General advice, Hybrid buyer

Whelo79

Hi all. Currently in the market for a new car as the wife's 00 Toyota Yaris that she loved (which ran like new and never gave us a day of bother) had the catalytic converter stolen off it on Friday. The repairs will cost more than the car is worth so it's prompting her to finally go for an upgrade.

Neither of us have shopped for a hybrid before so I am just looking out for some recommendations, things to look for, things to avoid. We would be looking at picking up something second hand (aprx 12-15k) and can't go full electric as we are in an apartment and wouldn't have charge facilities.

Any help/advice is appreciated.

Keith186

Gen 3 Prius 2011 or later is generally recommended for >€10k budget. Some 2010’s supposedly can have expensive electrical problems.

However you may have the same problem with the catalytic converter, I know Gen 2 ones are easy to take (2 minute job) so research if Gen 3 is any more secure.

Gael23

Would take a look at the Yaris hybrid since she likes the Yaris.

Shefwedfan

Any reason not to look at full electric now?

Del2005

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Any reason not to look at full electric now?

They are in an apartment and the public system is not fit for purpose.

Shefwedfan

Del2005 wrote: »

They are in an apartment and the public system is not fit for purpose.

Really need to wake up in morning:p:p:p

PaulRyan97

If she previously had a Yaris then a hybrid Yaris is probably the best buy, like this one. Plenty of them on the market in your price range and they're very economical, maybe 55mpg average.

If she wants something larger a Prius would be nice, the MK3 has a catalytic converter that's harder to steal.

zg3409

What distance is daily commute?

Hybrids are generally only efficient for slow city rush hour driving. Personally if I were you I would get a non hybrid Yaris. You can weld brackets over the catalytic converter either DIY or buy premade modules.

A prius isn't a bad car, but the old yaris are bullet proof. Get an 05 one for 800 euro and move on, or buy one for 300 euro and swap over the exhaust.

Whelo79

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated. Some good suggestions here so far.

Journey times would be relatively short, living in Dublin and travelling to city centre. Monthly trips across the M50 to visit parents and the odd road trip for a weekend away. The old Yaris was doing about 10,000km a year.

Whelo79

How does something like this rate? She likes the look of this.

https://m.carzone.ie/used-cars/Toyota/Prius-1.5-HYBRID---PRIUS-AQUA-COMPACT--/202004078881811

Shefwedfan

Why not Lexus CT200h?

Nice car and way better interior, hybrid and lovely to drive

Whelo79

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Why not Lexus CT200h?

Nice car and way better interior, hybrid and lovely to drive

That could be an option too, thanks for that. Is it known for being a reliable model!

Shefwedfan

Whelo79 wrote: »

That could be an option too, thanks for that. Is it known for being a reliable model!

Its a Toyota. But with Lexus interior. Its the exact same hybrid engine as in the Toyota, the engine is a little bit more refined but the interior is a serious step up to standard Toyota

corks finest

Whelo79 wrote: »

How does something like this rate? She likes the look of this.

https://m.carzone.ie/used-cars/Toyota/Prius-1.5-HYBRID---PRIUS-AQUA-COMPACT--/202004078881811

The aqua isn't near as frugal as you'd think

corks finest

Whelo79 wrote: »

That could be an option too, thanks for that. Is it known for being a reliable model!

Good but not frugal,I'd look at a Honda fit hybrid to get space , reliability and small but huge inside

Hellrazer

Honda Insight or Fit. Cant really fault them.Would fall nicely into your budget.

Whelo79

corks finest wrote: »

The aqua isn't near as frugal as you'd think

Frugal in what way? More expensive to run? Less reliable?

Hellrazer

Whelo79 wrote: »

Frugal in what way? More expensive to run? Less reliable?

Not as fuel effiecient for a hybrid as you would think.

Miscreant

Whelo79 wrote: »

Frugal in what way? More expensive to run? Less reliable?

It uses the older 1.5 litre engine which was less fuel efficient than the later 1.8. Reliability is still good though.

You could take a look at an Auris Hybrid either. Plenty of those around at your budget. Same platform as the CT200h but more space in the rear, I find the CT to be quite cramped in the back although I agree with others that the interior is nicer.
I've owned an Auris hybrid for 6 years now and it has never needed anything other than servicing in that time.

Shefwedfan

Miscreant wrote: »

It uses the older 1.5 litre engine which was less fuel efficient than the later 1.8. Reliability is still good though.

You could take a look at an Auris Hybrid either. Plenty of those around at your budget. Same platform as the CT200h but more space in the rear, I find the CT to be quite cramped in the back although I agree with others that the interior is nicer.
I've owned an Auris hybrid for 6 years now and it has never needed anything other than servicing in that time.

The OP didn't mention kids or boot space so thats why I thought of the Lexus.


But you are 100% correct, it is limited in space in back/boot. I didnt notice the back mind you myself but the boot was not massive :P

ELM327

If its the same HSD 1.5 engine/powertrain that's in the mark2 prius then I agree it's not nearly as good as the 1.8 that succeeded it. We have a mark 2 prius and it's difficult to beat 45mpg in real world driving (i can get 65+ with hypermiling)

corks finest

zg3409 wrote: »

What distance is daily commute?

Hybrids are generally only efficient for slow city rush hour driving. Personally if I were you I would get a non hybrid Yaris. You can weld brackets over the catalytic converter either DIY or buy premade modules.

A prius isn't a bad car, but the old yaris are bullet proof. Get an 05 one for 800 euro and move on, or buy one for 300 euro and swap over the exhaust.

I drive easy ( 2 nd hybrid) and you change your driving habits once you go hybrid,my Honda insight never leaves me down,
on a Honda forum ( insight central )
Lots of them reach up to 300,000 mile's no problems,just maintenance,one has a recorded 408,000 miles plus
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rogerp
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Joined Dec 12, 2010 · 17 Posts
Discussion Starter • #1 • 10 d ago
Well, here we are. It's been a while, ok several years, since I've checked in here but my 2010 Honda Insight has now topped 408,000 miles. I'm no longer driving the distance I used to but the car still manages to run great and get me to work daily. Ok, almost great, the other day it jus

corks finest

zg3409 wrote: »

What distance is daily commute?

Hybrids are generally only efficient for slow city rush hour driving. Personally if I were you I would get a non hybrid Yaris. You can weld brackets over the catalytic converter either DIY or buy premade modules.

A prius isn't a bad car, but the old yaris are bullet proof. Get an 05 one for 800 euro and move on, or buy one for 300 euro and swap over the exhaust.

I drive easy ( 2 nd hybrid) and you change your driving habits once you go hybrid,my Honda insight never leaves me down,
on a Honda forum ( insight central )
Lots of them reach up to 300,000 mike's no problems,just maintenance,one has a recorded 408,000 miles plus

Hellrazer

corks finest wrote: »

I drive easy ( 2 nd hybrid) and you change your driving habits once you go hybrid,my Honda insight never leaves me down,
on a Honda forum ( insight central )
Lots of them reach up to 300,000 mile's no problems,just maintenance,one has a recorded 408,000 miles plus

I love the Insight...but Im biased and work for Honda

Ive gotten over 60 mpg out of it on one drive...now I think I held up the whole village but it was scary how frugal it is.
Its my wifes car and she had a Kia Sportage Diesel 2008 before the Insight and she was lucky to get 30mpg out of it.She was putting 160.00 + of diesel a month into it. Now with the Insight she can get away with 50 euros a month on average if shes just travelling into work and home.

Tax is only €170 a year,her insurance went down by around 90.00 euros.

Saving of almost 2k a year just on running costs.

corks finest

Hellrazer wrote: »

I love the Insight...but Im biased and work for Honda

Ive gotten over 60 mpg out of it on one drive...now I think I held up the whole village but it was scary how frugal it is.
Its my wifes car and she had a Kia Sportage Diesel 2008 before the Insight and she was lucky to get 30mpg out of it.She was putting 160.00 + of diesel a month into it. Now with the Insight she can get away with 50 euros a month on average if shes just travelling into work and home.

Tax is only €170 a year,her insurance went down by around 90.00 euros.

Saving of almost 2k a year just on running costs.

My es insight makes the 60 mpg,but my older 2010 made up to 67 no sweat,
My current insight has all the options etc heated seats etc ,so it's less frugal ( heavier) but an Uber reliable comfortable car
I'm going for another next car,or a Prius

Whelo79

Thanks all, some really helpful info here. Going to arrange to go up to airside motors and check out some of these models.

corks finest

Whelo79 wrote: »

Thanks all, some really helpful info here. Going to arrange to go up to airside motors and check out some of these models.

Declan Gill motors santry has shed loads and he's a v decent guy , travelled up from Cork to deal with him

ELM327

I bought 2 cars there ( a fiesta and an mg zr) over the years, cheap cars if you know what you're looking at you'll get a bargain. Just don't expect a flashy showroom and coffee on arrival!

corks finest

ELM327 wrote: »

I bought 2 cars there ( a fiesta and an mg zr) over the years, cheap cars if you know what you're looking at you'll get a bargain. Just don't expect a flashy showroom and coffee on arrival!

Straight ppl,99 percent of his stock now are all jap import hybrids,low mileage,good warranty

Whelo79

He's actually just around the corner from me and I have seen a couple of cars there of interest too. Thanks for the recommendation.

Shefwedfan

ELM327 wrote: »

I bought 2 cars there ( a fiesta and an mg zr) over the years, cheap cars if you know what you're looking at you'll get a bargain. Just don't expect a flashy showroom and coffee on arrival!

Ahh I am old now. Gone is the days of going from one showroom, well you couldn't really call them showrooms, to another doing a deal


Now I like to walk in, have a lovely receptionist bring me a cool drink and then the salesman do his thing in a ncie suit :P:P:P:P:P:P

corks finest

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Ahh I am old now. Gone is the days of going from one showroom, well you couldn't really call them showrooms, to another doing a deal


Now I like to walk in, have a lovely receptionist bring me a cool drink and then the salesman do his thing in a ncie suit :P:P:P:P:P:P

That's exactly how the Celtic tiger trained the silly Billy's,
Come in sir,sit on this luxurious leather jobbie,taste the divine coffee,smell the newness of the motor,
PS you're obviously paying for all this sir, but it's nice is in not?

Shefwedfan

corks finest wrote: »

That's exactly how the Celtic tiger trained the silly Billy's,
Come in sir,sit on this luxurious leather jobbie,taste the divine coffee,smell the newness of the motor,
PS you're obviously paying for all this sir, but it's nice is in not?

Oh I know I pay for it.....


I am not saying a bad thing about the man in a caravan....I got some cracking cars over the years. But I do like the luxuries in life now

zg3409

zg3409 wrote: »

What distance is daily commute?

Hybrids are generally only efficient for slow city rush hour driving. Personally if I were you I would get a non hybrid Yaris. You can weld brackets over the catalytic converter either DIY or buy premade modules.

A prius isn't a bad car, but the old yaris are bullet proof. Get an 05 one for 800 euro and move on, or buy one for 300 euro and swap over the exhaust.

It balances out, what hybrids loose at higher speed they gain at slower speeds and in town.

For Petrol Automatics, they are pretty good on Petrol. My 2007 MK II Prius used to get around 840 Kms on around 40 Litres of Petrol. Decent size car, automatic and above all, not a rattle box diesel.

I agree the MK I prius will go forever, amazing cars but noisy as hell on the motorway.

At least the Prius has a lot more power than a yaris they are dead dangerous pulling out at junctions onto main roads same as any low HP car.

corks finest

corks finest wrote: »

Good but not frugal,I'd look at a Honda fit hybrid to get space , reliability and small but huge inside

I drove a honda fit when my Mother was looking for a new car, absolute rubbish.

Avoid like the plague.

The Toyota's are far better built but I would look for something a bit better than yaris, Prius, good size, good economy and decent power.

Honda fit Hybrid had no power. It rattled and squeaked, I drove a few and the quality is shocking.

beauf

Maybe off topic and a bit rambling...but its Harry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVFJUxeGFAE

KCross

beauf wrote: »

Maybe off topic and a bit rambling...but its Harry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVFJUxeGFAE

Not a bad discussion but he has made the classic mistake of comparing the gCO2 of a power station and what comes out the back of an ICE car.... as if the petrol/diesel arrived in the fuel tank at 0gCO2.

Its a pointless comparison. You have to include all the CO2 from exploration, drilling, refining etc and add that in and on the EV side add in the battery manufacturing etc.

Basically, well-wheel analysis not pump-wheel. That analysis has been done and posted on the forum many times at this stage.


And its not all about CO2 either. Its about local emissions too.

beauf

I should have clarified, he's been testing EVs and hybrids for a while. The hybrids suited him best. Local trips mostly but a couple of long journeys usually at the weekend. So a hybrid with a large enough battery for local trips. Thought that was interesting. Then the musing on different types of of vehicles. The rest of it is a bit meh.

corks finest

Whelo79 wrote: »

He's actually just around the corner from me and I have seen a couple of cars there of interest too. Thanks for the recommendation.

Welcome

Whelo79

Just to let you guys know we have gone for a 141 Prius, 5dr, 1.8l, 92,000km for 12k. Happy enough with that, and so is the wife and that's what really matters haha!

Thanks again for all the input.

Whelo79

Whelo79 wrote: »

Just to let you guys know we have gone for a 141 Prius, 5dr, 1.8l, 92,000km for 12k. Happy enough with that, and so is the wife and that's what really matters haha!

Thanks again for all the input.

Best of luck with it.

It's a decent car and should get 4.0L 100 km out of it handy enough especially in the warmer weather when the engine doesn't have to come on in colder weather to heat the cabin.

Your Wife won't ever want a car with gears and clutch again.

Driving hybrid takes a little learning to get the best out of it.

Enjoy.

corks finest

Whelo79 wrote: »

Just to let you guys know we have gone for a 141 Prius, 5dr, 1.8l, 92,000km for 12k. Happy enough with that, and so is the wife and that's what really matters haha!

Thanks again for all the input.

Keep on top of the CVT/gearbox oil whatever the Prius uses

adunis

Don't do it,just buy another I.CE.
Hybrids worst of both worlds,should all be burned etc etc,my views of them haven't changed......

zilog_jones

corks finest wrote: »

Keep on top of the CVT/gearbox oil whatever the Prius uses

Toyota say it doesn't need to be changed ever, but many owners change every 100k miles or so. Toyota Genuine ATF WS is what to use.

ELM327

adunis wrote: »

Don't do it,just buy another I.CE.
Hybrids worst of both worlds,should all be burned etc etc,my views of them haven't changed......

Agree 100%

adunis

adunis wrote: »

Don't do it,just buy another I.CE.
Hybrids worst of both worlds,should all be burned etc etc,my views of them haven't changed......

ELM327 wrote: »

Agree 100%

Lads, the budget is limited in this case other than that I would recommend a fully electric car but at this price you'd only get a Nissan Leaf with degraded battery and very limited range ans slow charging at a fast charger.

The difference between ICE/Hybrid to EV is night and day.

The Hybrid is likely the better option in this case and a much better option, in my opinion than a manual gearbox , noisy diesel with a poor torque band.

I drove the MK II Prius for around 170,000 kms and it was a great car, decent size, automatic petrol with good economy.

What hybrids loose on the motorway they gain on slower roads and town driving.

zilog_jones

zilog_jones wrote: »

Toyota say it doesn't need to be changed ever, but many owners change every 100k miles or so. Toyota Genuine ATF WS is what to use.

Yep, I had my gearbox oil changed around 100,000 kms, based on independent oil analysis done by members on the U.S prius forum. Glad I did too.

Has anyone really heard of oil in an engine or gearbox that never needs to be changed ?

Remember, the electric motors live in this oil too and it's a good idea to change the oil. It doesn't cost a lot but it's not a DIY job. Nor is the Coolant.

ELM327

Deleted User wrote: »

Lads, the budget is limited in this case other than that I would recommend a fully electric car but at this price you'd only get a Nissan Leaf with degraded battery and very limited range ans slow charging at a fast charger.

The difference between ICE/Hybrid to EV is night and day.

The Hybrid is likely the better option in this case and a much better option, in my opinion than a manual gearbox , noisy diesel with a poor torque band.

I drove the MK II Prius for around 170,000 kms and it was a great car, decent size, automatic petrol with good economy.

What hybrids loose on the motorway they gain on slower roads and town driving.

We have a mark 2 prius, herself has it as our second car for about 3 years now. Great car but the CVT is very noisy and it doesnt get great MPG (45 in normal driving, equates to about 42mpgE if on diesel, using cost equivalence).


A diesel with stop start will do better.
But to be honest for such small mileage I'd be in a lazy v8 lexus or e38 bmw that will outlive us all.

colm_mcm

ELM327 wrote: »

We have a mark 2 prius, herself has it as our second car for about 3 years now. Great car but the CVT is very noisy and it doesnt get great MPG (45 in normal driving, equates to about 42mpgE if on diesel, using cost equivalence).


A diesel with stop start will do better.
But to be honest for such small mileage I'd be in a lazy v8 lexus or e38 bmw that will outlive us all.

Do you know why the Prius is doing so badly compared to other peoples mpg?

I know of someone who was saying they could drive it like they stole it and get 55mpg, 65 otherwise.

zilog_jones

Deleted User wrote: »

Has anyone really heard of oil in an engine or gearbox that never needs to be changed ?

I'm sure there are many manual gearboxes out there that have never seen an oil change, and these have many more moving parts than what's in a Prius transaxle. There's nothing equivalent to the friction of a torque converter slipping, belts in traditional CVTs, or inevitable wear and tear of selecting manual gears.

Sure oil analyses have been done, they show it's contaminated, but what we don't know is what that really means for the durability of the components.

zilog_jones

colm_mcm wrote: »

Do you know why the Prius is doing so badly compared to other peoples mpg?

I know of someone who was saying they could drive it like they stole it and get 55mpg, 65 otherwise.

Because he's talking about a Prius that was a new model in 2003. Your figures would be more inline with what you can get with the 3rd generation Prius ('09-'15). Very much depends on driving conditions and driving technique too.