HCH 3rd Gen - Any Good?
 

Is the 3rd gen HCH any good? I've read a lot about Gen I and Gen II Civics having notoriously bad batteries. I'm looking for a hybrid for a friend and Civics are pretty cheap compared to a Prius, but if they aren't reliable I'm not interested (since I end up doing all the repairs).

So far the C-Max hybrid is at the top of my list, but they are still expensive.

Did the Fit come in hybrid form, and if so, is it any good?

She prefers a hatchback, but it isn't a requirement. Low overall cost of ownership and reliability are important. Hoping a hybrid will have a more durable transmission too, since she's rough on 'em.

The third gen is the worst of the three.

Except if you get the post-liion changeover, those are supposedly much better, reliabiltywise.

HCH3 = 2012+ with Lithium batteries. I have no specific reliability information, but I would expect them to be better than all previous Civics or the G1 Insight. Probably on par with the G2 Insight and CR-Z.

HCH2 is 06-11, but they changed the battery in 09:
2006-2008 battery failed about 16% after 7-8 years
2009-2011 battery failed about 30% after 3-4 years

Nope. :( If the answer to those questions was yes, I would likely have one.

Most of Honda's hybrids with automatic transmissions are conventional belt CVTs (I believe that everything in her price range will be that style). I don't know how they would hold up to your friend's wonky driving. I think an eCVT like in Toyota and Ford's hybrids would hold up best.

What's her budget? G2 Insights have reliable batteries, and you can usually get one with well under 100k miles for under $7000.