Hybrids are an advanced alternative to traditional power units. After all, they consume less and have more traction. The Indy Auto Man experts have selected five models from used cars for sale in Indiana that rarely require costly repairs and service.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Buyers don’t particularly appreciate the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and more often choose gasoline modifications. However, there are no complaints about the reliability of its power plant. The crossover uses a two-liter naturally aspirated 4B11, like regular Outlanders, operating on the Atkinson cycle and derated to 121 hp. Therefore, the owner should not expect big troubles from it in the first 180,000 miles.
But it also has its peculiarities, namely noisy operation and lubricant leaks. The internal combustion engine is connected directly to the front wheels – through a dry clutch and a single-stage gearbox. It also rotates the generator to recharge the battery, which powers two electric motors that drive the front and rear wheels. The lithium-ion battery’s resource is at least 100,000 miles.
Toyota Prius
The fourth-generation Prius can be criticized for simple finishing materials, poor sound insulation, or a stiff suspension. However, serious technology problems will not be on the list of shortcomings of the model.
The power unit of the Prius is a bundle of a 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE gasoline engine, an electric motor, a power generator, and a planetary gearbox. Plus a traction battery, which, depending on the version, will be nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion. The design does not cause any special problems.
The internal combustion engine resource is at least 190,000 miles, other elements of the power plant are no less durable. But it is worth remembering that, saving fuel, the engine often runs at low speeds, leading to the accelerated formation of carbon deposits in the intake manifold and on the throttle valve. If they are not cleaned, oil consumption will increase over time. To reduce the risk of battery overheating, you should regularly update the removable filter – a paper insert. It is also recommended to change the transmission fluid in the gearbox every 60,000 miles.
There are no problems with the rest of the units either. The chassis of the hybrid Prius is very strong and durable.
Lexus RX
The fact that the fourth generation RX has repeatedly become the most popular premium model on the American market is also due to the hybrid version. The power plant with a capacity of 263 hp is based on the V6 2GR-FKS, which is known, for example, from the Toyota Camry. This engine easily and without major repairs covers 190,000 miles.
The weak points of the Lexus power unit include perhaps only the short-lived ignition coils and pump but not the hybrid add-on in the form of two electric motors on the front and rear axles. There are no big complaints about the E-CVT. If there are any, then not earlier than 120,000 miles and are usually associated with the wiring and battery. The gearbox unit itself fails extremely rarely. Of course, you can find fault with the interior of the RX hybrid version, assembled from not the most wear-resistant materials. But the Lexus has a body that is not prone to corrosion, and its suspension design is simple and reliable.
Volvo XC90
The second-generation XC90 is a worthy competitor to premium German and Japanese cars. The top version of the Swedish crossover does without a V8 engine – the senior modification is equipped with a hybrid. It uses a two-liter turbo engine B4204T35 of the Drive-E series, supplemented by a compressor and an electric motor on the rear axle. The total power of the Swedish hybrid, depending on the version, is from 320 to 455 hp.
At first, the power unit caused some problems – there were cases of replacing the electric motor under warranty, and the gasoline ICE showed a tendency to burn oil. The reason was not the most durable oil scraper rings. Subsequently, they were modified, and this problem disappeared – only seal leaks and injectors requiring attention remained. The potential resource of the power plant is at least 150,000 miles.
There are no issues with the transmission of the Swedish crossover: the 8-speed Aisin automatics is capable of working without complaints for up to 250,000 miles. The first serious repairs in the aluminum suspension of the XC90, as a rule, happen closer to the mileage of 90,000 miles. There are also minimal problems with the partially aluminum body – it is painted very well.
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
The hybrid Escalade exists only in the GMT926 body. The SUV received a 2-Mode hybrid system, which allows it to start and move at low speed exclusively due to the electric motor. If this is not enough, a six-liter gasoline V8 will come into play, which can turn off half of the cylinders. The total power is 337 hp.
The V8 engine is assisted by an electronically controlled CVT, unprecedented for a regular Escalade, two electric motors (they act as a generator during braking), and a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery under the rear seat.
The approximate transmission service life is about 220,000 miles. The rare leaks and failures of the first versions of electronics are among the problems.
The situation is simpler with the internal combustion engine. It belongs to the Vortec family and is related to the standard Escalade engines. The potential resource is at least 190,000 miles. The main thing is to monitor the condition of the radiator and pump to prevent overheating and remember that saving on oil is fraught with rapid wear of the camshaft liners.
As a result, the only thing that requires care in the Cadillac is the air suspension, where the cylinders quickly fail, especially if they are not looked after. The Escalade rusts slowly and rarely suffers from electrical breakdowns.
