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Smooth customer - looking for the right auto

I like smooth quiet automatic cars and only do about 6,000 miles a year. I am thinking of buying a 5 or 6-year old Toyota Prius with 100,000 miles on the clock to keep the purchase price down. What do you think about these cars and should I be worried about the hybrid battery?

Asked on 19 September 2010 by TR, via email

Answered by Honest John

I'd go higher mileage and newer for the same money. Mileage doesn't harm a Prius and actually keeps its battery in a better state of charge. Toyota is seeing Prius run as taxis with 400,000 miles. But ride quality does not match the quietness of the drivetrain.

Tags: automatics buying hybrid refinement medium cars advice

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

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