I am looking to purchase a 2015 Avalon Hybrid Limited with 60,000 miles. It sounds like this owner only used the car about 6,000 - 7,000 miles a year. What concerns should I have about the life span of this car's battery? Or any other concerns?
What concerns should I have about the life span of this car's battery?
The low mileage doesn't really help the battery much. Age takes its toll as well. The battery could last a few more years, or it could die next week. You would need to have a hybrid expert do a thorough test of the battery to determine its condition. Even if it tests OK at the moment you'd still want to get the car as cheaply as possible since battery replacement can run thousands of dollars, and so can other parts that may fail such as the generator. It's a crap shoot with $$$$ on the line if you come up snake eyes. Scotty has said many times it's not a good idea to purchase an older hybrid.
I asked the owner to take the car into a Toyota dealership to do a 200 point inspection. Everything checks out, no deficiencies. In fact, the service manager said the owner did the Hybrid Coolant and Transmission Flush last year. The one bad thing is they followed a 10.000 mile oil replacement schedule, not a 5,000 mile one. The hybrid battery did "pass" but they could not tell me the life expectancy left on it. So I'm thinking I won't take a chance on this one, although in every other respect - I think it's an awesome car. Thanks for sharing your expertise.
@chucktobias - Unless you can get a REALLY good deal on this car, I would stay away. Did "pass" means nothing since the dealer won't be liable if the battery fails in few months or a year. Also, 10K oil change intervals is not the best either.