The Prius battery lasts a couple hundred thousand miles. I wouldn't worry about it. Its also not that high tech. The hybrid system has been around for many many years and the infotainment is pretty basic. Toyota high tech = average tech for other brands.

 

I wouldn't worry about the battery either, I would worry about all the other complex systems that make up a hybrid. Repair costs can be catastrophic. That's why used ones are cheap. Get a conventional, cheap-to-fix, Corolla or Civic instead!

 

I have friends with Prius and they had it out of warranty. The repairs, even on the hybrid systems were not as bad as my Infiniti was or my Lexus out of warranty. It's a myth that hybrids are much more to repair


https://www.thecarconnection.com/new...r-and-maintain

 

You should read the Prius forums Wilson. Tons of high mileage Priuses, they’re used for fleet vehicles and taxis too, no reason to be worried.

 

Like others have said, I wouldn't worry about the battery, I would worry about going insane from the horrible driving experience, interior, and fear when trying to merge onto a highway on an uphill on ramp.

 

Have to agree with bit. Driving a Prius violates the Eighth Amendment.

 

Now these are things you should be worried about lol

 

I fear the holier than thou, 65 mph left lane Prius that matches speed with the guy on the right lane, the scariest and most frustrating car in the road

 

I'm going to go out of left field here and recommend

pre-2014 Chevy Impala: used in fleets, comfortable, pretty reliable and easily within your $8k range
Ford Taurus (maybe 2012-ish): As above, not overly complex but roomy and comfortable, reliable as well
Crown Victoria or Grand Marquis: Assuming you're buying in Florida, there should be tons of these as Ford never really updated these much on the old Panther platform and they literally last forever.

All these vehicles will comfortably sit 5 adults, have plenty of room for equipment/stuff to accommodate any disability requirements and don't sit "low to the ground" compared to some other sedans.
Not disagreeing with a Camry option either but just giving more choices =)

 

LOL, holy stereotypes there may be more in FL than other places because many people who move here (esp. from Michigan!) bring their crown vic and marquis' with them, and like you say, they run forever.

and i think you've given some great alternatives to the usual camry/accord/corolla...

 

When buying a car for a family that can't afford to buy a car, should one consider gas guzzlers, or risk cars that are expensive to fix? I know the Prius is reliable and beloved by owners (not by fellow motorists), but why take a risk on an expensive repair when a Corolla is cheaper to buy and repair if broken.

 

Thank you all for the additional replies and some humor