Hybrid cars are an exciting alternative to gas-powered vehicles for both used and new car buyers. Their advanced powertrains make them more fuel-efficient than their gas-powered counterparts. However, they tend to be more expensive to purchase. Is there an overall benefit to buying a used hybrid rather than a gas-powered car? Here at Smart Cars by Wieland in Pittsboro, North Carolina, our hybrid vehicle experts have taken a closer look at the pros and cons of purchasing a hybrid and identified some tips to help you with your buying experience.
Understanding Hybrid Vehicles
There are two types of hybrid vehicles you need to consider. The first is the traditional hybrid, often referred to as HEVs. These cars and SUVs have a gas-powered engine and an electric motor; the battery used to power the motor is charged directly from the engine. Traditional hybrid vehicles always drive with a combination of gas and electric power, and you don’t need to charge the hybrid battery from an external source.
Plug-in hybrids work a bit differently. They have larger batteries and can drive on electric power alone for short distances, usually between 20 and 50 miles. Plug-in hybrid vehicles must be charged using an electric power source if you want to take advantage of the battery’s power. However, recharging the battery doesn’t take as long as it does with an electric vehicle.
Plug-in hybrid cars are more expensive than traditional hybrids but offer bigger savings in the longer term because they use less fuel. If you mainly use your plug-in hybrid for the daily commute, you can make it to work and back home without using any gas.
Advantages of Buying a Used Hybrid
One major advantage to buying a used hybrid rather than a used gas-powered car is the savings on fuel costs. In one example, a Toyota Camry Hybrid had an average annual fuel cost of $900, which was $550 lower than the typical gas-powered Camry fuel cost. This saving can add up over time and offset the higher price you may have to pay for a hybrid vehicle.
Hybrid vehicles suffer less wear and tear than gas-powered models, especially in their brakes and engines, as these components don’t have to work as hard as they do with a gas-propelled powertrain. Hybrid vehicles have regenerative braking, which redirects extra energy into the hybrid battery when you hit the brakes, so the pads are only used when necessary.
You can make big savings when you buy a used hybrid compared to the cost of a new model. Regardless of their powertrain, all cars typically lose between 25% and 30% of their value during their first two years. So, if you’re convinced that a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle is the right choice but put off by the high prices of the latest models, a used hybrid could suit you.
Potential Drawbacks of Used Hybrids
A key concern when shopping for a used hybrid is that the battery may require replacement. This can be expensive, usually costing thousands of dollars. However, hybrid batteries can typically last up to 200,000 miles, and many hybrid vehicles have a hybrid battery warranty of eight years from their manufacturer. You can, therefore, find used hybrids that still have a battery warranty and whose batteries should work fine for years to come.
If affordability is your top priority, you can get a cheaper used car by sticking to a standard gas-powered model. For example, figures from Cox Automotive show that in December 2023, the average price for a 2020 Honda CR-V was $25,574, while the 2020 hybrid version of the CR-V had an average cost of $28,706.
Evaluating Battery Health
Due to the potential cost of replacing a hybrid battery, a key action if buying a hybrid vehicle is to have the battery inspected by an auto technician to ensure a precise evaluation of its health before investing in the vehicle. Dealerships like ours, experienced with hybrid vehicles, can evaluate the hybrid battery to assess its state.
If the battery has damaged cells, it’s sometimes possible to renew them individually without replacing the entire battery. Some hybrid vehicles also have a battery status report in the infotainment system that you can check.
Depreciation and Resale Value
Although many of the best used hybrid cars, like their gas-powered counterparts, depreciate during the first two years on the road, they tend to retain their value better in the long term, making them good candidates for future sales. You can save money on gas over time and potentially secure a higher sales price if you trade it in for another model after a few years.
Top Used Hybrid Cars in Pittsboro To Consider
If you’re buying a used hybrid car, there’s no shortage of models to choose from. Hybrids have been around for two decades, and they’ve expanded into all vehicle classes. Whether you want a compact sedan, a large SUV, or a pickup, you can find hybrid models on the market. For instance, the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid are two popular sedan models. Ford has begun offering hybrid options for many SUVs, including the Explorer; even their full-sized pickups, such as the ever-popular F-150, have hybrid versions.
Check Out Our Used Vehicle Range at Smart Cars by Wieland in Pittsboro
Purchasing a used hybrid car is a good investment if you shop carefully. The best used hybrid cars will still have a hybrid battery warranty and be in good condition. Visit our experienced team here at Smart Cars by Wieland in Pittsboro to explore some certified preowned hybrids, which come with more warranty protection. Contact us online or at 919-542-1599 to learn more about buying a used car.
Hybrid vehicle plugged in by Kindel Media is licensed with Pexels License.
