What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

What are the pitfalls of buying a used hybrid?

My mother is looking to buy a Toyota Auris 1.8 VVTi Hybrid T4 CVT Auto (2011 model) with 43,000 miles on the clock. What are the pros and cons of a hybrid this age?

She mainly drives around town on short two mile runs and a 120 mile run every six months. She is in her 70s and needs reliability and low running costs. Will this car fit the bill?

Asked on 29 March 2015 by JBN

Answered by Honest John
There probably won't be anything wrong with it at all. My father has a 10 reg and nothing has ever gone wrong with his. On a life of short runs of just three miles she won't charge the hybrid battery much, though, so she won't be running electric much at all, so her fuel consumption will be that of a 1.8 petrol automatic. She will get 50mpg + if she takes it on longer runs of 15 - 20 miles.
Similar questions
I enjoyed the interesting and informative article on petrol vs diesel in a recent "Motoring". Would it be possible to do a similar article on "Hybrid Cars" comparing say the Toyota Auris petrol with the...
Our vicar is looking to change her eight year old FIAT Punto. She looked at a pre-owned Toyota Auris Hybrid, wanting to go green, but it was an expensive option. She needs an economical five-door with...
I want to buy a small second hand hybrid, budget £7000. What would you recommend?
Related models
Decent combination of ride and handling that might suit some people better than a harder sprung Golf or a Civic. A few inches taller than a Golf of Focus so easier to get in and out.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer