If a relative or a good friend asked me this question this is the answer I would give . Do not buy a used Hybrid vehicle, buy new with full warranty , lower interest rates and you will not have purchased a vehicle that might have had problems.

 

Most used newer hybrids are overpriced

 

In the last 8 years I have bought two Toyota hybrids, plus two for my daughter. In 2016 I bought a low-mile 2014 Avalon hybrid and just 6 months ago I bought a 2010 Lexus RX450h. With Toyota's legendary reliability I wouldn't expect you'd find any issues with the hybrid battery pack. At the same time I bought my 2010, I helped my daughter find a 2016 Highlander Hybrid. She moved up from a 2006 Highlander Hybrid I bought for her in 2015. So that's four hybrids, no issues. Now, with a $35k budget, you will find lots of options. Me personally, I like the exterior styling of the 2010-2015 RX, but the 2016 and newer has much better electronics (screens, interface, etc.) and interior styling. I would aim for this model, but know that pricing is just now coming down into that upper end of your budget. I would personally aim to get the lowest-mile example I can find between 2014 and 2020. Of course condition is all dependent on where you live, things may be different if you live in the rust belt, Florida or on the west coast. Good luck!

 

Thanks to all for your input! I will check out those earlier year models. Mainly been looking at 2018 and newer cars.
I have been "car shopping" for a while now and concur that it's been a crazy market. Been watching lots of Youtube and the folks at:
CarCareNut, Motormouth, Scottie, Edmonds, Lucky Lopez, The Homework Guy, CarEdge and Toyota Jeff (and more)...
I feel I can handle the buy when the right vehicle comes up.

Lot's of overpriced junk and then some good cars at inflated prices... Your knowledge helps greatly. - Kat

 

Thanks to all for your input! I will check out those earlier year models. Mainly been looking at 2018 and newer cars.
I have been "car shopping" for a while now and concur that it's been a crazy market. Been watching lots of Youtube and the folks at:
CarCareNut, Motormouth, Scottie, Edmonds, Lucky Lopez, The Homework Guy, CarEdge and Toyota Jeff (and more)...
I feel I can handle the buy when the right vehicle comes up.

Lot's of overpriced junk and then some good cars at inflated prices... Your knowledge helps greatly. - Kat

The RX450h is a fantastic SUV hybrid. It has a smooth and quite ride, is very comfortable, and has good power -- not a performance vehicle per se -- but it can get you off the line quickly when need be and can give that boost on the freeway when needed. It will cruise at 80 mph effortlessly and while maintaining a smooth and quiet driving/riding experience. The Lexus sound system is good, but if it is equipped with a Mark Levinson sound system, you are certainly in for a treat; none better than an ML sound system. Being a luxury brand, it does hold its value quite well, so finding one at $35,000 and below may be tricky for 2018 and newer. I like both the Toyota brand and Lexus brand, but after owning a Lexus, I am sticking with the Lexus.