We are still in the middle of the transition phase from fossil fuels to electricity, although this transition seems to be slowing down lately. Decreasing subsidies and an overcrowded power grid are some reasons for doubt. Charging station stress is no longer necessary – there are enough in our country, and the price should no longer be an obstacle. Because not only is the EV used car market picking up steam, but more and more cheaper new EVs are being released. For those who are hesitant, this time again attention to the hybrid; the interaction of fuel and electric motor. Often these types of cars have been used for business purposes. There will certainly be entrepreneurs, but also private individuals, interested in a used hybrid. Three occasions with a business appearance can meet that need. What is for sale for €10,000?
Opel Ampera – 2013 – 128,542 kilometers – €9,450
Looking For … has previously paid attention to the Opel Ampera, but that concerned the younger and smaller, fully electric Ampera-e. This time, the larger and older plug-in hybrid that was in the Dutch price lists between 2011 and 2015 in a single version takes center stage. The Opel brother of the Chevrolet Volt was a reasonable success here with more than 5,000 copies sold. One of them is this Opel Ampera, which is waiting for its third owner in Harderwijk. A tame fair, atmospheric 1.4 with 86 hp is supported by two electric motors that are good for a range of up to 80 kilometers (electric consumption: 16.9 kWh per 100 kilometers – NEDC). If you plug in often, commuting is emission-free in many cases. And that is nice, because when the electric prick is gone, the combustion engine kicks in, which has a lot to do with the empty 1,635 kilo four-wheeler, which makes fuel consumption quite high. Despite the fairly hefty weight, Opel has managed to tune the combination of springs and dampers so that you don’t notice too much of it. The chassis has a comfortable design, but due to the low position of the battery pack, the Ampera only leans over to a limited extent and lies stably on the road.
In the interior there is enough space in the front, in the back the headroom is less and because of the battery pack that is in the – high – center tunnel, the Ampera with its two separate seats is strictly four-person. The luggage space of this hatchback is also limited. The seats are quite flat, but still offer enough support. As mentioned, the Ampera was only in one version in the price list. Fortunately, a generously decorated version: leather upholstery, heated front seats, a safety package that was extensive for the time and beautiful light-alloy wheels are some of the things present. Unfortunately no warranty: that costs extra, and then only on the engine and (automatic) gearbox.
Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Highline – 2015 – 252,276 kilometers – €9,990
Half a size larger and younger than the Ampera is the Passat GTE, which was available as a sedan and station wagon (Variant) in several versions. And because Volkswagen used cars generally have a less favorable price/performance ratio anyway, this is reflected in this Volkswagen Passat in a mileage that is twice as high as that of the Ampera, with the note that there is little difference in used cars prices between the sedan and the more popular Variant. Because we are portraying a sedan below, we therefore choose the GZ-914-P, which, after serving three owners, is waiting for the fourth in Eindhoven.
In almost everything, the Passat is on a higher level than the Ampera. Used materials and the finish of the interior are of a higher quality and where the Opel has room for two passengers in the back, the Wolfsburger offers three people plenty of space. Of course, a station wagon swallows more stuff than a hatchback or sedan, but even as a sedan, the Passat could handle almost 100 liters more. Yet the car is not heavier. More powerful: here a blown 1.4 that forms a smooth span with one electric motor. Not only are its performance levels higher, but 1,600 kilos can also be braked on the tow bar. The GTE has an e-mode in which you drive fully electrically, and a hybrid mode in which the car uses and recharges the battery, just like with a conventional hybrid. The GTE weighs a few hundred kilos more than the ‘normal’ Passat, but you only notice that when you step from one to the other. Because the Passat is still a neatly driving mid-classer that takes you from A to B without too much drama – a quiet, comfortable kilometer eater that also offers more in terms of equipment (including navigation system, panoramic roof, electric seat adjustment, heated seats front and rear) than its compatriot. It’s up to you whether that is worth twice the mileage.
Toyota Camry 2.4 Hybrid – 2009 – 119,972 miles – €9,490
In addition to the high weight, the sometimes complicated technology is a pain point of the (plug-in) hybrid. If something goes wrong, it’s your turn. The Passat GTE in particular is not free from inconveniences (battery pack, whether or not in combination with the DSG gearbox). A hybrid manufacturer that has been getting its act together for years is Toyota. If we are looking for something similar in size to the Ampera and Passat, you soon think of the Prius, until we find this Toyota Camry in our database. The Camry is somewhere between the D and E segment, but as a sedan it is not much more voluminous than the Passat. Various generations of the Camry have also been sold in our country in recent decades, but not this example of the XV40 generation (2006-2011) standing in Drenthe. In the dashboard we therefore see a mile instead of a kilometer counter. If we convert that mileage, almost two tons have been covered. The 88-LLN-2 is from 2009, already came to our country a year later and has since worn out six owners. It is offered including warranty, so that is a plus. Under the hood is an atmospheric 2.4 with 148 hp that works together with a 141 hp electric motor, which results in a system power of 188 hp. Deviating are the cvt automatic and the impossibility of plugging, so that the specified consumption figure is more realistic than that of the above models, unless you are an active plugger.
This sixth generation Camry is characterized by a not very striking exterior and interior, but still looks quite distinguished. The quality is in any case beyond doubt, the car looks well cared for. There is plenty of space in the front and rear, the luggage space is somewhat disappointing in terms of volume for such a hefty sedan due to the battery pack. Comfort is paramount, both in terms of driving and equipment. That can certainly be called complete.
