Toyota Hybrids Get Certified Used Program

After nine years of hybrid sales on the US market, Toyota decided to create a used vehicle certification program for its hybrid Prius, Camry and Highlander. The program states a 3 months/3,000 miles warranty from date of purchase. In addition, the used hybrids come with a new-hybrid warranty for the battery- eight years or 100,000 miles.

The vehicles enter the certification program after passing a 174 point quality inspection or a Carfax vehicle history report. The 174 point testing (for non-hybrid vehicles, the testing is comprised of 160 points) includes verification of the braking system, hybrid components, transmission, steering as well as exterior condition and appearance. After passing the tests, the vehicle are reconditioned are placed for sale.

Buyers of a Toyota used hybrid get 24 hour/day roadside assistance for 7 years or 100,000 miles, available for continental US and Canada. The services covered by the roadside assistance range from a better-do-it-yourself flat, to more technical problems, that require towing.

Toyota chose to provide the certified used program for hybrids after announcing last week that its hybrid sales in the United States have surpassed the 1 million mark. The last two years alone were responsible for almost half of that amount.

Later this year, the Japanese manufacturer will introduce the third generation Prius, he second-generation 2010 Lexus RX 450h and the 2010 Lexus HS 250h to the US market. As the competition with rival Honda Insight is expected to be a bitter struggle, Toyota tries to raise the stakes a bit by providing the American consumer with the choice of an used car, subsequent prices and new vehicle-like warranty.