I am contemplating buying a new hybrid (likely the Civic) in the near future, and wanted to ask folks who have owned hybrids what their repair experience has been. With respect to the battery replacement, from this forum, I believe I have a good handle on what people's thoughts are. However, I was wondering in terms of more routine car maintenance issues (i.e. the same as traditional gas cars)-oil changes, belt changes (including timing belts), 30K/60K/120K mile routine maintenance maneuvers, etc-does one need to go to the dealer for these things because "regular" mechanics (Pep Boys, mom and pop shop mechanics, etc) are too uncomfortable dealing with this kind of thing? I am moving to the DC area soon where I cannot help but notice the high volume of Prius-es on the road, so I'm not sure if this area will have a higher concentration of hybrid-familiar mechanics or not. If one is always having to make trips to the dealer for maintenance, I can't help but imagine that the repair costs would be much higher. Thanks in advance for any replies to this post!
I have owned my '04 HCH MT for two years, almost to the day.
I had my first three oil changes done at the dealer, at 10, 20 and 30k miles. When they tried to rip me off to change the air and cabin filters, I started doing the maintenance myself. I have done nothing other then the oil, air and cabin filters. I am due for the coolant fluid change, and will do that myself.
I have replaced my tires, at 50k, with new Bridgestone B321s. I consider myself "rough" on tires.
I have never had a car, purchased new, or near new, that I haven't had to have it in to the dealer for something serious during the first 50k miles. This was a first. On my other vehicles, I have had electronic components fail (1998 Grand Caravan), transmission failures (1985 Ford XR4TI), and brakes (1993 Ford F150).
Actually, my repair costs seem to be less and definitely with fewer unpredictable ones.
I'll go to a tire store for tires and alignment, but the dealership for everything else under schedured maintanence. I went nearly 95,000 miles before anything major happened. Honda assumed 90% of the hybrid battery pack expenses when that went out, because the warranty at that time was for only 80,000 (it's 100,000 now). As far as I know, US Honda dealers have helped on hybrid battery expenses.
I was on my third CV boot and set of brakes on my 1988 CRX HF. So far everything else is original except for the 12-volt battery and tires.
If anything, repair costs will be less because you will be driving for better economy.
50,000 miles on my 04 HCH just oil and filters.kevin
How about 95,000 milesand just one 12-volt battery needing replacement?
There have been a few warranty repairs, but they've been free. If you want to read the whole 4-year history, just go to http://www.gaianar.com and click the "commentary" link. It's a happier story than poor "Honda Suck's" experience.
Now, as far as seeing more Priuses on the road, well they are hard to miss. The hybrid Civics from 2003 to 2005 look just like regular Civics. So you may have seen several hybrid Civics without realizing it.
the only thing more expensive on a hybrid is the motor oil. the funky 0-w-20 is a tad more expensive than 10-w-40 oil. On the other hand, regenerative braking REALLY extends the life of the brake pads.
Hybrid Repair Costs
1003 miles a tank personal record. 74MPG calculated. HCH1 CVT
