Today, new car buyers are faced with a plethora of vehicle types and options, including traditional internal combustion vehicles (ICE), diesel-powered cars, electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, and hybrids.
While many of the choices offer the satisfaction of reduced emissions and better fuel economy, they can be more expensive than their ICE equivalents. New hybrid cars often cost as much as $8,000 to $20,000 extra.
In recent years, the purchase of a used hybrid car has become a popular alternative to a new model.
CBS Money Watch claims, "Buying a used hybrid avoids the new-car hybrid premium that can take many years to recoup in gas savings. And yet you still get the environmental benefits – both high gas mileage and low emissions of climate-affecting greenhouse gases and other pollutants."
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, sales of hybrid vehicles began in 1999 and, by 2013, grew to 3.2% (495,500) of the light vehicle market. In 2019, plug-in hybrids and all-electrics combined (400,700 units) represented 2% of all automobile sales.
The result is a more than ample market of used hybrid vehicles offering buyers an excellent selection. How does the Toyota Prius stack up?
The Pros And Cons Of Buying A Used Hybrid
As with the purchase of any vehicle, there are factors to consider before making a decision.
Ride Time outlines a few of the best reasons to purchase a used hybrid:
- Produces less emissions
- Lower fuel costs
- Used models cost less than new gas-only vehicles
- Long-lasting battery warranty coverage
- Transmission and brakes suffer less damage overtime
Additionally, the same source details drawbacks to purchasing a used hybrid:
- Less horsepower and torque
- Less expensive than gas cars
- Pricey out-of-warranty battery replacement
- Older hybrid models, such as the first Honda Civic hybrids and Toyota Prius models, have glitches that have been resolved in new models.
- Costly repairs
Checklist For Buying A Used Hybrid Car
While the pros outweigh the cons of buying a used hybrid car, the buyer should be aware of a few peculiarities. These features make shopping for a hybrid somewhat different than shopping for a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle. Making a sound investment will depend on taking some precautions before making a purchase.
Maintenance History: Request a detailed vehicle history and maintenance report or track its history through a service like AutoCheck or Carfax. Although this is good advice for purchasing any used vehicle, it is especially important for a hybrid. Twice as complex as gas-powered cars, a hybrid is equipped with two engines. Maintenance procedures are more rigorous than those of traditional, gas-only vehicles. For hybrid components and electrical systems to function properly, they require regular maintenance and servicing. They often use specialized engine oil.
The auto dealer or private seller should provide a comprehensive, detailed vehicle maintenance history report. If none is available, the buyer should select a different car.
Mechanic Review: Ask a mechanic with hybrid vehicle training and experience to evaluate the car. A qualified mechanic can analyze the hybrid’s complex systems like electric motors and regenerative brakes, to provide a comprehensive picture of the car’s overall condition. The cost to pay for a mechanic before making the purchase can save thousands of dollars in repairs in the long run.
Avoid older hybrids: Any hybrid over ten years old is best passed over. Large battery packs supply the powerful electric engines in hybrids that help maximize fuel economy. Like most batteries, these expensive sources of energy are only guaranteed to last about 8 to 10 years.
A battery that fails during the warranty period is usually replaced at no cost by the manufacturer. However, if the warranty has expired, the owner is responsible for replacing the battery. Depending upon the hybrid model, battery replacements can cost anywhere between $2,000 to $5,000 sometimes even more.
To ensure the used hybrid is still covered for battery failures, buyers are advised to search for cars in the 3 to 5 year old range.
The Top Used Hybrid Models
In 2020, US News ranked the best 100 used hybrid cars on the market under $20,000. The high number of cars alone suggests that a buyer searching for a reliable used hybrid has a more than adequate number of options.
Ranked at the top of the US News list are the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid, 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid, 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and many others.
Carbuyer.com ranks their top used hybrids: the Lexus IS sedan, Kia Niro SUV, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Volkswagen Passat GTE Estate, Toyota C-HR SUV, and Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine hybrid.
Both lists include the Toyota Prius among the top five used hybrids.
The Toyota Prius Gets High Marks
The Toyota Prius is at or near the top of most auto publications ratings of used hybrids.
Auto Express says, “The Toyota Prius is the best-used hybrid car in our Used Car Awards 2020.” Their team based the decision on a 2016 1.8-liter gas engine and electric motor hybrid Business Edition, with 79k miles and a used price of £11,590 ($15047.20).
Introduced in 2015, the fourth-generation Prius implemented an all-new chassis, based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture platform.
The Prius is surprisingly fun to drive with a sophisticated suspension that provides impressive body control and a refined ride, even though its design focuses on fuel efficiency.
The Business Edition offers adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, LED lights, dual-zone climate control, a color head-up display, and Toyota’s Touch 2 infotainment system, among others.
Sources: carbuyer.co.uk, usnews.com, autoexpress.co.uk, marketwatch.com, whatcar.com