So, in 05 the pzev started?

I'm in CA - and im confused how long my IMA parts are warrentied on my 04 HCH w/ 72k. 8 years or 80k, correct?

Also, I think I may have that catalytic converter may be on its way out too, because I hear a buzzing sound coming from under the car in certain gears - ouch.

I think in CA the warranty is 10/100K for the hybrid components.

My hydroponics experiment

You ever notice how hard it is to lip read cartoon characters?
"Crazy is what the sane call Delta Flyer"

I wouldn't be at all afraid of a car like that because that sounds just like mine. I only have about 50k on mine, but it's a great running car. There's been some speculation about the battery replacement issues, but it's impossible to predict what that looks like until the cars start to get old enough to show that problem.

We all bought our HCH knowing that they'd have 75k miles on them some day, so that doesn't sound crazy to me at all. Though we put those miles on them ourselves so there's a little less mystery I suppose.

Also, I was a MT only kind of guy until I drove my HCH with the CVT in it. I am a convert. It works great, and there's no annoying shifting at the wrong time like a traditional automatic. There's a minor FE drop, but I don't mind it. So, don't shy away from that on principle until you try it. You may like it.