jonceramic wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I just had my Echo t-boned, and I noticed a few Honda hybrids in my
> area being sold in the ~100k miles and 2003-2004 range.
>
> One I'm specifically looking at is a Civic Hybrid, 2003, with 9x000
> miles, for $7888.
>
> Am I setting myself up for a few thousand dollar battery replacement
> and maybe a transmission?
>
> Or is this a decent car?

Yes the 2003 HCH is a "decent car". I've had a 2003 model HCH
for 7 years now (bought it shortly after it first came out
in 2002). It's got around 170,000 KM (107K miles) on it, and has
averaged about 47 miles per US gallon (including winter driving).
Mind you, my driving might be described as "granny style".

There was a transmission/clutch problem on the early models,
and my transmission was replaced under warranty. I think they
later concluded that generally only the clutch need repair,
not the whole transmission.
(I'm assuming you are looking at the CVT (automatic), I don't
recall any problems being reported with the 5-speed manual).
Ask if the clutch or transission was replaced for the
"judder problem".

To check for the problem, stop the car on a slight uphill grade,
and then proceed forward under light/moderate acceleration.
Listen/feel for a viberation/shudder. (A young musiciaon friend
described it as a "low bass note").

If the problem is not there now, it is not likely to appear soon.

I'm still on the original big battery, so I can't say that
you are likely in for a bettary replacement. There is a
guy in New York that does battery refurbs (replaces some cells
etc.) for much less than a full replacement.

Most of the battery problems with Honda hybrids have been
reported on early manual transmission Insights where there
was much more possibility for driving style to overstress
the battery. CVTs (Insight or Civic) have had far fewer reports.