For sale: 7 hybrid occasions from 3 to 23 mille

The new Prius is only available in the Netherlands as a plug-in hybrid. Such a PHEV version is not new, but already existed with the third generation of Toyota’s super-efficient model. Nevertheless, today we focus specifically on the category ‘hybrids without a plug’. After all, that’s how it once started with the Prius, and in a way that category is more interesting. Making a plug-in hybrid economical is quite easy, as long as it can travel some distance electrically. However, a hybrid without a plug must be really smart to be useful, and Toyota succeeds in this like no other.

Because CO2 emissions are easier to reduce with a plug-in hybrid or EV than with a regular hybrid, the range of fully-fledged, plug-free hybrids outside the Toyota brand has always been quite limited. Yet there is a large pond from which to choose with a budget of €15,000. We’ll go down a few.

Honda Civic 1.3i IMA – 2004 – €2,950

This early Honda Civic IMA proves that hybrid driving doesn’t have to be expensive. Honda was quick after Toyota with the drop-shaped Insight, followed by this Civic IMA (Integrated Motor Assist). This is the predecessor of the Honda Civic Hybrid, which would later become extremely popular with us thanks to the 14 percent addition. Unlike that car, this earlier model has almost been forgotten, but that makes it a nice choice in our opinion. This copy has an eventful history with many different owners and has already weighed 2.5 tons. Nevertheless, the light blue copy still looks fresh at first glance. Moreover, those who would like to switch gears themselves and drive a hybrid simply have no choice. Yes: this hybrid has a manual gearbox!

Lexus CT 200h – 2012 – €7,999

Not driving a Prius, but secretly driving a Prius? Then the answer is ‘Lexus CT 200h’. The chic brother of the Prius is less practical, but strikes back with its – in our eyes – beautiful carriage and higher-quality interior. Technically it is identical to the third generation of the Prius. That means economical, solid and little spectacle. This example proves that solidity like no other, because with 3.5 tons on the clock it has already seen a lot of the world. The asking price of €7,999 may seem quite hefty in that context, but this makes it the cheapest CT 200h in the Netherlands.

Ford Escape 2.3 Hybrid – 2006 – €7,250

We will linger in the sub-8000 euro segment for a while, for something truly unique. This Ford Escape Hybrid was never officially delivered in the Netherlands and proves that Americans do care about fuel consumption. Elsewhere in Europe, this model, the brother of the Mazda Tribute, which was available in the Netherlands, was sold as the Ford Maverick. However, it never came to the Netherlands and was not available as a hybrid at all. This Escape Hybrid comes from the US, as witnessed by its mileage counter and typical stripe across the side, but has been in the Netherlands since 2008. Between that year and February 2022 it was with the same private owner, always a good sign. You probably don’t have to count on a wonderfully good consumption in this case, but you do drive a car that is special and practical for a reasonable amount.

Kia Optima 2.0 CVVT Hybrid – 2014 – €13,950

Kia and hybrid, that must be a Niro, right? So no. The Optima is quickly forgotten, but was available as a hybirde (first generation) and as a plug-in hybrid (second generation). This copy of the first, plug-free hybrid Optima stands out because it is a facelifted copy. It distinguishes itself with new LED lighting all around and is even rarer than the already rarely seen original variant. Moreover, this copy is very complete, with the panoramic sliding roof, heated seats all around and even steering wheel heating, which is almost mandatory in our eyes. The price of just under 14 grand does not seem strange for such a recent copy, especially given the reasonable mileage of 175,000.

Peugeot 508 2.0 HDI Hybrid4 – 2012 – €8,450

Just a warning in advance: we only recommend this Peugeot 508 because the combination of diesel and hybrid technology is quite rare. So it is a special thing, such a 508 Hybrid4, but not necessarily a very good hybrid. Apart from the malfunctions that seem to occur here and there, consumption is simply disappointing according to many users. According to them, 1 in 20 is hardly feasible and that is quite disappointing for a car that can rely on both a diesel and an electric motor to reduce consumption. Thanks to a 14 percent addition, the hybrid 508 was quite popular in the Netherlands, but there are still only a few for sale. We even see only one of the raised RXH station wagon, which falls into the ‘project’ category thanks to an engine failure.

Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Hybrid – 2013 – €12,945

‘Diesel king’ Volkswagen saw the success of Toyota’s hybrid models with regret and of course wanted to participate. That is why it came in 2012 with hybrid technology in the jacket of the Jetta. That is not a crazy choice, because the hybrid had to make it mainly outside diesel-loving Europe and the compact sedan was very popular in the US, for example. As with so many European hybrids, the Jetta’s fuel consumption was nowhere near that of the big Toyota example. For the Jetta, however, in our opinion, its timeless, well-proportioned body speaks for itself. This specific copy looks very neat with its beautiful wheels and stylish champagne color and costs less than 13 grand despite its low mileage of 88,000.

BMW X6 5.0i ActiveHybrid – 2010 – €22,950

Today’s bouncer: a big BMW X6. The first generation of the X6 received a lot of criticism for its rather remarkable shape, but it can almost count on cult status as a blueprint for all coupé SUVs that follow. BMW’s ActiveHybrid label was somewhat less successful. It was also stuck on the 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series, but we can remember that in practice the hybrid technology was very busy shifting its own weight. So you don’t have to count on low consumption, but then you also have a mud-fat SUV under your ass. In addition to an electric motor, BMW simply mounted a thick, five-liter V8 in 2010. With 408 hp, it must be a pleasure to drive. This copy is also remarkably neat for an X6. We have doubts about the wheels, but it is neat silver gray and has no misplaced M badges. Until now, this X6 has even managed to keep its windows free of the dark adhesive foil that is sold by the meter in the segment of the heavily depreciated über SUVs. Perhaps it is precisely that Hybrid label that makes it less attractive to people who see that kind of decoration as an enrichment, so that the electrical support here has made sense in at least one respect.