Used Prius/Auris Hyrbid/Lexus CT200h

[Otispunkmeyer]

Looking for a car that will just get me to work, in ease and comfort. 30 miles each way, mix of roads.

I have been looking at all-sorts and now its the turn of the hybrid. I've driven Auris Hybrid's before and seen 50-55 MPG out of the type of driving I will be doing. This is just fine.

As far as I am aware, these things are fairly bomb proof. But anything to look out for in particular?

I was hoping to consider a MKII Prius as a sort of cheap work hack but I got worried about batteries at 10+ years old. Do they need refurbing/changing? Failing that more recent Prius/CT200 models can be had for around £10k between 6-8 years old.

I could go for a Volt/Ampera but dealer support for these things seems extremely thin on the ground, so am a bit wary even if during the summer I could likely get by with not using a drop of petrol (got Pod Point chargers at work).

Any input and considerations welcome.

[DJP31]

If you’re only looking for 30 miles and have charging facilities as well why not something like a Leaf or Zoe?

[Otispunkmeyer]

DJP31 said:

If you’re only looking for 30 miles and have charging facilities as well why not something like a Leaf or Zoe?

Driven a ZOE, not sure I'd want to do 60 miles a day in it to be perfectly honest. Already drive a short small car and I think something with a longer wheel base would be best. Leaf is worth a look I guess, but it'd be nice to be able to use it on longer journeys too.

I have, as part of a previous job, done a fair bit of research on the leaf (and have also driven them a fair bit too, they are decent). I would of course just be worried about batteries; their life span and keeping them in condition and of course moving the car on again.

Potentially whatever I buy could be getting sold on again in approx. 2 years, so I guess the battery thing isn't too critical. But I'd be more confident of moving a Prius on than a Leaf. I'll take a look at what is around on AT though, can't hurt.

Charging at work was free until last week! missed the boat there... they're starting to charge £1/hr. I think the posts are 7kW jobs so potentially it would be £2/day there and similar at home. Costing me 15p a mile at the moment which is more like £4.50 per trip, £10 a day. So potential saving there in fuel cost.

[Otispunkmeyer]

Ok you've got my attention on these....What do you think the sweet spot is for a used one. There are a number of 2015 models near me for < 12K. Failing that, there are then some of 2011 vintage. Important to get one with the 6.6kW charger as I have a 7kW wall charger at home and of course they have them at work (I could also be cheeky and plug into the workshop for free! haha).

[colin79666]

The CT200h is a nice place to be, especially a 2014 facelift that took the edge off the suspension hardness (still a firm ride). I’ve got one and return over 50mpg on a mostly dual carriageway 25 mile commute. Servicing is a bit pricey and every 10k miles but otherwise running costs are low and as it uses the Prius running gear it should be very reliable.

[Merry]

Otispunkmeyer said:

Ok you've got my attention on these....What do you think the sweet spot is for a used one. There are a number of 2015 models near me for < 12K. Failing that, there are then some of 2011 vintage. Important to get one with the 6.6kW charger as I have a 7kW wall charger at home and of course they have them at work (I could also be cheeky and plug into the workshop for free! haha).

Think you'll need a mk2 Leaf if you want the 6.6kw charger.

That's probably narrows it down but saying that we've got a Mk1, it was £7k. Charges slower and range isn't as good but is fine for us. £5k is a decent sum to save!

We did get it from a Nissan dealer with a 2 year warranty. I have heard horror stories about the electric handbrake on the Mk1.

[rednotdead]

colin79666 said:

The CT200h is a nice place to be, especially a 2014 facelift that took the edge off the suspension hardness (still a firm ride). I’ve got one and return over 50mpg on a mostly dual carriageway 25 mile commute. Servicing is a bit pricey and every 10k miles but otherwise running costs are low and as it uses the Prius running gear it should be very reliable.

Similar - I picked up a 2014 CT200h. Average 55+mpg over a tank without trying, mix of A, B roads and M4. Have a service plan which helps. Dealers are ace, car is very well made (better than the W204 C Class I came from), but specs are weird. I went with Luxury which gave me leather but no sat nav (use phone, the lexus sat nav is pants). In 2 years it has done the job, it's not the most exciting car but on the right road it is very quiet and refined, it doesn't handle too badly, but it aint quick. You need to learn to drive it, and once you've adjusted to smooth throttle inputs it just seems to gather pace. Anything over 80 canes your economy though and it is only a small tank.

As a tool it's great and it serves my needs. As an only car - not so sure.