I’m a Mechanic: 5 Hybrid Vehicles I Would Never Buy & Why They Aren’t Worth It
Written by
Jamela Adam
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Hybrid cars have come a long way since the Toyota Prius in 2000. But still, not all hybrids today offer fuel efficiency and reliable performance — the wrong model could end up hurting your budget more than helping.
To get an expert’s perspective, GOBankingRates spoke with Mateo, a car mechanic with over ten years of experience. According to him, some hybrids are actually more trouble than they’re worth. Here are five hybrid vehicles he would think twice before buying.
Ford Escape Hybrid (2005-2012)
The Ford Escape Hybrid may seem like a pretty solid pick at first, since it offers decent fuel economy and plenty of cargo space. But, according to Mateo, older models — especially those between 2005 and 2012 — come with a major flaw: They have a weak hybrid battery system that’s expensive to replace.
“I’ve seen so many of these come in with failing battery packs,” he explained. “Replacing them can cost up to, and sometimes over, $5,000, which is more than what some of these older models are worth today.”
Apart from battery problems, these models could also have transmission problems and electrical failures, which makes them quite risky if you’re looking for a car that could last a long time.
Nissan Rogue Hybrid (2017-2019)
Nissan entered the hybrid SUV market with the Rogue Hybrid, but it didn’t take long for them to quietly discontinue it. And for good reason.
“This was one of those hybrids that just didn’t really make sense to me,” Mateo said. “The fuel economy gains were barely noticeable compared to the standard Rogue, and the hybrid system itself had so many software and transmission issues.”
On top of that, the parts for the Rogue Hybrid will be harder to get since it was discontinued, which means your repair costs in the future could be even higher.
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (2016-2019)
If you’re considering a hybrid sedan, the Chevy Malibu Hybrid might be one you’re thinking about buying. It has solid gas mileage and offers a pretty smooth ride. But Mateo believes it’s not a smart buy.
“The problem with the Malibu Hybrid is that it has a weak resale value and limited support for repairs,” he explained. “GM didn’t commit to hybrids the way Toyota or Honda did, so finding mechanics who specialize in these cars can be kinda hard.”
Another thing to be aware of is that Malibu Hybrids rely on a complicated start-stop system that could wear down over time and lead to expensive repairs down the line.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (2011-2015)
Hyundai has made improvements with newer hybrid models, but earlier versions of the Sonata Hybrid had tons of engine issues. Mateo said one of the biggest complaints he’s seen with this car is transmission failure.
“Hyundai had a lot of problems with their hybrid system in the early days,” he explained. “The transmission and hybrid components weren’t that great, and a lot of owners ended up dealing with expensive replacements before hitting 100,000 miles.”
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (2017-Present)
Like the other hybrids on this list, Mateo isn’t a fan of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, since it’s a maintenance nightmare.
“The Pacifica Hybrid has had multiple recalls related to its battery and electrical system,” Mateo said. “Some of my customers with this car have had to deal with stalling issues and charging problems.”
Choose Your Hybrid Wisely
Hybrids are a great way to save on gas and protect the environment, but not every hybrid is a good investment. Do your research beforehand and ask a car expert for advice before committing to one. You can also find reviews online from people who’ve purchased certain hybrid cars to see how they hold up over time.
“If you want a hybrid that lasts, I’d recommend sticking with brands that have been doing it for years,” Mateo said. “I think that Toyota and Honda hybrids hold their value pretty well and tend to be much less of a headache when it comes to repairs.”
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