Hi folks. I am a happy Toyota hybrid owner (Camry not a Prius).

But, I often get into discussions with people who don't own a hybrid warning me that all the money in gasoline savings will be wiped out when I have to replace the batteries while the rest of the car still runs well. Usually, they think that by 150,000 miles maximum, the batteries will be gone and I will be out several thousand dollars for new ones. They are nice people, but they are just skeptical.

I have heard about a taxi company (in Los Angeles??) that only buys used Prius automobiles and uses them until they have well over 300,000 miles on them and says that they are very reliable and very few need their batteries replaced before the company finally sells them.

Can anybody point me to an authoritative source for that story? I would love to be able to mention it as a fact.