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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Gone Fishing on January 28, 2015, 12:05:44 PM

Title: Buying a hybrid with a bad battery?
Post by: Gone Fishing on January 28, 2015, 12:05:44 PM

I have heard a few accounts of people buying hybrids with bad batteries for cheap with no intentions of replacing the battery.  Basically like backing up to the early 80's when you could actually buy a 60 hp car if you wanted one.  Acceleration is poor, but basic performance is acceptable and gas mileage is still good (40+ in the small sedans).  Not sure if it would be possible to ditch the battery altogether for weight savings and additional MPG.  Any thoughts? 

Title: Re: Buying a hybrid with a bad battery?
Post by: zoltani on January 28, 2015, 01:16:21 PM

I just did this, bought a honda civic hybrid 2003 that supposedly will need a new battery within the next year or so. That is based on time and mileage. The honda dealer said it will run like a gas engine if the battery fails, but through my research I have learned that there is no alternator. The hybrid battery charges the regular battery, used to start the car. My understanding is that you can only drive it until the regular battery dies then you would not be able to start the car. Maybe this is specific to hondas?

So far the hybrid battery seems to be doing OK. It still charges and holds a charge, but I do a lot of highway driving.