Used hybrid market- Largest HOV sedan?

[easythereturbo]

Up to this point I've been unwilling to go hybrid because of my wants of a manual transmission and large passenger compartment. Have been sticking with standard sedans, but maybe HOV access would get me to finally give up the manual. On the used market is there any HOV access hybrids cars that offer enough room for a family of five? What is my best bet? From what I've researched so far something like a $20k 2008 Lexus LS600h does not qualify due to mediocre economy.

I have been looking the new hybrid Pacifica also, but I prefer a car to a minivan or SUV/crossover. Also would prefer to keep it under 20k rather than the 40k of the Pacifica. So I have been looking at any used candidates. But with no luck there. The 2nd gen Volt with 5 seats is smaller than ideal for family use.

Any ideas appreciated. I hope this is the right sub fourm for this post!

[easythereturbo]

From what I'm seeing Camry and Accord looks like the extent of my options. Anybody thinks of options I'm overlooking, please post.

[MobilOne]

Camry and Accord are also 5 passenger sedans.

[vskid3]

There's the Ford Fusion, not sure if it has HOV access. There's also the Chevy Malibu, but I didn't see many for under $20k in a quick search. The Prius V (and maybe the regular Prius) might be big enough, depending on where you need the room.

[easythereturbo]

Right, I'll check those out. If the volt doesn't have the space, the fusion energi or accord plugin should do great. I've basically been running sedans how most families run their minivans, for carting 3 kids around with their stuff. Its worked out well so far sticking with big "midsize" sedans. At the volt, civic, jetta size, I'm worried I'd regret that afterwards. Kids are not getting any smaller..

I'll have to check out the Cmax too. Looks like the used options start getting interesting around 2013 model year. Not much before that.

[Magister]

Don't forget the Sonata Hybrid, easy to find one at less than $20k. Looks for 2013+ as they have better/lighter batteries.

[easythereturbo]

Update on my "family minivan-ish hybrid car search" search. May be of use to somebody in a similar search.

2nd gen Volt back seat is inadequate for regularly rolling 5 deep. Pacifica hybrid still well out of my price range, didn't win lotto yet. Used hybrids hold more value than I am comfortable paying for with aged bats. My uncle just got a Bolt. I am impressed. It is FAST. I may lease a Bolt or eGolf instead of buying a used hybrid. Still need to test drive that VW.

Was thinking about getting one of the old beaters running and forget this whole deal. But you know if the lease is cheap enough on a full electric it may be basically the same cost figuring in gas/maint. The extra safety factor of a not-old car would be nice too..

[vskid3]

I'm curious why you're considering an eGolf along with a Bolt, with the Bolt having 3x the range and being quicker (test driving a Bolt put a huge smile on my face).

I think you're worrying about the reliability of hybrids a little more than necessary, it really doesn't take much to keep most of them running. It does sound like the interior space of the Bolt would work out better for you, and you would lose any maintenance worries/costs associated with the gas engine.

[Fat Charlie]

I'd keep my manual and get one of these:

Hybrid Emblem | eBay

[RedDevil]

If your choice of a manual sedan is for the comfort of rear passengers, give the Prius III a chance.
It is not a sedan and it is not a manual, but it is really spacious in the back and really comfortable. And it gets 50 mpg without trying.

I know someone who flies all over the world and has been in all kinds of cabs.
He prefers a Prius cab over anything else, including Audi A8 and Mercedes S class.
The room in the back is hardly any less than the S class and the HSD gearbox stays smooth no matter how hard the driver tries to manhandle it; there is no gear change hump, ever.

A colleague of mine had frail parents and in-laws to ferry. He test drove a Prius on my insistence, while looking for completely different types of cars. But he bought it, to his own amazement.

I'm biased btw - against Toyota, having owned 5 Hondas and 0 Toyotas.
But the Insight, while adequate, is not spacious. It seats only 2¾ in the back.