Is it worth buying a 10 year old hybrid
I personally wouldnt buy one unless youve an independent nearby who specialises in Lexus/hybrid/prestige brands. These arent big sellers and most independent garages will have never worked on one let alone have any specialist tools or diagnostic equipment.
Surely, if it is one of the more mainstream Lexus hybrids (IS, RX, GS etc) any Toyota dealer would be able to service it?. After all, the self charging hybrid system works in exactly the same way on both brands. In fact, isn't a RAV4 hybrid mechanically identical to a Lexus IS300H? (I know the CT200H is exactly the same under the skin as a Prius or Auris hybrid, but from what I remember of the OP's previous post, he was more interested in a bigger car).
Just remember though that battery packs degrade rapidly past 7yrs of age and replacement isnt economically viable on a ten year old car. Economy wont come close to matching advertised figures, often youll just be towing a heavy hybrid power train and power pack around for little benefit on a ten year old car.
As for (hybrid system) battery degradation, researching online suggest there is no specific age or mileage this can start to happen, it just depends on how the car has been used (though it certainly can last up to to 200k miles). However, because a self charge hybrid looks after its battery much better than an EV or PHEV, and, as mentioned, Lexus will warrant the battery up to 15 years subject to the annual health check, I don't think there would be too much to worry about on a 10 year old car with full Lexus history.
(should the worst happen)I can't find out what a replacement battery actually costs (assuming it can't be repaired), but seeing as we are talking about a hybrid rather than an EV (therefore the battery isn't actually that big), surely it can't be that expensive relative to the battery on an EV?. Also, a 10 year old Lexus hybrid can go for more than 15k, so with both of those factors in mind, is it really going to be uneconomical to replace the battery?.
As an interesting(?) alternative, there are YouTube video's showing that replacement of a Lexus (IS300H) hybrid battery pack is eminently doable for someone reasonably competent at DIY. Most importantly, there are very clear instructions on how to discharge the high voltage wiring system (then how to check that it actually has!), other than that, just nuts and bolts really, along with some electrical connectors (lifting the battery out from the boot is a 2 man job).
A good friend has a 2009 Toyota Prius and it barely hits mid 40s to the gallon average which is barely better than my petrol 2010 Toyota Avensis estate.
Unsurprisingly, one of the tell tale signs of battery degradation is poor (or poorer) mpg as obviously the battery isn't contributing as much as it should. This would appear to be the case here, the real mpg section of this website suggests a Prius of that age should do 10mpg+ more than your friend is getting.
Edited by badbusdriver on 25/07/2021 at 10:38
Is Buying A Used Toyota Prius Worth it?
Is Buying A Used Toyota Prius Worth it?
You can save with a used Toyota Prius model. But is it worth it? See what you should know before buying a used Toyota Prius.
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The Toyota Prius is the most popular green car. It outsells a variety of electric vehicles in the U.S., making it a pretty compelling option to buy new and used. However, what do you need to be concerned about when purchasing a used Toyota Prius?
Is buying a Used Toyota Prius a good idea?
First of all, you should know that there are a ton of used Toyota Prius models in circulation, proving tons of options. However, the Toyota Prius holds its value well, with the lowest depreciation value out of all green cars.
This means that you might not find the best bargain on a used Prius, but its also less of a risky investment. If you discover that the Prius isnt for you, then it should be easy to flip to get your money back.
Used Prius model buying tips
Before signing for your new to you Toyota Prius, give it a lengthy test drive to see if you like how a hybrid vehicle feels. Some people are thrown off by how quiet the motor is and the disconnect between the engine speed and road speed.
Then consider the battery warranty. Youll need to know this information according to your home state. The Prius battery warranty could be for eight years or the first 100k miles, or in California, its 10 years or the first 150k miles.
The warranty protects you against a failing battery pack, which could cost between $2,500 to $3,000 to replace. But it doesnt protect against the slow decline of power, so your Prius may use more gas as the battery stores less power.
But, this isnt a significant concern. The nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is one of the less frequently replaced parts of the Toyota Prius. One owner of a 2004 Toyota Prius racked up over 100k miles and still manages to receive 42 mpg after 10 years.
Then you need to decide which generation you want and to watch for problem years:
- The first-generation Toyota Prius, from 2000 to 2003 is smaller and slower.
- The second-generation Prius from 2004 to 2009 are a better bet, depending on which model year you choose.
- And the third-generation Toyota Prius that began in 2010 has a better fuel economy.
Based on CarComplaints, we can see which used Toyota Prius models have the most issues. Actual drivers use the site to report problems that have occurred with their vehicles. So, lets look at the worst used Toyota Prius years.
The worst used Prius years
The 2010 Toyota Prius looks like it has received the most complaints in recent years. Its the most concerning used Toyota Prius model. Wow, 150 drivers reported engine problems with this model.
One major engine problem includes the excessive consumption of oil, and another involves speed control issues.
The 2016 Toyota Prius has significantly fewer issues, but more problems have been reported compared to other recent years. Several drivers reported windshield issues.
Apparently, the windshields in the 2016 Toyota Prius are prone to easily cracking. Interior accessory issues were reported as well.
The 2011 Prius is another corning model year. It has over 214 complaints about brake problems. There are reports of brake failure on bumpy roads or after hitting potholes. There are also complaints of hitting the brakes causing the vehicle to lurch forward.
Used Cars: The Most Satisfying 10-Year-Old Hybrids
Hybrids use an electric drive that augments the gas engine. They can glide on electric power at low speeds, and they typically yield phenomenal fuel economy. Unlike plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, hybrids dont need to be charged, so theres no need to change your routine. The hybrid battery gets charged by the gasoline engine, as well as regeneration from coasting and braking.
To help guide members in their selection, we balance our own extensive testing with surveys in which we ask members to share their experiences with their cars. Many cars beguile when new, but will they hold that charm after several years of ownership? Reliability, comfort, and ease of use of the controls play a big role in how someone regards a car over time.
We combed through our data to find the 2012 models most people said they would buy again, including models in the small, midsized, and large sedan and SUV categories. We picked models known for strong reliability and fuel economythose that are the most likely to provide years of relatively trouble-free service.
All of these models carry our Green Choice designation, which highlights the vehicles with the cleanest emissions.
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