Tips To Buy A Used Hybrid Car

Since hybrid cars tend to cost more than cars with traditional engines, buying a used hybrid can result in real savings. It's a popular option for car buyers, and this option is growing more popular each year. Whatever hybrid car make and model you're buying, it's important to ask the right questions and get the right information on the used car you're considering. Take a look at these tips to buy a used hybrid car in Melbourne.

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Tips To Buy A Used Hybrid Car In Melbourne

Like any used car, you’re going to want to question just how used the car is that you’re looking at. How many miles does it have on it? Has it ever been involved in an accident? Has the current owner been taking good care of it? These are all questions that you should ask.

Also, be sure to ask for the car’s vehicle history report. This will give you the inside scoop on the car’s history and whether or not it’s a written-off vehicle. It will also tell you if there are any open recalls or any lingering issues that you should be aware of.

A Used Hybrid Battery

It’s important to understand why buying a used hybrid is different from purchasing your typical used car or even a used electric car.

Unlike your typical car, a used hybrid will come equipped with a hybrid battery. While a hybrid battery is similar to a car battery, you can expect it to be much larger and more powerful than a typical car battery.

Because of how large and how powerful a hybrid battery is, replacing one can be pretty costly. According to Toyota Australia, most Prius and Camry replacement batteries cost less than $3000 plus GST. These types of batteries don’t last forever either, so if you purchase a used hybrid, you’re probably going to have to replace its battery at some point.

Used Hybrids Driving Experience

If you have never owned a hybrid, make time for a lengthy test drive before you buy. Make sure you drive it in all-electric mode, and make sure you drive it in the mode where you're accelerating. Notice that the gasoline engine isn't necessarily rising in tone at the same speed that your speed is going up on the road.

The steering is also different from that of a gas-only vehicle. Since electric motors usually control the steering, the car may feel less responsive than what you feel comfortable with.

How Long Do You Plan On Owning A Used Hybrid Car?

If you’re considering a used hybrid, it’s important to ask yourself how long you actually plan on owning it. If you only plan on spending a couple of years behind the wheel of it and its battery is in good shape, then buying one might not be so bad.

Avoid First Generation Hybrid Cards (As A General Rule)

Many hybrid vehicle owners and mechanics recommend staying away from first-generation hybrid cars in any make and model.

This advice is based on the belief that automakers take a generation to correct any initial flaws in the car's design, especially when new technology is concerned. This is a common refrain for cars long before hybrids were on the road.

There are no scientific studies backing this up, but plenty of anecdotal horror stories. It is best to be safe and buy a later model, with technology that has evolved to be more reliable.

Have The Hybrid Car Inspected

Having a pre-purchase inspection is a good idea for any car. When you're buying a used hybrid though, it's important that the inspector conducting the inspection understands hybrid vehicles.

Sure, any good mechanic can weigh in on the condition of the brakes, tyres, and air conditioner, but once you get under the hood, you want a professional who knows what to look for.