Is a used Honda Civic Hybrid a safe buy?

I am intrested in buying a used Honda Civic Hybrid. Something probably between 2003 and 2005. They are in my price range of around 4–6 thousand, plus I like the boxy first generation body design better then the more curvy 2006— present models. My concern is the battery. If the batteries of hybrid cars are anything like that of a ipod after about 5 years they do not hold a charge like they used to. The car is usually no longer under warranty after around 100 thousand miles. A new battery for a hybrid car is supposed to be 6 thousand. So I need feedback from hybrid car owners. Is a used hybrid a safe buy?