You can find yourself on a waiting list to get a new hybrid. So what about a used one?

How's the reliability? Autobytel.com show a durability rating of 94 for the 2004 Prius (versus a rating of 85 for all cars), and a mechanical quality rating of 94 for the Prius (versus a rating of 85 for all cars).

Autobytel shows a 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid with a durability rating of 88 and a mechanical quality rating of 89.

Can you actually find a used hybrid? Will hybrid owners part with their beloved vehicles? That's a good question. They are a little hard to find. One thing to keep in mind; car dealers often give a warranty on a used car, an advantage over buying from an individual. A couple of places to try:

EV Rental Cars; they are a nationwide rental company specializing in alternative fuel vehicles, including natural gas cars. They have offices at Dulles, Reagan National and Union Station.

carmax.com (sm) has several lots in the area, offers warranties, and can have a car brought here from another location. You can search their inventory online.

What about the hybrid battery issue? Are you buying something that's going to need an expensive battery pack replacement? According to ASE Master Certified Technician Craig Van Batenburg, the batteries should be expected to last at least 200,000 miles, maybe much longer.

The minuses:

You don't get the federal tax break on a used hybrid.

Hybrids seem to be holding their value pretty well, so you may pay closer to the price of a new one than you expect. But on the other hand, your hybrid should hopefully depreciate slowly.

Dec. 2004