Small 5 door hybrid

ver01@

ver01@

ver01@

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Looking to buy a second hand one. Not planing to keep it more than 2-3 years. Are the batteries of older models ok or should I avoid any car older than 5 years?
 
Toyota Auris and the Lexus CT200h are both worth a look. Basically the same car, the Lexus tends to be better specced but has a harsher ride. Mine was good for the time I had it.
 
Stay away from the Yaris Hybrid. 1.5L petrol mated to a eCVT gearbox is the definition of hell. Had one as a hire car (an upgrade I was told!!) and I think lucifer himself must have designed it. Any incline and straight to full revs. Overtaking is slow and loud. If you intend to drive it around a town, it might be ok. Otherwise avoid. I now fully understand CVT hatred.

Interesting when you mate it to a 3.5L V6, it is okay and works unless you plan to take it on a track.
 
Was just having a look at the Yaris. Crossed off list now :p

Does the CT200H share any parts with the Yaris?
 
I think there has to be a compelling reason to buy one of these cars - for me it was very low company car tax and decent lease deal. Otherwise there are probably better all round cars for the same money to deal with the compromises that one of these hybrids presents (e.g. CVT gearbox).
 
My old man is on his second Auris Hybrid. He likes it. Not for me, I'll stick with a smog belching EU4 derv child killer™. ;)

I can understand why people don't like the CVT box. Can get a bit raucous when making progress.
 
I've driven a Yaris hybrid and I have to agree the experience of the acceleration & smoothness was pretty poor.

However, the Toyota Auris hybrid is the same car as the Lexus CT200h hybrid and their CVT engines are much smoother. I have driven the CT200h and its worlds apart from the Yaris. Admittedly I have not driven the Auris myself.

I drive a 2008 Prius hybrid and had it from almost knew (8,000 miles on the clock), with over 136,000 miles on the clock currently. In that time I have had no problems with the hybrid battery. In-fact about 2 years ago my normal car battery failed and I could no longer start the car. However on the second attempt, the hybrid battery started the car for me. (I assume this was the case, as the central locking, lights etc were all dead). Replaced the car battery same week at a cost of £80. Other than normal servicing and occasion of random vandal damage, it’s the only thing I had the replace so far.
 
How about a Kia Niro ? Hybrid with a DCT transmission ? Might be a bit too big though. I have driven one and it feels more 'acceptable' than a CVT if that bothers you.

Also i have driven all the 3 mentioned Yaris Hybrid , Auris Hyrid , CT200h F-Sport , and the best of the lot was the CT200H. Even better is the IS300H , but that doesnt ticket the small requirement at all as it is a saloon.
 
aren't plug in hybrids better? so you have the best of both. rather than a battery you charge whilst driving. you use electricity until it runs out then use fuel. so for short trips all you use is electricity and for longer trips you use mainly fuel with a bit of electricity when you stop to top up and when you set off.
 
Renault Zoe op. Just hand your man card in though when purchasing and don't forget to put a bag over your head so your friends can't see you driving it :p
 
If you’re doing over 15,000 miles per year, a full EV car like the Zoe or the Leaf can easily save you £100 per month in fuel alone compared to petrol or diesel. That includes accounting for the increased electric bill and that assumes your current car returns on average 60 MPG over the year. Your mileage may vary of course.

My next car will be a full EV. Currently waiting for the Leaf gen 2 release with the 40KW battery (and much better looks). I will certainly not miss my weekly visit to the petrol station.

Plus with the money saved you can afford to have a nice 'weekend' car ;)
 
The saving is about £60-£110 per 1000 miles, depending on your current car's MPG, plus the VED saving on top.

My Zoe costs me sod all TBH. About £200/year above what I was spending (before repair bills) on a clapped out Suzuki Swift with a knackered gearbox. And I don't do huge mileage.
 
MagicBoy said:
My old man is on his second Auris Hybrid. He likes it. Not for me, I'll stick with a smog belching EU4 derv child killer™. ;).

I can understand why people don't like the CVT box. Can get a bit raucous when making progress.
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There's a few pitfalls with CVT/dual clutch gearboxes that most people don't know about. They are really designed for high performance cars and crawling in traffic shortens the life of them a lot. But manufacturers put them in everything because it's convenient for them.

This guy explains the difference quite well:
 
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We have had a leaf for the last 18 months pcp cost the same as the fuel bill for the mondeo V6 . Perfect for Milton Keynes as initial acceleration is brisk.
 
Nasher said:
There's a few pitfalls with CVT/dual clutch gearboxes that most people don't know about. They are really designed for high performance cars and crawling in traffic shortens the life of them a lot. But manufacturers put them in everything because it's convenient for them.

This guy explains the difference quite well:
Click to expand...

Nothing to do with Toyota HSD.
 
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