Used Car Hybrids: Are They a Good Idea?

If you’re looking to upgrade your ride, you might be considering used cars as you shop. With so many used car hybrids available in the used car market these days, it’s also likely that you’ve considered buying a used hybrid. But is a used hybrid a good idea? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of buying a used hybrid vehicle, so you can make an informed decision.

Consider Battery Life

When shopping for used cars, if you stick with traditional combustion engine models and find a good deal on a car with 80,000 miles, you can safely assume it will go for another 80,000 to 100,000 miles. If the car is a hybrid, you have to consider the battery life. Many hybrid batteries are warranted for up to eight years or 100,000 miles, but once a hybrid vehicle gets over 40,000 miles, you might see signs that the battery is losing storage and efficiency.

The key to getting a good buy on a higher mileage hybrid is to determine if the hybrid battery is still under warranty or find out if the previous owner recently replaced it.

Less Wear and Tear on the Braking System and Transmission

Since electric powertrains use the electric motor to perform much of the work in a hybrid, the brakes and transmission see less use. Systems such as regenerative braking allow drivers to use the brakes less, which helps to slow down the wear on brake pads and rotors. You can go many more miles in a used hybrid before having to have the brakes done.

Increase Fuel Efficiency While Lowering Emissions

One of the biggest draws to buying a used hybrid is the added fuel economy. Not only will you save on the price tag when buying used instead of new, you’ll save at the pump too. Hybrids offer incredible fuel economy, with most getting at least 30 mpg combined and up to and over 50 mpg on the highway. These numbers are the same for the later model used hybrids as for brand new models.
The environment is a big concern, and if you want to help, hybrid vehicles, even if you buy used cars, are a good way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Repairs Can Get Expensive

While there are many benefits to buying a used hybrid car, there are some drawbacks to consider. Repairs can get expensive, and in many cases, third-party mechanics won’t have the equipment or knowledge to perform any significant repairs. Most major repairs need to be done at the dealership.
Another drawback is the cost of battery replacement if it’s not under warranty. These can run anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000.

If you’re shopping for used cars and want to know if buying a used hybrid is a good idea, consider both the pros and cons. They are fuel efficient, eco-friendly, and offer excellent value compared to a new hybrid. You just need to keep in mind that repairs can get expensive, and you’ll want to look into the battery life.