I wouldn't worry about the Hybrid system being inoperable after a failure. I mean.......if a non-hybrid car's engine or electrical system fails, it is going to be undriveable most of the time anyways. You are talking a 1 in 1000 chance something like that will happen. Most hybrids have a long track record of reliablity, especially Toyota which has been selling the Prius in the US since the 2001 model year. I have been happy with my TCH that I purchased the beginning of August.