Is a hybrid right for you?

Should you buy a used hybrid? If you need fuel efficiency out of your car, or are simply green-minded, both in the economic and environmental sense, hybrids can be a good deal. But before you kick the tires on a hybrid, here’s what you need to know about buying used.

What About The Battery?
The first thing you hear, when talking about buying a used hybrid, is a warning not to buy a lemon in waiting with a battery that’s about to die. The truth, though, is a little more complicated than just assuming the battery will go the minute you get off the lot.

Hybrid batteries generally last for at least a decade, and usually longer. That’s by design; generally in order to be friendly to the environment, your average hybrid needs to be on the road without a battery change for at least ten years. So the first thing to check is how long the car has been on the road; if it’s a late-model vehicle, battery life isn’t material, but for older hybrids, ask if the battery has been changed recently, or if it’s guaranteed past a certain time frame.

Do Your Research
All hybrids are not created the same. A car like the Prius has what’s called a “full” or “strong” system, which is an electric motor and a gasoline engine working together or trading off, depending on the traffic and the situation. A “full” system can technically operate at low speeds on just electric power for several miles.

“Mild” hybrids essentially have an electric assist; the electric motor kicks in to help with acceleration, climbing hills, and to keep the engine at a lower idle during stop-start traffic. Full hybrids are generally more gas-friendly, and that plus their power usually translates to a higher price on the used market. But either will save you at the pump.

Hybrids can offer some real oomph under the hood.

Check The History
Used hybrids especially need a thorough check of their past history. In addition to their battery history, you also need to know about any wear on parts, any accidents, and any other concerns that might have come up. While hybrids are very similar to non-hybrids mechanically speaking, there are some engineering differences of which you’ll need to be aware. Pay close attention especially to any battery changes, any damage to the engine, and any changes to the engine or transmission. Confirm that the hybrid has had a regular maintenance history.

The good news is that hybrids tend to be heavily computerized vehicles, and tend to compensate for people who drive their cars hard. So you won’t have to worry about the kind of abuse other cars get put through. Even so, it is still a good idea to check the fluids, the mechanisms, and give the care a good test drive.

Remember, too, that all the standard rules of buying used cars apply here. So look closely at everything about the car, buy from a dealer you absolutely trust, get your financing separately from the dealer, and know your Kelly Blue Book value. A little thinking ahead and doing the homework can ensure you drive off the lot with the best hybrid for your needs. When you’re ready to find that used hybrid, shop for cars at Cars Found Me.