Fresh-Out-of-School Conundrum - Used Hybrid or Not?
 

I just graduated from college (May '10), and am looking for a job. I do not have a job yet, but I have some leads. In the mean time (while not preparing for interviews etc.) I am researching things like the cost of apartments near where I'd be working, what kind of internet services I can get, and oh yeah--a car!

My primary concern right now is whether used hybrids should even be a consideration based on concerns about battery durability. I'm not even worried about money right now, it's a question of whether a used hybrid with 50k, 75k miles is even worth looking at from a reliability standpoint.

My top candidates are the Toyota Prius (big surprise) and the Ford Escape Hybrid. Yes, I'm aware that leather interiors are antithetical to the point of a hybrid, but I want that too. That drives up the price, so I better be pretty sure those batteries aren't going to leave me sitting in a leather-trimmed push-cart.

Thoughts?

How long does a Toyota Prius battery last? How much does it cost to replace one? - Yahoo! Answers

Its not even really an issue on Toyotas. The Hondas have more problems. Also, there is at least one place (hybridbatteryrepair.com) that can rebuild your pack for you should you happen to get a bad one. But last I read less then .5% of Toyota packs have been replaced.

This is what I was looking for. Do you have a source for this?

It's not a big deal for Hondas. If you're handy, you can refurbish the battery yourself for $100-300.

Even if a hybrid doesn't save you money in the long run at current prices, it's still fun to own. Plus, if the price of gas does rise, you'll be ready for it. I'm glad I bought my hybrid.

The point is, I should not fear used hybrids, then?

Correct. Some of the early dedicated hybrid models are especially well built, as well. Perhaps you should fear them even less than a same-year Corolla. Also, it's a safe bet that the previous owner drove gently and cared about his car.

A quick google search found this article. It looks like it was written ~2008.

Hybrid Batteries: None the Worse for Wear?

I agree with RobertSmalls though, I'd have no reservations buying a used hybrid (and I didn't when I bought my used 04 Prius last year).

Err... Why do you think that? Seems to me they fit right in. An interior that's all plastic/synthetic uses lots of fossil carbon, one made of wood & leather (and other natural fabrics) doesn't.

Supposedly (according to people who may have an agenda of their own--being vegetarians and all that), since leather requires cows to be raised, then slaughtered, it drives the CO2 footprint of the hybrid up. I don't personally have any proof one way or the other--it's just an assertion thrown at me whose truth I cannot immediately discern.