Toyota/Lexus Hybrids? Any experience?
 

Well, my wife just picked up a used 2010 Lexus HS250h with 80,000kms on it. Through and through, it's very nice. Luxurious, it's a Lexus after all. I love the nav system. The car is very high end as it's a Lexus.

But being a hybrid, it has a battery cell. And well, batteries eventually extinguish. To replace one is like $8000. But I'm reassured by many people that the battery should last the life of the car. Is this true?

Are Toyota/Lexus hybrids pretty bulletproof? Because the last thing I want happening to us is having to drop $8000 for a battery replacement.

Anyone here own or has owned any Toyota/Lexus hybrids want to share their thought, opinions, and experiences?

Thanks.

Toyota's battery warranty on hybrids is 8 years or 160,000 kms so if it goes early, you're still covered. Past this point the best option is to actually swap batteries from a junkyard Toyota hybrid like you might do on a engine or transmission to avoid the huge dealer replacement cost. As for their reliability, thus far it seems Prius reliability is very high. The only minus of the HS is that it was discontinued early so it might have some parts that are exclusive only to itself which could mean high parts costs due to a lack of aftermarket thanks to its low volume. Battery-wise...I'm not sure if you could swap batteries with a Prius or any other Toyota hybrid, if you can then your HS will be in good shape. Engine-wise the only car that shares the HS250's engine is the Camry hybrid from 2007-2010.

Hmong guy, I believe there is a 8 year factory warranty on the battery. At least for my 2012 Prius.

I dont think you should have any worries.

Yes, with only 3 years of production, parts availability is something I fear. And, I think the battery is HS exclusive but I'll be honest and say that I haven't researched in depth yet. Hopefully I should be able to use a Camry Hybrid battery as they are closer in relation as compared to the smaller Prius.

Thanks for the response.

I don't have any experience with HS, but my dad has CT and I think its a great car for what it is. He wanted a Prius originally, but we found Lexus offer better value in features and packaging / looks. I have absolutely no concern about the batteries, they seem to last a very long time. The limited run with HS is concerning, but it should be a good car. It sort of looks like Corolla turned Lexus hybrid, so can't be too bad :).

The guy next door has a 2013 Camry hybrid. He has put 30,000 miles on it and has no issues so far.

I love the CT! I was trying everything in my power to persuade my wife to go for one. But she isn't a fan of the 5 door hatch style and wanted a sedan type. Originally she like the 2010 IS350, but with gas prices climbing it wouldn't be a wise choice. Especially since she isn't a sporty car person and 306hp just wouldn't apply to her. So the HS was the car she fell with. It's way more luxurious than the IS and a lot roomier too.

We bought the hybrid on basically the Lexus track record (Toyota). They're super stout cars and fit and finish is top tier. But stepping into the hybrid world is something new to me and I have a bunch of reasons to be concerned. Mainly the battery cell. Let's hope who all I talked to are right about the battery cell lasting the life of the car.

Currently leasing a CT200h, $300/month no down, paid $650 OTD.

15K miles a year, and at the end of the lease I don't have to worry about the battery.

My insurance went up $600 for the year with the CT, and after factoring gas savings I am looking at roughly ~$250/month extra I am paying out of pocket.

-alex

To be honest, I've always viewed hybrids as a car that is better off to be leased. But the wifey had to have this car so... :iono: