Well he is correct about how IMA works and the fact that the traditional starter is there for "emergency" purposes only. I remain confused about the need for a starter for emergency purposes, but.. Although as a Prius driver I don't admit to fully understanding IMA other than knowing that the configuration of an IMA powered vehicle is very different, and frankly much more more akin to a standard vehicle, I do know that neither Honda or Toyota would design a system which would significantly increase the wear associated with start/stop cycles of an engine without taking that into question as they designed these power systems.

I know for a fact that the Toyota THS and HSD systems basically pre-lubricate the engine before ignition begins. Also, the electric motors spin up the engine to a much higher rpm before ignition is engaged than a traditional starter motor. A traditional starter motor gets an engine started somewhere around 100 rpm, depending on design. That usually means that the oil pump has had no time to lubricate the engine, and lubrication actually starts a few seconds after ignition begins. IMA and HSD all spin up the engines to a much higher rpm. I've hear that it is about 1000 RPM, by that speed the oil pump has fully charged the engine with lubricant and around that time the computer system commands ignition to start. This all happens in a matter of fractions of seconds.

Now, if one of the more technical folks on the board would comment, I would feel much better about what I have shared.

It has been said:
Hybrid drivers come in 3 flavors, greenie, techie and cheapie. Pick any 2.
2005 Prius, Melinium Silver over gray, package 5 (AI)