Bob Thomas

So when the battery is charged well & engine is off when in ‘Drive’, as you pull away using electric only there’s no issue?

Good reminder to isolate and test the source first :-)

& servicing btw i understand is easy available in the UK, several service these vehicles, the hybrid itself i understand doesn't need servicing as such but key to note how old the batteries are/mileage

I bought a 2006 hybrid in September '22 - i did an oil & filter change and since driven full family/luggage loaded to Croatia, Poland, French Alps & currently in Spain. She's been perfect except i noticed a vibration when pulling away on hybrid for the first 10mph or so, which whilst it got worse from an ever so slight to more noticeable, it hasn't got worse in the last 4000 miles since Croatia. I understand it's the electronic braking system or similar, decided it's nothiong to continue worrying about I had recon batteries in mine when i got it and do love the hybrid, especially if you can drive cautiously around town as you'll eek out plenty of mpg - mid 40's mpg, often more if you driver like an old vicar. The 2.4 does struggle a little on hills, rather like a 18 wheeler lorry does on long motorway hills, unless you're happy to put your foot down and consume more fuel. I'm never in a hurry so doesn't bother me. The S gear which i assume equates 'sport', i used this in the Alps and it climbs hills perfectly fine. Would definitely get a hybrid again, particularly if you fit the cruise control switch to it