Simple question: Considering both of these, one priced at $21,999 and the other at $30,500, respectively. The 2017 is also L/Certified. Both have almost the same mileage at 66k and 68k. I don't really want to opt for the higher price tag unless there's a really convincing reason to do so. The two-year, unlimited mileage warranty on the certified one is a nice bonus, though.
Thoughts?
The 2014 has 8 year old hybrid batteries in it, no one knows how much life it has left in it - avoid it.
I don't recommend going for Hybrids in general, but between these two option the 2017 makes more sense -
at least its batteries are "only" 5 years old and Toyota probably can check if the batteries are still in good condition.
Honestly, if you want to keep the car for longer than 4-5 years, I'd recommend going for the petrol.
Where I live temps are 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit and pretty much 0 of them are still in working condition.
I would keep looking.
How much does it cost to instal a brand new Toyota/Lexus hybrid battery pack at the dealer?
Unless you have to have the hybrid, I’d recommend you stick to the regular petrol ES.
It's about $4000-4600 installed. That's not a big concern. I'm considering an Accord Hybrid, too, though I've always known Toyota's system to be the most refined. Still, perusing the posts of owners from a couple of other boards, the consensus seems to be that many of them have gone well over 100k, even beyond 150k, and seen no meaningful degradation. If I bought one at 60k and could pass 125-150k before needing to replace the pack, I'd be okay with that. Gas prices are becoming a major concern for us as my wife has gone from $55 a week to now $90 and I used to hit the pump once a week for about $45 and now have to do it twice a week at $65-70. A four-cylinder NA Accord has a low-end MPG rating of 27 and a high of 36. That's a major difference from the hybrid version hitting 45-50mpg when you're driving as much as I am and owners of these models seem to be overwhelmingly happy with their vehicles, even into the much higher mileage zones.
Well, if you’re willing to weigh the risks of a hybrid battery replacement, then sure. Just be sure to have the hybrid system checked thoroughly before purchase, by a Toyota/Honda dealer (or a mechanic who specialises in hybrid), to check for signs of a worn out battery. With the gas prices of today, yeah, everybody and their uncle is looking out for a hybrid vehicle.