I’m looking for advice on which car to buy.
There’s a Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 with 100K miles for $19,000.
And there’s a Kia Optima Hybrid 2017 with 50K miles for $17,000.
I’ve been reading that hybrid batteries need to be replaced every 150K miles or so. I know Toyotas are known for their reliability, but are Kia Optima Hybrids really that bad?
The Toyota will likely have better reliability and fuel economy, but I think the Optima could be the nicer car overall.
You said you read that hybrid batteries need to be replaced every 150K miles. Who said that? I had a Prius that was still running well around 180K, and many go over 200K.
Casey said:
You said you read that hybrid batteries need to be replaced every 150K miles. Who said that? I had a Prius that was still running well around 180K, and many go over 200K.
Haha, my dad rebuilt his battery at 300K miles. It ran for another 200K before getting another car.
What is going on with all this misinformation about hybrid batteries?
Hybrid batteries are more affected by the cooling system design (since overheating damages batteries) and their age instead of mileage. A 6-year-old hybrid battery like the ones you’re looking at should last another 4 years before you even need to start worrying. For most popular models, you can find rebuilt hybrid battery packs from third parties for about 1.5 to 4K, often with warranties of 5 years or more.
With that said, definitely go for the Camry. Kia and Hyundai hybrids improved significantly only after the Hyundai Ioniq and Elantra Hybrid generation. The Optima is from their first generation of hybrids, while the Camry is in Toyota’s fourth or fifth generation since the original 1997 Prius.
Edit: The 2017 model year is actually Kia’s second generation hybrid with the Nu GDI engine. Still, considering Kia and Hyundai’s issues in the 2010s with GDI engines and carbon buildup, I’d be cautious about its reliability compared to the Toyota.
@Franz
What do you think about the Kia Niro? It looks fuel efficient.
Amos said:
@Franz
What do you think about the Kia Niro? It looks fuel efficient.
The Niro is a pretty good choice. I wouldn’t expect it to be as reliable as a Toyota, but it should be solid, more so than most Kia/Hyundai options. The Ioniq (with the same powertrain) is popular in taxi fleets across Asia, so it seems to hold up to tough use.
One minor issue I have with Kia/Hyundai hybrids from that generation is that the gasoline engine starter is belt-driven, and the belt (along with worn tensioners) needs replacing every 60-100K miles. It’s not a high-cost service, around $300, but I don’t get why they can’t improve the integration of the starter with the generator/motor. Other brands like Toyota, Ford and Chevy have figured it out.
@Franz
2019 Kia Niro LX with 65K miles for $20K. Is that better than a Toyota Camry Hybrid with 100K miles for $19K?
Eren said:
@Franz
2019 Kia Niro LX with 65K miles for $20K. Is that better than a Toyota Camry Hybrid with 100K miles for $19K?
If I had to guess which would cost you less in the long run, I’d go with the Toyota. They have the most experience with hybrids, and they set the standard.
But honestly, those options are so close in price, and the Niro is newer with fewer miles. Both should last a similar amount of time. I don’t think there’s a wrong choice, just pick the one you like more.
If you keep the Niro for 100K miles and sell it at 165K, or keep the Camry for 100K miles and then sell it at 200K, I’d bet your overall maintenance costs would be similar.
@Franz
If you’re planning to keep the car until it literally falls apart, go with the Camry. If you’ll replace it in the next 6-7 years for something newer, get whichever one you prefer.
@Franz
Just so you know, they use a dual-clutch transmission, and those can be problematic and even unsafe.
Dax said:
@Franz
Just so you know, they use a dual-clutch transmission, and those can be problematic and even unsafe.
Thanks for sharing that.
Amos said:
@Franz
What do you think about the Kia Niro? It looks fuel efficient.
Toyota… SOLD. Thanks everyone!
@Franz
All Kias are junk. Never buy one without a factory warranty, and sell it before the warranty expires.
Beck said:
@Franz
All Kias are junk. Never buy one without a factory warranty, and sell it before the warranty expires.
My Optima (which got totaled) was really good.
Beck said:
@Franz
All Kias are junk. Never buy one without a factory warranty, and sell it before the warranty expires.
My Optima (which got totaled) was really good.
Same here. I had a 2019 Optima. I got it because it was the best deal at the time. I was hesitant about Kia but I really liked that car. It got totaled right at 100K due to flood damage.
Beck said:
@Franz
All Kias are junk. Never buy one without a factory warranty, and sell it before the warranty expires.
My Optima (which got totaled) was really good.
How many miles did you put on it?
@Beck
107K when it was totaled.
We’ve had several Kias and Hyundais in the family that went over 200K miles. They were way nicer to drive and had better interiors than a Camry.