Used hybrid

[Mr Dumpster Stache]

I am looking at trying to find a used plug-in electric next year. I'm seeing a lot of civics and priuses, but I'm wondering what I should be looking for as far as mileage. At what point do the batteries stop working? Will these cars live to see more miles then their all gas counterparts?

Thanks for the help, or even links to previous threads on this topic.

[Mother Fussbudget]

For plug-in electrics, they're expensive, and don't pencil in for most people unless, 1) price of gas goes up from $3.50/gallon, or 2) electricity is very cheap in your area.  Since I've owned two (2x) Priuses (pri'i?), I can only speak with confidence about that model hybrid.  In my gen1 Prius, I got 42mpg.  The gen3 gets 45-48mpg regularly.

As for what to expect from the battery... on a Prius it depends on the model you're talking about, and whether we're talking about the OEM/primary battery, or after-market "plug-in-modification" battery packs.

OEM batteries:  The gen1 Prius had many battery recalls.  I replaced my 2003 gen1 Prius's primary battery after 100K miles, and all is right with the world (my son drives this today).  On my 2010 gen3, I'm at 85K miles, but I'm expecting to get 200K out of it before it needs replacing.  Not sure if this article might be helpful, but have a look - YMMV.

The after-market plug-in hybrid battery packs are a different beast.  I haven't done this myself, as I can't make the numbers work with my budget.  I might be tempted to do it if I could find a solution for around $3K, but the current kits seem WAAAY over priced to me ($5-8K for a DIY conversion!).  It might be better to buy a used Nissan Leaf - even having an older gas car (Toyota, Honda, Nissan or equiv) for long distance trips.

Let us know what you end up doing.

[Emg03063]

  I might be tempted to do it if I could find a solution for around $3K, but the current kits seem WAAAY over priced to me ($5-8K for a DIY conversion!).

There is a kit on the market starting at $2k here:  http://www.enginer.us/

I'd buy a used Prius and do this myself, but I can't justify the ROI with my current 1.5 mi bike commute. :p

[CCCA]

  I might be tempted to do it if I could find a solution for around $3K, but the current kits seem WAAAY over priced to me ($5-8K for a DIY conversion!).

There is a kit on the market starting at $2k here:  http://www.enginer.us/

I'd buy a used Prius and do this myself, but I can't justify the ROI with my current 1.5 mi bike commute. :p

I'd hold off on the conversions.  I looked into this awhile ago but if you read the priuschat forums, you'll see nothing but problems with components.  It's not really a plug and play system and the market is not big enough for the companies making these kits to spend alot of effort into quality control.