batteries are empty--->drive one way like 30 mins or so, reset MPG calculator and drive same route back to dealership. If the MPG is great and 30mph-70mph performance is about same as 1.6 diesel, car is good to go. If the battery is totally gone, car doesn't run at all.
Battery pack WILL loose some capacity over the time, but it is not that big problem for Prius. It just get little bit worse economy and performance, but still runs great and is economical and easy to drive. Here is Consumer Report test about old gen 2 Prius with 200k miles on it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DRQEusvNis
3rd gen is also very reliable. You should also consider Lexus CT200h, it is a nice car. Prius is roomier and more economical, but Lexus drives better and it has good quality and nice interior. All these Toyota hybrids are cheap to run. My car is my (real) winter beater and i have an old sports car for the summer. Quite good combo.
Did you sell your GT86?
I own 2006 Prius with 350 thousand km's. I bought it last year so it was old and s
tty already but it has been reliable car. I drive like 35K km's in a year with this car. If you have something to ask, i try to answer Toyota does use old and reliable battery packs and i wouldn't consider an old hybrid/EV with li-ion battery packs. Go and make a long test drive, if the battery will recharge to full/green it will work. It may take some time if the batteries are empty--->drive one way like 30 mins or so, reset MPG calculator and drive same route back to dealership. If the MPG is great and 30mph-70mph performance is about same as 1.6 diesel, car is good to go. If the battery is totally gone, car doesn't run at all.
Battery pack WILL loose some capacity over the time, but it is not that big problem for Prius. It just get little bit worse economy and performance, but still runs great and is economical and easy to drive. Here is Consumer Report test about old gen 2 Prius with 200k miles on it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DRQEusvNis
3rd gen is also very reliable. You should also consider Lexus CT200h, it is a nice car. Prius is roomier and more economical, but Lexus drives better and it has good quality and nice interior. All these Toyota hybrids are cheap to run. My car is my (real) winter beater and i have an old sports car for the summer. Quite good combo.
Did you sell your GT86?
Edited by LasseV on Wednesday 22 November 11:55
scarble said:
Weird that this has been moved when countless "what car" threads live on in GG.
fking ridiculous! I won't be bothering again. I think this section was created for the countless "what car" threads that people got fed up of looking at in GG.But never mind - it might be worth asking in the EV and Alternative Fuels section of the forum. If I were looking, I'd probably be looking at Toyota or Lexus as they seem to have the best reputation - batteries don't appear to be a massive concern.
Thanks all.
Apart from the Prius, I'm not keen on the Toyota hybrid range. Lexus CT200h is a good shout though.
Drawn to the CR-Z at the moment and can't find many negatives, but they were never big sellers.
PS Didn't know this forum exists, let alone EV and Alternative Fuels. Added to my favourites.
Apart from the Prius, I'm not keen on the Toyota hybrid range. Lexus CT200h is a good shout though.
Drawn to the CR-Z at the moment and can't find many negatives, but they were never big sellers.
PS Didn't know this forum exists, let alone EV and Alternative Fuels. Added to my favourites.
I had an Auris for the last 3 years. Prius running gear in a practical little Estate body.
It was actually remarkably good, incredibly smooth although the gearless transmission takes a little bit of getting used to.
It also flew under the radar massively, no one noticed it, which I rather liked.
It was actually remarkably good, incredibly smooth although the gearless transmission takes a little bit of getting used to.
It also flew under the radar massively, no one noticed it, which I rather liked.
I was *upgraded* to a Yaris Hybrid when I was on holiday in Italy in September.
It was very frugal - I was able to get up to 80mpg, and down near 50mpg when trying. The drivetrain worked well in the urban streets of Piacenza, but was a miserable experience on the open road.
I had a Suzuki Ignis 1.2 (90bhp) as a courtesy car the following week and found it a superior drive in every way. I was easily able to get over 50mpg on a run, seeing 75mpg at one point (despite a slight increase in altitude). There are also mild hybrid variants, which are slightly more frugal and have slightly more low speed torque.
In your position I'd look at the Swift (probably previous gen 1.2) and the CRZ. Both will be far more enjoyable to drive than a Toyota hybrid.
It was very frugal - I was able to get up to 80mpg, and down near 50mpg when trying. The drivetrain worked well in the urban streets of Piacenza, but was a miserable experience on the open road.
I had a Suzuki Ignis 1.2 (90bhp) as a courtesy car the following week and found it a superior drive in every way. I was easily able to get over 50mpg on a run, seeing 75mpg at one point (despite a slight increase in altitude). There are also mild hybrid variants, which are slightly more frugal and have slightly more low speed torque.
In your position I'd look at the Swift (probably previous gen 1.2) and the CRZ. Both will be far more enjoyable to drive than a Toyota hybrid.
gweaver said:
I was *upgraded* to a Yaris Hybrid when I was on holiday in Italy in September.
It was very frugal - I was able to get up to 80mpg, and down near 50mpg when trying. The drivetrain worked well in the urban streets of Piacenza, but was a miserable experience on the open road.
I had a Suzuki Ignis 1.2 (90bhp) as a courtesy car the following week and found it a superior drive in every way. I was easily able to get over 50mpg on a run, seeing 75mpg at one point (despite a slight increase in altitude). There are also mild hybrid variants, which are slightly more frugal and have slightly more low speed torque.
In your position I'd look at the Swift (probably previous gen 1.2) and the CRZ. Both will be far more enjoyable to drive than a Toyota hybrid.
Both are MEH cars too, but Prius is vastly more roomier and hence much more practical daily runner. It was very frugal - I was able to get up to 80mpg, and down near 50mpg when trying. The drivetrain worked well in the urban streets of Piacenza, but was a miserable experience on the open road.
I had a Suzuki Ignis 1.2 (90bhp) as a courtesy car the following week and found it a superior drive in every way. I was easily able to get over 50mpg on a run, seeing 75mpg at one point (despite a slight increase in altitude). There are also mild hybrid variants, which are slightly more frugal and have slightly more low speed torque.
In your position I'd look at the Swift (probably previous gen 1.2) and the CRZ. Both will be far more enjoyable to drive than a Toyota hybrid.
LordGrover said:
Drawn to the CR-Z at the moment and can't find many negatives, but they were never big sellers.
GF has got one and loves it.They're not that quick and a bit noisy BUT ...It's different looking (I personally like it), and good to drive (compared to the only other hybrid I've driven, a Toyota Auris).
She's had no issue at all in 2 years (it's a 10 plate)
Edited by Bat28 on Thursday 23 November 21:17
LasseV said:
Did you sell your GT86?
Yep, that went in February - replaced by Z4 which I'v just chopped in for the CR-Z. 
Bat28 said:
GF has got one and loves it.
They're not that quick and a bit noisy BUT ...It's different looking (I personally like it), and good to drive (compared to the only other hybrid I've driven, a Toyota Auris).
She's had no issue at all in 2 years (it's a 10 plate)
Drove from Honda Reading to Bristol in it - M4 closed J12-13 so quite a circuitous route taking two hours! Thoroughly enjoyed it. They're not that quick and a bit noisy BUT ...It's different looking (I personally like it), and good to drive (compared to the only other hybrid I've driven, a Toyota Auris).
She's had no issue at all in 2 years (it's a 10 plate)
You're right, there is more road/tyre noise than ideal, but it's fun to drive. Not quick by any means - especially after p/xing for my Z4 35i DCT. Nonetheless - as warm hybrid hatchbacks go, it has a decent chassis and handles pretty well.
I have a Jazz Hybrid that I've owned for nearly two years now. Flawless reliability and great economy are the boons as I just wanted something simple and practical for doing my work and shopping runs.
It's far from an exciting drive but I really enjoy it. It turns out great economy and is quite plush and refined for a smaller car. It's got the same drivetrain as the Insight, which uses an electric motor coupled with a CVT. The car can run in an electric-only mode on a light throttle (the dash display indicates what the battery and engine are doing and displays 'EV' when it's in EV mode). Unlike the Toyota system, it can't be set to run on electric power only, as the Honda system relies on conditions being met. However, if the power demand is low it'll run on EV mode at over 60mph for considerable distances, like down a long hill. The petrol engine cuts in seemlessly when the electric motor can't provide enough power. The system in the contemporary Prius was rather more advanced but to little practical gain other than being able to run in EV mode at the push of a button.
If my wife didn't have a diesel Civic, which is also very good, I would probably have bought an Insight or CR-Z for her.
It's far from an exciting drive but I really enjoy it. It turns out great economy and is quite plush and refined for a smaller car. It's got the same drivetrain as the Insight, which uses an electric motor coupled with a CVT. The car can run in an electric-only mode on a light throttle (the dash display indicates what the battery and engine are doing and displays 'EV' when it's in EV mode). Unlike the Toyota system, it can't be set to run on electric power only, as the Honda system relies on conditions being met. However, if the power demand is low it'll run on EV mode at over 60mph for considerable distances, like down a long hill. The petrol engine cuts in seemlessly when the electric motor can't provide enough power. The system in the contemporary Prius was rather more advanced but to little practical gain other than being able to run in EV mode at the push of a button.
If my wife didn't have a diesel Civic, which is also very good, I would probably have bought an Insight or CR-Z for her.
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