Hybrid vs Gas Long Term Value???

[Dead Horse]

Just a quick note regarding people who plan on keeping their 4runner around for 10+ years. CarCareNut mentioned that the great thing about Hybrid is that if the battery ever completely died, it would still run as a non-hybrid.

So in other words for people who say they don't want to have to buy a new battery pack in 10 years, you won't. You'll just have a non-hybrid gasser at that point.

That statement only applies to the hybrids with the pre-wired auxiliary switches (standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter, optional on the Off-Road Premium Hybrid...No other trims). This is because when the vehicle is equipped with the switches, it adds an alternator to the engine. None of the other 4Runners have an alternator, even if they're a hybrid.

There's another thread going that's exploring how the hybrid system functions, and eventually we'll sus out whether or not it'll run without the hybrid battery like Car Care Nut says, or if even the alternator equipped vehicles use only the DC/DC converter to charge the 12v system. It may not be introducing a redundant system.

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[Gumpus]

As far as reliability the unibody Toyota hybrids are superb and even the original first year Prius typically went well over 200,000 miles. My boss had one and it was less than $3k to get a new (or maybe it was reconditioned battery). The engines can run Atkinson cycle and never lug...the electric motor makes life simpler and easier for the gas engine. Batteries typically go well over 10 years.

Not sure the 4Runner hybrid has all the same benefits. Personally I would not worry about the battery but I'd be curious to know more about the transmission and driveline components in the gas vs hybrid 4R's since I would not assume that everything just lasts forever (300-400k) like a 5th Gen.

 

[bakutheleo]

I have made a few of these comments elsewhere, but I will add/summarize here as well.

I purchased the ORP hybrid. The loss of space (more like 6" I think, definitely not 10) was a big deal and my biggest hesitation. However, I decided to suck it up anyway. The extra oomph is nice, especially at the low end, although not critical for me (but I do admit it makes it more fun to drive). I do, however, like the bump in fuel mileage. And before someone says something like "it is only 2 MPG," please remember that is a 10% improvement--that is significant. No, I did not buy this vehicle for its fuel economy (we have a RAV4 that is much better for that), but that does not mean I do not care about it. One my of my hesitations on 4Runners in the past is their horrible fuel economy. I average overall between 23-24 MPG, which I consider pretty darn good for this type of vehicle.

I do/will tow on occasion. So far it has only been a small trailer (<1500# loaded), and I did not even feel it there. I may be using larger trailers in the future, so I am sure the extra power will be helpful, if not absolutely necessary.

I have heard elsewhere that Toyota hybrid battery replacements are relatively inexpensive (at least compared to other brands). This makes some sense, as most, including the 2025(+?) 4Runner uses the older NiMH technology rather than lithium ion, which is likely less expensive.

Large amounts of water: I see no issue with that, as I will not likely be having a lot of water in the back. I do not think there is a concern over small amounts like spilled dog bowl water or from sealed containers (like a jug I carry to fill the aforementioned dog bowls or as backup emergency water). Yeah, don't put it right next to the air intakes for the battery. I suspect, though, that even there it would be difficult to get enough water in there to cause an electrical problem.

Weight above hybrid battery: @drNick I have never seen anything that warned about a weight limit over the hybrid battery. I just rechecked the manual and found nothing. Where did you see this? I really cannot imagine this would be an issue, especially as the weight should be fairly evenly distributed anyway (would you have 120# all right over the battery often anyway?).

The hybrid system should reduce stress and increase longevity of the other vehicle components. The turbo/engine will not have to work quite as hard during more demand, and the brakes are worn less because the regenerative braking will take some of that load off.

Value: I never really consider resale value in vehicles, as I keep them forever, all were between 20 and 30 years old before I retired them. That said, it is nice that Toyotas seem to retain value well in case I do choose to replace it. Other than the actual cost of battery replacement after at least 10 years I would not think the value would be less than the gas version, but I do not know.

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