Should You Buy a Toyota Hybrid in 2024?

Summary

This video explores the relevance of purchasing a Toyota hybrid in 2024, discussing the evolution of Toyota's hybrid systems and their reliability compared to gasoline counterparts. It highlights the benefits of fuel efficiency and reliability for sensible drivers, while noting the drawbacks for those seeking performance or high-speed driving. The script also addresses maintenance concerns and the improved longevity of hybrid batteries, concluding that modern Toyota hybrids are a solid choice for the right buyer.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Toyota hybrids have become mainstream and are known for their reliability and fuel efficiency, making them a sensible choice for many drivers.
• 🔧 There are three types of Toyota hybrid systems: the regular hybrid, the 1MHV for trucks, and the 1MHV for performance-oriented models, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
• 🛠️ Maintenance for hybrids is similar to gasoline cars but includes additional components like two cooling systems for the hybrid system itself.
• 🚀 Performance-oriented hybrid models offer more power and engaging driving experiences, but they may come at a higher cost and with less proven reliability.
• 🌡️ Hybrid technology has matured, with the latest generation Prius representing a refinement of the fourth generation system rather than a complete overhaul.
• 🔋 Concerns about hybrid battery life and reliability have lessened as technology has improved, with many newer hybrids exceeding 300,000 miles without battery issues.
• 🛑 Older hybrid models may have had more issues and should be approached with caution, especially if they have been neglected or lack a full service history.
• 💰 The cost of maintaining a hybrid is offset by the elimination of certain components like starters and alternators, which are replaced by electric equivalents in hybrids.
• 🔄 Hybrids are designed from the ground up to be more fuel efficient and reliable, with recent models showing better long-term durability compared to their gasoline counterparts.
• 🌟 Toyota's eCVT transmission is highly reliable and has a reputation for lasting the life of the car without failure, providing peace of mind to hybrid owners.
• 🔄 The decline in hybrid battery replacements and improvements in battery technology have made modern hybrids more appealing and less of a concern for potential buyers.

Q & A

Why were Toyota hybrids once considered the mainstream choice for hybrid vehicles?

Toyota hybrids were considered mainstream due to their early establishment in the hybrid market, offering efficient and reliable hybrid systems that were refined over time, making them a popular choice for consumers seeking fuel efficiency and low emissions.

What are the three types of Toyota hybrid systems mentioned in the script?

The three types of Toyota hybrid systems are the regular hybrid (series-parallel), the 1MHV system used in trucks like the Tundra and Tacoma, and the 1MHV system found in some Lexus performance SUVs like the RX and TX.

How does the regular hybrid system (series-parallel) work in Toyota vehicles?

The regular hybrid system uses a gasoline engine, an ECVT transmission with two motors (one for starting the engine and charging the battery, and another for driving the wheels and regenerative braking), and a high-voltage battery. The motors can work together or separately to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the regular hybrid system in Toyota vehicles?

Advantages include high efficiency and improved gas mileage. Disadvantages include a less exciting driving experience due to the system's initial clunkiness and a droning sound when accelerating, similar to a CVT but not the same.

What is the purpose of the 1MHV system in Toyota trucks?

The 1MHV system in trucks is designed for more power rather than efficiency. It uses an electric motor to start the engine, charge the battery, and boost the engine's power through the transmission to the wheels.

How does the 1MHV system in Lexus performance SUVs differ from the one in trucks?

The 1MHV system in Lexus performance SUVs is designed for a more engaging drive with a focus on power and efficiency. It often comes with a six-speed transmission and is more compact, allowing for electric drive only modes and engine boosting.

What are the main priorities when considering buying a Toyota hybrid in 2024?

The main priorities should be fuel efficiency and reliability. If these two factors are at the top of your list, a Toyota hybrid could be a suitable choice.

Why might a Toyota hybrid not be suitable for someone who frequently drives at high speeds?

Hybrids can become inefficient at continuous high-speed driving, which puts a strain on the hybrid system not designed for such conditions. For those who often drive at high speeds, a traditional gasoline car might be a better option.

What are the maintenance considerations for Toyota hybrids compared to their gasoline counterparts?

Hybrid maintenance includes the same services as gasoline cars, such as oil changes and fluid checks, with the addition of servicing two cooling systems—one for the engine and one for the hybrid system. However, hybrids lack certain components like starters and alternators, which can result in lower maintenance costs over time.

How have advancements in hybrid technology affected the reliability of Toyota hybrids compared to non-hybrid models?

Advancements have made Toyota hybrids more reliable than their non-hybrid counterparts in recent years. The simplification of gasoline car designs due to hybrid technology, improved battery technology, and better cooling systems have contributed to this increased reliability.

What is the significance of the fifth generation hybrid system in Toyota vehicles?

The fifth generation hybrid system is an improvement on the fourth generation but is not a complete departure. It indicates that hybrid technology may be reaching its peak, with Toyota focusing on refinement rather than radical changes, resulting in smoother, more efficient, and better-driving vehicles.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Toyota Hybrids in 2024: A Comprehensive Analysis

This paragraph introduces the topic of whether it makes sense to purchase a Toyota hybrid in 2024. It discusses the evolution of Toyota hybrids and the current hybrid market, which is now saturated with various options. The script outlines the three types of Toyota hybrid systems in 2024: the regular hybrid, the series-parallel system, and the 1MHV system found in trucks and performance-oriented models. It also touches on the pros and cons of these systems, including efficiency, user-friendliness, and the potential drawbacks of the ECVT transmission. The paragraph sets the stage for a deeper dive into the advantages and disadvantages of Toyota hybrids.

05:01

🛠 Prioritizing Reliability and Efficiency in Hybrid Vehicles

The second paragraph focuses on the priorities one should consider when deciding to buy a hybrid vehicle. It emphasizes that the main reasons for choosing a hybrid should be fuel efficiency and reliability. The script advises against considering hybrids if the buyer is looking for a thrilling driving experience or plans to frequently drive at high speeds, as hybrids may not be as efficient under such conditions. It also cautions against buying a hybrid if the vehicle will be left unused for extended periods, due to potential battery degradation. The paragraph concludes by comparing the reliability of Toyota hybrid models to their gasoline counterparts, noting a shift in recent years due to the complexity of modern gasoline engines and the refinement of hybrid technology.

10:02

🔧 Maintenance and Reliability of Toyota Hybrids

This paragraph delves into the maintenance aspects of Toyota hybrids, highlighting that while there are additional components like the hybrid cooling system to consider, the overall maintenance is similar to that of gasoline cars. It points out that hybrids have 'negative maintenance' due to the lack of certain wear-and-tear items like starters and alternators. The script also discusses the reliability of Toyota hybrids, noting that in recent years they have become more reliable than their non-hybrid equivalents, thanks to improvements in battery technology and the simplification of engine designs. The paragraph also addresses common misconceptions about the cost of maintaining hybrids and the longevity of their batteries.

15:03

📉 Trends and Innovations in Hybrid Technology

The fourth paragraph examines the current trends and innovations in hybrid technology, suggesting that the technology may be reaching its peak with little room for further improvement. It discusses the evolution of the Toyota Prius and the transition from the third to the fourth generation of hybrid systems, indicating that the leap from the fourth to the fifth generation is less significant, more of a refinement than a revolution. The script also speculates on Toyota's future direction, suggesting a move towards plug-in hybrids and the development of the 1MHV system for trucks and performance models. It emphasizes the seamless operation and efficiency of the latest hybrid systems while acknowledging that the market for fully electric vehicles may not be a priority for Toyota.

20:03

🚫 Avoiding Pitfalls When Buying a Toyota Hybrid

The final paragraph offers advice on what to avoid when considering the purchase of a Toyota hybrid. It warns against buying very old hybrid models, even with low mileage, due to potential issues that can arise from neglect and experimental designs that have not aged well. The script encourages buyers to look for hybrids designed from the outset to be hybrid models, rather than those retrofitted with hybrid systems. It also advises buyers to ensure a thorough inspection and complete service history for any hybrid vehicle they are considering. The paragraph concludes by reiterating the importance of buying a hybrid for the right reasons, such as fuel efficiency and reliability, and understanding the maintenance requirements to ensure long-term satisfaction with the vehicle.

Keywords

💡Hybrid Vehicle

A hybrid vehicle is a type of automobile that combines a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric propulsion system. In the video, the discussion revolves around Toyota hybrids, which are recognized for their fuel efficiency and reliability. The script mentions different types of Toyota hybrid systems, indicating the evolution and variety within hybrid technology.

💡E-CVT Transmission

E-CVT, or Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission, is a type of transmission system used in hybrids that replaces the traditional mechanical gearbox. The script describes how E-CVT uses two motors to assist the engine, one for starting and charging the battery, and the other for driving the wheels, contributing to better gas mileage and reduced emissions.

💡Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking is a technology that allows a hybrid vehicle to recover and store energy during deceleration. The script explains that the second motor in Toyota's E-CVT system charges the battery during regenerative braking, which is a key feature for enhancing the vehicle's energy efficiency.

💡1-MHV System

The 1-MHV system, mentioned in the script, refers to a specific type of hybrid system used in Toyota trucks and some Lexus models. It is designed for more power rather than efficiency, with an electric motor that can start the engine, charge the battery, and also drive through the transmission to the wheels, providing a boost to the engine.

💡Plug-in Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid is a subtype of hybrid vehicle that can be charged from an external source, typically offering a longer electric-only range than conventional hybrids. The script suggests that plug-in hybrids are an area of growing interest for Toyota, representing an 'overdrive' version of the hybrid system with a larger battery.

💡Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency refers to the measure of how far a vehicle can travel with a set amount of fuel. The script emphasizes that one of the top reasons to consider a Toyota hybrid is their superior fuel efficiency, which is achieved through the combination of the ICE and electric motor.

💡Reliability

Reliability in the context of the video refers to the dependability and longevity of Toyota hybrid vehicles. The script argues that modern Toyota hybrids have become more reliable than their gasoline counterparts due to less complex systems and improved battery technology.

💡Hybrid Battery

The hybrid battery is a high-voltage battery that stores energy for use in hybrid vehicles. The script discusses the advancements in hybrid battery technology, noting improved reliability and a decline in battery failures, which has been a significant concern for hybrid vehicle owners.

💡Maintenance

Maintenance in the video script pertains to the upkeep required for hybrid vehicles to ensure their proper functioning and longevity. The script explains that while hybrids have additional maintenance needs, such as servicing two cooling systems, they also have 'negative maintenance' due to the absence of certain wear-and-tear items like starters and alternators.

💡Emissions

Emissions refer to the release of pollutants into the atmosphere from a vehicle's exhaust. The script touches on how Toyota hybrids have been designed to meet stringent emission regulations, contributing to their popularity and the evolution of their technology.

💡Fan Filter

The fan filter is a component of the hybrid vehicle's cooling system that requires regular maintenance to prevent blockages and ensure the battery's longevity. The script highlights the importance of this simple yet critical maintenance task, which is part of the hybrid vehicle's upkeep.

Highlights

Toyota hybrids have established themselves as mainstream choices, but the market is now saturated with various hybrid options.

There are three kinds of Toyota hybrids in 2024: regular hybrid, series-parallel; 1MHV for trucks like the Tundra; and 1MHV for performance-oriented models like Lexus SUVs.

Regular hybrid systems are efficient but can be clunky and have a distinct ECVT drone during acceleration.

1MHV systems in trucks prioritize power over efficiency, providing a smooth driving experience without the ECVT drone.

Performance-oriented 1MHV hybrids offer engaging drives with a six-speed transmission and are efficient but more expensive.

Toyota hybrids are now more reliable than their gasoline counterparts due to simpler engine technology and improved battery systems.

Hybrid technology may be reaching its peak with incremental improvements rather than revolutionary changes.

Toyota is focusing on other innovations like the 1MHV system and plug-in hybrids as hybrid technology matures.

Hybrid maintenance is similar to gasoline cars but includes additional cooling systems for the hybrid components.

Hybrids have 'negative maintenance' as they lack certain wear-and-tear items like starters and alternators.

ECVT transmissions in hybrids are highly reliable, with very few failures reported over the years.

Battery technology in hybrids has improved significantly, with fewer replacements needed and extended warranties.

When buying a Toyota hybrid, prioritize fuel efficiency and reliability, and avoid older models with potential maintenance issues.

Older hybrid models like the second and third-generation Prius had more issues and are not recommended.

Modern Toyota hybrids are designed from the ground up to be hybrids, leading to better aging and reliability.

Some models like the Toyota Sienna are only available as hybrids, offering impressive fuel efficiency and reliability.

The video provides guidance on whether to buy a Toyota hybrid in 2024, emphasizing the importance of understanding the technology and maintenance.

Transcripts

should you buy a Toyota hybrid in 2024

Toyota hybrids for a longest time have

been slowly establishing themselves as

kind of the mainstream hybrid to buy but

lately you're having more electric cars

and more options of hybrids and more

plug-in hybrids and kind of the market

is saturated with hybrids in today's

video I want to share with you does it

still make sense to buy a Toyota hybrid

in the 2024 what are the pros what are

the cons and kind of everything in

between right after this

so what is a Toyota hybrid in case

you're not familiar with how they work

and what they mean and what's going on

what kind of systems we have there are

actually three kinds of Toyota hybrids

today in 2024 there is a regular hybrid

series parallel this has been going on

since basically the beginning since the

first generation Prius this is a system

briefly we're going to very briefly talk

about it you have an engine gasoline

engine you have ecbt transmission not to

be mistaken with the regular CVT so

basically this ecvt transmission has two

Motors one of them starts the engine

charges the battery and then a second

motor that drives the wheels and charges

the battery on regenerative braking and

the way it works is they both work

together or the motor will drive the car

alone you have a high voltage battery

that charges up and it kind of the two

Motors will assist at the same time to

get better gas mileage and better

emissions kind of the good and bad of

that system is the good is they're very

efficient and you initially when they

came out they're very clunky and slow

and they really not not very user

friendly if you're into cars you're not

going to like them another bad thing

about it which is stays the ecvt has a

drone so when you accelerate it's going

to drone and drone kind of similar to a

CVT but it's not an actual CVT the good

stuff is it is very very refined and and

they've been getting really good gas

mileage now that is the first kind of

hybrids the second one is it's called 1

mhv and technically the two kinds that

are left they're 1 mhv but in a

different orientation the first

orientation is the trucks the seoa and

now the Tacoma the new Tacoma and then

the tundra this system is really not

meant for efficiency it's meant for more

power so the orientation of the system

is different you have engine you have a

regular transmission depends which model

you have 8speed or 10 speed and then in

between them you have an electric motor

that electric motor can start the engine

it can charge the battery and can also

drive through the transmission the

wheels or it can boost the engine as the

engine is driving the pros of this

system is very smooth it doesn't really

feel like a hybrid because there's no

ecbt the engine doesn't shut off a lot

it kind of G gives more of a boost

downside is it's not as efficient it's

not really meant for better fuel economy

and whatnot it's really meant to give

the engine AB boost that's why you find

it in the trucks so you can have more

power that's really the main advantage

of it and then the Third Kind of 1mv

you'll find it in the likes of of like

the Lex some Lexus performance

SUVs the TX the

RX this is a system that is really meant

for

a more engaging Drive usually they'll

have a six-speed transmission same

orientation you have an engine motor in

the middle six-speed transmission they

make a lot of power that's their main

thing they're still pretty efficient

unlike the trucks you'll have more kind

of electric drive only but at the same

time it'll boost the engine and it's a

very compact unit the pros of that one

is the cars are pretty fast so if you

want something a little bit faster that

is the one to get they're very efficient

not as efficient as regular hybrids but

still pretty more efficient than the

truck system the downside of it is

they're usually in the higher end models

so they're pretty expensive the other

downside to them they're a tad bit on

the complicated side and they are

relatively new so reliability longterm

will be touch and goal I guess we will

find out as time

passes so why should you buy a Toyota

hybrid what are the priorities when

you're consider considering buying a

hybrid see in the olden times you had to

buy a specialized model like let's talk

about one example if you wanted a hybrid

you bought a Prius you couldn't really

get all the other models in hybrid yeah

eventually we got the Camry and the

Highlander slowly started rolling in but

they felt very experimental at the

beginning until they got better but

today every single model almost is

available in hybrid and some models are

hybrid only so things have completely

changed from the past so if you are out

shopping for a hybrid this is my advice

to you the number one priority in your

decision to buy a hybrid should be one

of two things or both you want a fuel

efficient car and you want a reliable

car no thrills no drama no nonsense

these are the number one reasons you

should consider a hybrid if these two

things are top of your priority list now

if you are a car guy you're into cars

and you want an exciting thrilling car

that is going to move your emotions you

should already scrap hybrids out of your

list except the performance oriented

models like RX 500h for example or the

ones that have the one image V system

even though they're not the most

exciting cars in the world they're a bit

more exciting than your average hybrid

if you are the kind of person that have

a heavy foot you're going to be driving

90 mph all day long or 85 or very highp

speed majority of your drive possibly

hybrids are not for you and the reason

for that is hybrids actually get to a

point where they become inefficient at

at continuous high-speed driving now you

drive normal speed limit whatnot that's

perfectly fine but if you're always

driving high speeds they become

inefficient and it kind of puts a severe

strain on the hybrid system it's simply

not designed for that it's a fuel

efficient car meant for sensible folks

who are looking for something that is

reliable and fuel efficient not someone

who will be flying on the highway

driving very fast so if this is you you

should skip a hybrid and lastly if you

are the kind of person that you live in

a cold climate State and you have a

summer home somewhere else and in the

winter you go to your summer home and

this car is just going to sit for 6

months untouched that's actually not a

good idea unless you plan to move on

from this car 3 to 5 years it's not a

good idea long term because remember the

way hybrid systems work you have a high

voltage battery even though it is a very

heavy duty battery and they've gotten a

lot better over the years it's still a

battery if you let it sit continuously

year after year you're going to degrade

this battery eventually it'll fail and

actually high voltage battery failures

and the number one reasons people

hesitate when they buy a hybrid in my

opinion at least in 2024 and kind of the

last 10 years they are mistaken because

things have changed a lot we're going to

talk about this a little bit in the

video so let's

recap two very important things to

consider when you're buying a

Hybrid fuel effect

efficiency reliability these should be

the top things on your list and nothing

after it features and whatnot yes but

we're not talking about an exciting car

to drive and we're not talking about a

high-speed runner on all day long and

we're not talking about a temporary car

we're going to use it for a few months

and then it's going to sit the rest of

the

year so which one is more

reliable a Toyota hybrid model or the

exact same model in its gasoline

counterpart well if you asked me this

question 5 to seven years ago I would

probably told you

easily the nonhybrid model they're less

complicated things are more basic and

life is good however because of emission

regulations because of everything else

that's going on gasoline cars have

gotten so complicated in this for the

sake of getting better emissions we have

turbocharged engines V8s are gone in

cars that used to have a V6 now have a

four-cylinder turbo and all this stuff

that got added on and cars are getting

extremely complicated just regular

gasoline cars because of that and

because how efficient hybrids were and

how good emissions they got they

actually did not get as complicated with

the regular gasoline cars so actually in

2024 at least for the past five five six

seven model years things have flipped

because because

hybrids don't for at least as of the day

to film in this video all Toyota Hybrid

models with the exception of very few

especially on the Lexus side they all

have non-turbocharged

engines so that's the first thing second

thing is most of them have gotten their

battery packaging and technology so

packed down that things have been

extremely reliable and then starting all

their Batteries Now have a fan filter

and if you're not familiar what that is

batteries have a cooling system and that

cooling system is kind of the lifeblood

of that battery if the battery overheats

it severely degrades and we have issues

in in the past initially they did not

really think about this and they just

left them kind of wide open they get

lint in them they get pluged people were

not educated about it they block them

and all kinds of problems happen but

towards the later years of the hybrid

technology they started adding filters

they started kind of bringing awareness

to them and everything else so people

are now more familiar with them they

don't block them they clean them they

service them so batteries will last a

lot longer in addition to the batteries

themselves being made better and more

compact so because of all that it is

really safe to say that in 2024 or The

Last 5

Years Toyota hybrids have actually

gotten more reliable than their exact

same car nonhybrid model you don't have

turbos you don't have really fancy

extremely more fancy new technology

except when you get into like the 1 msv

the trucks that have hybrid system or

the performance oriented models that

have a hybrid when you get into the

normal hybrids parallel

series they've actually stayed

relatively the same the technology have

peaked where we don't have a lot more

new stuff getting ated if anything they

gotten so efficient things are being

taken away from them and just they're

still AEM Mission compliant so yes

without it without a question of a doubt

hybrids have actually started to Edge

over gasoline cars and they have

surpassed them

reliability let's talk about some

interesting hybrid Trends and kind of

observations I think hybrid technology

is reaching its peak every technology

folks you innovate on it so much that it

gets to a point where it's like that's

it we have reached the top there is no

other way to make it any better other

than just do something completely

different for the longest time if you

wanted to know what is the next

generation or the latest and the

greatest of Toyota hybrids you looked at

the priest of all cars cuz that was the

original Toyota hybrid first generation

never really trickled to any car second

generation trickled to some cars third

generation that was basically everything

else followed fourth generation same

thing and now we arrive at the fifth

generation with the latest generation

too Prius the surprise thing is and this

is why I say I think we are peing on the

technology there even though they

officially for the first time called it

the fifth generation hybrid

system it's actually not it's actually a

fourth generation hybrid system slightly

improved don't get me wrong it's

actually very well improved and they

really did that one well but it's not a

complete departure like the third to the

fourth was I mean it was a complete

different system it was so much better

when you went from the third generation

to the fourth generation it was a

completely different system but when you

went to the fourth to the fifth it was

the same system it had some improvements

so it basically feels like 4.5 not

really five so that's what indicates we

are actually peing and if you go drive a

fifth generation hybrid system namely

the Prius or the Corolla cross they are

just beautiful they're seamless the way

they operate is just amazing

how if you've ever driven a first

generation Prius or even the second

generation and you go drive the newest

one it's like wow are we really driving

the same model here they are completely

different they're much better driving a

lot more efficient and a lot smoother

they've gotten really good lately folks

the other thing that Toyota is doing you

notice because they are peing with the

hybrid technology and there's really not

much more to improve them they're very

efficient cars and we're heading in that

direction they're starting innovate in

other things like the 1 msv System I

think that's their new baby and they're

really going for it because they not

only rolled it in a lot of trucks

they're working on another way to

integrate it into normal car kind of

make the hot version of that car be

faster and doesn't have the ecvt Drone

but that's the direction they're heading

towards because there's not much we

cannot make this system any better

unless some new breakthrough in

technology or whatnot and it seems like

Toyota is not really interested in

electric cars I mean the bz 4X I'm sorry

folks I worked on it it's just not good

it is possibly one of the bottom of the

list electric cars so they're not

interested in electric cars but the next

Avenue they're heading towards I feel

like is plug-in hybrids which we're not

going to talk about a lot in this video

but plug-in hybrids are actually kind of

hybrids on overdrive they're exactly the

same system just with a larger battery

and you get actually a longer electric

range

so one of the questions you always ask

when reliability high on your list of

your car shopping are these cars

reliable yes they are but what about

their cost of Maintenance because what's

the point of having a reliable car

that's very expensive to maintain so

let's talk about hybrids the first thing

is hybrid maintenance is exactly the

same as gasoline maintenance you have

your oil changes transmission fluid bra

brake fluid all the fluids and filters

and whatnot but here's the additional

stuff that they have hybrids will have

two cooling systems there's a regular

one for the engine there's there's one

for the hybrid system itself

inverter Transmission in some models

that's just an additional cooling system

you have to service it at a very long

interval best interval for that is

50,000 mil 5 years just basically do two

coolant system whatever the coolant

system of the car potentially expect to

pay that for two cooling systems and off

we go it is hardly the end of the world

in my opinion because there is something

very cool about hybrids that makes up

for that you have negative maintenance

because of the way hybrids are there are

things that are normally wear and tear

items that people expect in a car well

they don't exist in hybrids things like

a starter well they don't have a starter

alternator well they don't have an

alternator because the electric motor

starts the engine and inside that

inverted the brain of the system it

takes that high voltage from the battery

changes it to 12 volts and that's what

charges the battery so you don't really

need an alternator and because of that

and because now we have electric water

pumps and electric compressors and all

that good stuff you don't have a drive

belt

so servicing that cooling system every

once in a

while is going to cost you a lot less

than changing an alternator starter and

a belt and back and forth back and forth

there you have it and the most biggest

thing about Toyota hybrids not the 1 mhv

not the trucks not the performance

models just the regular Toyota hybrid

the transmission I have been working on

hybrids for a very long time and I have

seen everything from their Inception all

the way to

now and I can number how many hybrid

Transmissions I have replaced both old

and new and usually the reason they've

been changed is they've been modified or

they've been severely neglected

something abnormal something even if you

intend to neglect the car you're not

going to get there or accidents that's

the only reason I've seen a transmission

fail otherwise I think no and I I am

very confident in saying this and this

comes from experience

folks I think there will never be an

automatic transmission CVT even a manual

transmission that is as reliable as

ecvts especially the kind of the last 10

years I have never seen one fail they

have gotten so good that just the

thought of not having to deal with a

transmission failure for some folks is a

relief so that is the god onest truth

folks these ecvts and the word CVT kind

of makes folks just decide this is not a

good idea because of the horrible

reputation of some CVT transmissions out

there one final reminder they're not the

same and they are one of the most

reliable Transmissions you will ever see

in any car in addition to that we talked

about briefly about the fan filter and

how you have to maintain it which by the

way that's the number one maintenance

it's super simple it's not expensive

it's just one additional filter in the

newer ones you can even do it yourself I

have some videos many other folks have

videos as well this is one item I

actually recommend you do

yourself it's the very simple

maintenance takes you no more than 5

minutes once every two 3 months check

the filter if it's dirty clean it or

replace it and life is good and you will

not have issues with that hyper battery

speaking of the hyper

battery I have

seen kind of a

decline in hyperd battery Replacements

at least in my shop I see second

generation Prius I see third generation

Prius with extreme miles I never see a

fourth generation Prius I see examples

of these cars that have well over

300,000 miles but the battery is fine

things have gotten a lot better with

batteries folks and you start looking at

prices they're actually dropping for the

newer cars because there's no demand

it's as simple as that second generation

Prius third generation Prius was the

last two years and second generation

Prius being the top one third generation

Prius things are a little bit on the

decline but still but anything fourth

generation batteries have been really

good ever since they moov the location

of the battery to underneath the back

seat which is basically everything from

The Last 5 Years almost things have

gotten a lot better that's a much better

spot for it it's easily breeze it's a

it's a really inside the cabin where

it's conditioned as well and things have

gotten really good with batteries if

you've been holding up on a hybrid

because of the Hybrid battery I have

good news they're actually really on the

decline for their failures and that's

really good and they also extended their

warranty on them from the factory so

that's another Plus

so let's answer the most important

question that you probably clicked on

this video for should you buy a Toyota

hybrid in

2024 folks things have completely

changed in the last 5 to7 years for

hybrids and if you are looking at a

5-year-old hybrid

today the same things apply for any car

get it inspected make sure it's in good

shape it has full service record the car

is taken care of you will not be

mistaken as long as you're buying it for

the right reasons let's reiterate those

two top reasons fuel efficiency

reliability that should be the top two

reasons you would consider buying a

hybrid now long gone are the days of for

example the third generation Prius and

this is going to lead us to our next

conversation and things to avoid with

hybrids third generation Prius first few

years head gasket problems oil burning

problems EGR problems and running

problems and then the grand finale of

the battery going out and then the

second generation PR is super mega

complicated cooling systems engine

burning oil cattle converter failure and

just things tend to not age well with

older hybrids but I'm noticing the newer

ones they're getting a lot better at

aging well some of you will say well

newer cars haven't been there for a long

time actually the initial problems with

the second and third generation hybrid

systems they actually started showing up

around 5 years so that's we are at the

same time again we have nothing with the

new stuff the batteries are better EGR

systems are better the engines that

they're using are much better cuz

they're really mainstream engines

they're not kind of unique engines to

the

hybrids and that's why they've gotten a

lot better folks buy a hybrid for the

right reasons and understand what you're

buying understand what you need to do to

it

to keep it going without issues for

years and years and miles and

miles and you're not going to make a

mistake in the last 5 seven years things

have changed

significantly avoid buying very old

hybrids even with low miles low miles

are worse actually because these

batteries have just been sitting and

sitting because very old models like the

original Prius second generation Prius

or the original Camry Hybrid the

original Highlander Hybrid unless you

know its service history be careful with

these cuz I see a lot of these coming

for prepurchase inspection and they're

just completely run down because people

at that time did not understand hybrids

they didn't take care of them properly

and hybrids in back

then they

were modified regular cars there was a

lot of experimental stuff that didn't

age well and and kind of started the

reliability downhill but things in the

modern times last five seven years they

are designed from the get-go to be a

hybrid it was not a regular model that

they kind of retrofitted the hybrid

system to it now they design the model

as a hybrid and then the gasoline model

actually in some cases is the kind of

retrofitted model you have models like

the Toyota Sienna hybrid first year

there was a few first year model issues

normal but that's one solid van it gets

really good gas mileage it's very

functional not the best looking van in

the world okay it does have a few quirks

but it's extremely reliable a lot of

folks were disappointed that they don't

have a non-hybrid battle it's only

hybrid I think that's the best thing

they did because if you own the previous

generation Sienna that didn't have a

hybrid had a V6 they were really not

fuel efficient at all and many folks

complain about them they're not fuel

efficient it's a big van with a big V6

but the new one hybrid very fuel

efficient actually very impressive folks

I hope hope this video was helpful

informative I hope you learned something

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check out some my other videos until the

next video folks may the Lord bless you

and keep you and you have yourself a

wonderful day