[elhigh]

The only way to judge condition is to pull and translate codes if it's showing an IMA light, assume it's more or less okay if it isn't, or take the IMA pack apart and test the sticks individually.

I think if you find an HCH1 that isn't showing the IMA light, then it's on a replacement pack or the owner is actively managing the system. The Honda BMS isn't as conservative as the Toyota, and the internal sub-packs of batteries ("sticks") in the IMA pack can fall out of calibration with each other, and the BMS has to re-equalize them. As the pack gets older this happens more often and eventually they can't equalize. That's when you get the code.

If it's an HCH1 on its original pack with no IMA light showing then the owner is almost certainly actively managing the pack and babying it along. That's actually a little reassuring, it suggests the owner recognizes the value of keeping older equipment running, and the maintenance in other areas is probably up to date.

New packs with greater capacity are available for around $2000 from Bumblebee. If you find someone dumping an HCH1 with a cooked IMA pack but in otherwise good condition for cheap, that could be a decent option.

You mentioned weight. Your HF sets the bar there,,that's impossible to beat with new cars. But my HCH1 weighs about 2660 pounds. Nearly a ton more than your HF but about 300lbs lighter than my Prius, and lots lighter than most other cars on the road.