I am really serious about purchasing an HCH for 2k that seems like it could be a good candidate for a battery reconditioning. The owner says that the car is throwing a p1600 code, likely from a basic autozone scan tool. He says that the battery appears to charge and function near normal. He said about 70-80% capability. The check engine light is on, but not the IMA light. The car has 80k miles, and the hybrid battery was supposedly replaced around 30k. I am going to go look at it today, and take it to have a mechanic inspect it.

Are there any gotcha's that I need to look out for? Does this seem like a logical path?

Thanks!

 

Unless you're cool with dropping another $2100 for a new battery, run.

 

hmm, I was hoping that because the IMA light wasn't on that the pack would be usable for a few years after a good reconditioning.

 

Is the IMA bulb burned out? It should come on when the ignition is turned on prior to starting.


IMA doesn't stay lit for all IMA conditions.


Knowing the code(s) is critical.


The best reconditions last two years. The typical recondition lasts 3-6 months if it works at all.

 

If it has a CVT also figure in another $3K for when that breaks, which it will eventually.

A regular automatic 2003 Civic is going to be a more economical car in the long run than any HCH I. You'll spend more on gas but if anything major breaks a replacement from the nearest junk yard will get you back on the road for not to much cash. The HCH I will save you money on gas but more than makes up for it in having two major failure prone components, neither of which can be replaced inexpensively.

If you want a reliable hybrid, buy a Prius.