More than likely, that is a lot of highway miles, which are pretty easy on the hybrid system. I'm guessing your in California since you mention the HOV sticker, so your warranty is going to be 100k on the hybrid goodies (I'm 99% sure this is transferable to a second owner).

If you plan on owning the car until 200,000 miles, there is a chance you will need to replace the battery at some point, but it's hard to say when. There are several 100,000+ mile '06s already that are still on their original battery, so the technology is solid. Also, battery costs are going down every year as production increases so this probably won't be a killer expense IF you ever need to replace it.

 

ps. yippppeee! I am so excited to be a new (used) hybrid owner. (I hope to be called a hyper enthusiast soon)

 

Congrats.

 

Right choice - I looked at an 05 and an 07 for my 1st Civic Hybrid - the 05 was much noisier than the 07.
I was was not sure if I wanted a hybrid so I did not buy a new one. After 90 days - I had to have the one with VSA. The VSA works great on snow and ice - no wheel spinning and it help straighten out the civic on ice.

 

Congrats. 2006 is a great choice. Car looks very clean. Hal

 

slightly against the topic of this thread, but I need info so here goes

Ok, so I am looking at buying a 2003 HCH but I would like advice of current owners. The car I am looking at has 193k+ miles on it already he is selling for $5000. Basically I am wondering what I should know before making a decision, If it was just a plain civic I would not be concerned about the mileage on the car if it was well maintained, but the mileage does concern me a little because of the battery.
Thoughts from those that may be more in the know????

Thanks
Matt (Keizer, OR)

 

Stick or CVT??

I believe that the HCH's have the wonderful benefit of being able to be driven as a normal car (non-hybrid) if the traction battery fails. They have a 12 V battery and a 12 V starter. Worse case: Drive the car as a non-hybrid or get a junkyard replacement pack.

 

Ok you will have to have the 200,000 service - timing belt and water pump and adjust the valves. Most dealers charge about $1000 for that.

There are enought totaled 2003, 4 and 5 Civic Hybrids that you should be able to find a junk yard IMA battery replacement - figure about a $1000 for parts and labor.

My Local Civic Mechanic at my Dealer says he has one civic (2004) with cvt that is going to reach 330,000 and still on original batteries (but on 3rd cvt transmission). (used by a courier service)

If it drives fine, and the cvt has had it's fluids flushed regularly all should be good.

Wonder if the cvt belt needs replacing at 200,000 - anyone know?

 

It is a CVT, after calling the local Honda service dept. I was told this is not an option

 

Ahhh, the game is afoot.

Your local service department could be correct but if they are correct answer me this:

What purpose does the 12V starter serve?

Certainly the mechanical part of the IMA system must be functioning in order to charge the 12V battery since the system lacks a conventional alternator but the main battery can be dead and the vehicle should still start with the 12 V starter. Some sort of modification might need to be made in order to do this long term (I don't know for sure).

Is driving sans traction pack even an option you want to explore with your potential purchase?