Dave, you're barking up the wrong tree. Most people here are quite helpful (including 1stpik). And, I for one, bought my HCH2 mostly to save MONEY and reduce my funding of terrorism. The green-factor, while nice, was certainly not on the top of my list. I know others on this site who feel the same way. So don't paint us all green with that giant paintbrush you're wielding
Many of us DO have our radar on, looking out for the occasional troll. These trolls post questions or comments meant to bring disfavor on the hybrid technology. There have been quite a few on this very site over the years. Mostly, we have zero patience for such non-sense.
Now, for MY perspective. I bought a 2006 HCH2, AND I bought the extended HondaCare warranty. I bought the extended warranty partly to cover the hybrid (IMA) battery for 8yr/120K, because in my state (TX), the IMA battery warranty is 8yr/80K. I'll have 80K on my HCH2 in 4-5 years, not 8. So, yes, I fretted a little over the IMA battery longevity myself.
You, being in CA, should be getting the 10yr/150K factory warranty (Be absolutely SURE about this supposition). If so, I'd have NO hesitation in buying a used CA hybrid, unless it already has over 100K on it.
Finally, replacement IMA battery (and potentially other related components) cost is difficult to know for certain. If YOU called a Honda dealer, you're likely NOT to get a straight answer either (if one at all). They really want to keep such failures quiet. Is this fair? No. Does Honda sometimes (maybe even often) help with the cost of replacement? Yes. As best as we can tell, from other posters that have have this work done - the total cost (if Honda doesn't help defray it) is anywhere from $2500-$5000. That's such a broad range as to be almost useless - but at least you know it's potentially rather large. Just as a new tranny would be. One wonders about the percentage of HCH1 or HCH2's that are now sporting new batteries. I suspect the % is quite small.
What specific vehicles are you considering? We may be able to point you to threads here which are relevant. Also, use search here. There's a TON of real information on this site. There are even folks that have posted on just this very topic, and their experiences.
Also, you may be able to get the IMA battery %-remaining-capacity tested at a Honda shop. I think others have done this, or get it done when getting service done on their HCH's. Something like that may reduce your chances of buying one whose IMA battery is on its last legs.
Re: How much does it COST to REPLACE HCH2 Battery?
