Any advice on buying a hybrid?

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JoeBloggs844

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#154726 5-Nov-2014 19:24

Hello all, I'm new here. I've introduced myself at the introductions column, so don't you worry.

Ever since learning about hybrid/electric cars i've been seriously interested in buying one. They seem too good to be true. I'm planning to save up and buy, but I just don't know the best place to look. I imagine there are heaps of sellers willing to take advantage of those who are planning to buy one for too cheap a price. When I see a new, low km, <2000cc Prius for 11k, onroad costs included, I figure I must be overlooking some important factor.

Who here has experience with buying, selling or owning a hybrid, and if so, do you have any tips for me?

nakedmolerat

4629 posts

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#1169511 5-Nov-2014 19:50

Give the exact details of the car you're interested

ckc

321 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1169518 5-Nov-2014 19:56

Don't? :P

They can take decades to pay for themselves. The actual gas mileage is just as bad as comparative diesels or small engined petrols (those batteries are really heavy). And what happens to those batteries at the end of the life cycle is still a huge unknown. And depending on what you use it for, you might use the engine more than the batteries, which cancels out the fuel savings.

I'm sure hybrid owners can extol the benefits of owning them though.

JoeBloggs844

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1169519 5-Nov-2014 19:56

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/toyota/auction-794828238.htm

Not this car specifically, but along this range...

Inphinity

2780 posts

Uber Geek

#1169541 5-Nov-2014 20:27

The batteries in most Hybrids I've seen are anywhere from $2k - $5k to replace, so bear that in mind as a maintenance thing. The 'expected' lifespan seems really variable (probably more to do with charge/discharge cycles than actual distance travelled), I have seen an older but lightly-driven Prius need a new battery at 60k kms, but others on their original battery at 120k.

nakedmolerat

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#1169545 5-Nov-2014 20:37

Inphinity: The batteries in most Hybrids I've seen are anywhere from $2k - $5k to replace, so bear that in mind as a maintenance thing. The 'expected' lifespan seems really variable (probably more to do with charge/discharge cycles than actual distance travelled), I have seen an older but lightly-driven Prius need a new battery at 60k kms, but others on their original battery at 120k.

Not true. A friend just bought himself a hybrid (Honda), the battery only costs him $750. My advise to op, try do a bit of homework and find out the cost of battery, service etc.

Sideface

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#1169547 5-Nov-2014 20:41

I drive a 2012 Honda hybrid.
It is a pleasure to drive in the city.
Quiet and smooth.
Petrol consumption is very low - I fill the tank once a month.
The downside - very expensive to buy (new), with rapid devaluation - not economic to run unless you do high mileage (which I don't).
If you do low mileage, buy a small conventional car.

Sideface

Mattnzl

281 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1169569 5-Nov-2014 21:23

We bought our 2005 Prius with 70,000km on the clock and it's just nearing 200,000km now.
Still on the original battery, and given that most taxi drivers get 300,000+ out of them I expect the body will be "shopping trolley" dinged to death long before the battery karks it!

Maintenance? Umm, spark plugs, oil & filters, tyres are about it. Still on the original brake discs and pads! (hardley get used due to regen braking). Cam chain motor.
The original Prius (Toyota Echo/Platz shape with the boot) did have crap batteries (basically slightly modified "D" cells (F cells??)). As long as you get the 2004+ Hatchback shape they are well sorted.

Having said that, when we bought it there was nothing anywhere near as cheap to run for that size car and at that Jap import price. There are a lot more options for cheap to run cars around now.