Are Used Hybrids a Good Buy?

I’m first-time car shopping with a $20k budget, and my mom is insisting I get a hybrid. She believes hybrids are more reliable (she’s had a 2014 Prius with 170k miles that’s only ever needed oil changes). I’m a bit skeptical—yes, hybrids have fewer moving parts, but they can develop age-related issues that cost thousands to fix.

I’m looking at models like a 2014 Avalon Hybrid or a CT200h, but I’ve heard mixed opinions on hybrid reliability as they age. My mom’s Prius has been great, but I don’t know if that’s typical or just lucky. Does anyone have experience with older hybrids? Any big repair issues to watch out for?

Toyota hybrids are often more reliable than their gas counterparts due to their eCVT, which doesn’t have the wear-prone parts of a traditional CVT. Batteries usually last 15-20 years if the car is driven regularly. I’ve got a 2008 Prius with 300k miles on the original battery. Just make sure you change the coolant on schedule to protect the electric coolant pumps.

@oddah
It’s eCVT, not CVT.

ricdiamond said:
@oddah
It’s eCVT, not CVT.

Fair point. When I say ‘hybrid CVT,’ I’m including eCVTs.

@oddah
This gives me hope! I’m buying a 2012 Camry Hybrid with 100k miles, and I’m a bit worried about the battery needing replacement. Fingers crossed!

I have a 2008 Prius with 336,000 miles. It’s super reliable. We call her Ruby Red. Every Lyft and Uber passenger is shocked by the mileage! This is our fourth Prius with over 300,000 miles. My 2015 Camry Hybrid also had 234,000 miles before it got rear-ended. Toyota hybrids are so reliable, they’re the only hybrids allowed as NYC cabs.

Stick with a Camry or Corolla.

DolphGabbana said:
Stick with a Camry or Corolla.

Can’t find a hybrid within budget, and my mom thinks gas is less reliable.

vanice said:

DolphGabbana said:
Stick with a Camry or Corolla.

Can’t find a hybrid within budget, and my mom thinks gas is less reliable.

Hybrids may need more maintenance as they age, especially if the battery or charging system has issues. Have you looked into a used Avalon? I recently bought one, and it’s been great.

@Gia
Looking at the Avalon—might as well go upmarket if I can’t get the latest tech in my budget.

A 2014 CT200h will likely need a head gasket replacement if it hasn’t already. Why shop luxury for a first car? Go for a Prius, Camry, or Corolla. Hybrid battery age is more of an issue than mileage.

Nidra said:
A 2014 CT200h will likely need a head gasket replacement if it hasn’t already. Why shop luxury for a first car? Go for a Prius, Camry, or Corolla. Hybrid battery age is more of an issue than mileage.

We were looking at newer Camrys, but they’re a bit over budget. I figured if I’m going older, might as well get something upmarket.

@vanice
Camry trims vary, so you can still get a nice experience without going luxury.

Nidra said:
@vanice
Camry trims vary, so you can still get a nice experience without going luxury.

True, but the LE was stretching my budget. Going for a bit more comfort in an older model seemed like a good trade-off.

Nidra said:
A 2014 CT200h will likely need a head gasket replacement if it hasn’t already. Why shop luxury for a first car? Go for a Prius, Camry, or Corolla. Hybrid battery age is more of an issue than mileage.

Agreed.

Lots of misinformation from non-hybrid owners here. Worst case with a hybrid is a dying traction battery, which just lowers your MPG. If you’re looking at fuel costs, hybrids can be a good first car—550 miles per tank in a Prius vs. around 300 miles in a regular car like a 2015 RAV4. Battery replacement is also relatively affordable and easy.

One thing to consider: buying an older hybrid means you’ll have fewer years of fuel savings before it may need battery or system maintenance. But if you plan to drive it into the ground, a new battery could be worth it in the long run.

@Mickey
Battery isn’t my biggest concern; I’m more worried about head gaskets, brake boosters, or the transfer case. My mom’s 2014 Prius still has the original brake and transmission fluid, as well as both coolants, so I know a lot can be left unchecked. I’d probably get my money’s worth from a new battery if I go that route.

@vanice
Batteries don’t usually last much beyond 100k miles, which is the warranty limit. A replacement will cost a lot—definitely something to think about.

Owen said:
@vanice
Batteries don’t usually last much beyond 100k miles, which is the warranty limit. A replacement will cost a lot—definitely something to think about.

A Green Bean battery replacement with labor is about $3k, roughly the cost of a new transmission. Most batteries last around 250-350k miles or 10-15 years before you see any real issues.