Okay so I am considering venturing into the world of hybrids. I drive 140-160 miles a day, so I find myself looking for the most full efficient vehicle I can afford. I have found a 2004 honda civic hybrid with 129000 miles. car has had one owner seems to be in good shape, but since I don't have any experience with hybrids was hoping someone could give me some insight in what I should look out for.

 

I would pass if it's equipped with a CVT. At that mileage, the battery will be due for replacement/rebuild if it hasn't been done yet. If your 140-160 miles per day commute is mostly highway, a TDI might be worth considering. If it's mostly city, go hybrid.

 

The Honda Civic Hybrid is a great car that lasts a long time, but when it starts needing repair, it's over - it is just too expensive to keep. I have a 2003 HCH with CVT with 162k miles. The CVT is starting to go bad, as is the Catalytic converter and IMA battery. To repair it would be almost $10,000. The Engine is in great shape, the body is perfect as is the interior. It's a shame to send a car that looks this good and runs this well to the junk yard, but it simply is not cost effective to repair it.