Is a Pre-Owned Hybrid Right for You?

Finding the perfect used car can seem like an impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult or stressful as it might appear—particularly when you work with the right dealership. It all comes down to exploring your options when looking at used cars for sale and figuring out what will and won’t work for you. For many people, one of the most attractive options out there is a used hybrid since it lets you enjoy the performance and efficiency of a hybrid vehicle while also going easier on your budget. Of course, many people are also unsure of what will work best for them, which is why it helps to have people who will work with you and make sure you get what you need in your next vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of choosing a used hybrid (along with a potential drawback or two you should keep in mind), and we’ll try to figure out if one of these exciting vehicles is right for you.

What Makes a Hybrid Different?

To fully appreciate the advantages of a hybrid—new or used—it helps to understand what makes a hybrid different and how it can improve your daily driving experience. Hybrid vehicles have traditional gas-powered engines in them, just like most other cars out there, but they also have a battery-powered electric motor. That’s what makes it a hybrid: the combination of a gas engine and an electric motor. This motor can power a wide range of different systems, like heating and cooling, or provide extra power to the engine’s drivetrain, which helps improve performance and efficiency.

This second point is what draws many people to a hybrid: they can deliver fuel efficiency far beyond what you find with a conventional gas engine. Since the motor powers certain systems, the engine doesn’t need to work as hard to keep you moving and provide power to every other system. With a typical hybrid vehicle, you don’t have to worry about plugging it in to charge it—the battery for the motor is recharged using regenerative braking and similar systems. This recaptures energy typically lost as heat to keep the battery charged, further improving overall performance and efficiency while you drive.

Used Hybrid Advantages: Improved Fuel Efficiency

For many of our customers, the biggest draw of a used hybrid vehicle is that you get to enjoy the improved efficiency that it has to offer. This keeps you on the road longer between stops for gas and can save you quite a bit of money in the long run. Plus, using less gas is better for the environment and can help reduce the amount of pollution your vehicle creates. All of this is a big bonus and a major advantage of choosing a hybrid. Of course, it’s easy to talk about improved fuel economy in vague terms, but how much of a difference can a hybrid really make?

As an example, let’s look at the Toyota Camry, which is a popular sedan and a great choice if you want a used car—plus, it’s available with an optional hybrid powertrain. A typical 2019 Camry with its 2.5L engine gets an estimated 29 MPG in the city, 41 MPG on the highway, and 34 MPG combined. By comparison, the 2019 Camry Hybrid gets an estimated 51 MPG in the city, 53 MPG on the highway, and 52 MPG combined. According to the EPA, you can expect to spend about $1,350 on fuel each year with the standard Camry or just $900 with the Camry Hybrid; plus, the Hybrid gets an estimated 676 miles of range from a full tank, while the traditional version gets more like 490 miles.

Used Hybrid Advantages: Less Wear and Tear

Although this can vary quite a lot depending on the make and model you’re looking at—plus the specific used vehicle—in general, a used hybrid tends to have less wear on it. Since the electric motor takes some of the work off the shoulders of the gasoline engine, it can help boost the longevity of that engine (assuming a car was well cared for by its previous owner). Similarly, since hybrids use regenerative braking and similar technology to keep their batteries charged, this can help reduce wear on their brakes, transmissions, and other systems. All of this comes together to help you get a fantastic used vehicle that’s in terrific condition, as long as you shop with a dealership you can trust.

Used Hybrid Advantages: Easier on Your Budget

Of course, one of the biggest advantages of any used vehicle is that it can save you money upfront on the sticker price. In general, hybrid models tend to cost a bit more than conventional vehicles with a standard engine since they require an extra battery and motor. Going with a used hybrid can help offset the higher price of a new one, letting you save even more money as you shop for a pre-owned vehicle. Combine this with the gas savings over the years as you enjoy your hybrid, and you can end up with a lot more money in your pocket.

Used Hybrid Advantages: Huge Variety of Vehicles

In the past, going with a hybrid could mean you were shopping from a pretty limited selection of vehicles, often only specialized models. Over the last decade or so, however, hybrids have surged in popularity and a huge number of them have become available. Shopping for a used hybrid gives you access to a massive selection of cars, SUVs, and even trucks from brands such as Jeep, Hyundai, and Toyota. Toyota is often seen as the king of the hybrid market since it offers a huge selection of different hybrid models, though plenty of other brands have a lot to offer and are worth checking out.

Potential Drawbacks to Used Hybrids

Nothing in life is without at least a few potential drawbacks to consider, and a pre-owned hybrid is no different. Much of this comes down to the same concern you’d likely have with any used vehicle: its condition. The most important thing when shopping for a pre-owned hybrid is to thoroughly check it out and make sure it’s in the best shape possible. Proper maintenance makes a world of difference when it comes to the lifespan you should expect from a vehicle, and this is doubly true when it comes to a hybrid.

One particular concern to keep in mind is the battery system for the electric motor. These should last at least 200,000 miles—depending on the model you’re looking at—but they can be a concern for a used hybrid. Always ask about the hybrid battery system and make sure it’s in good condition. Getting a new hybrid battery and having it installed can cost a few thousand dollars, so it pays to buy from a reputable dealership that inspects and stands by its used models.

Find the Perfect Used Hybrid

A used hybrid vehicle is a fantastic choice if you want a car that you can count on for a long time and that will save you money on gas for years to come. Just like with any other pre-owned vehicle, however, there are important things to consider, and it always helps to shop at a dealership you know you can trust. While you can never be 100% sure about what a vehicle went through with a previous owner, the right dealer will help you find great vehicles in terrific shape and stand by every car, truck, and SUV they sell. Here at Faricy Chrysler Jeep, that is exactly what you will find, and we’re incredibly proud of the terrific selection of new and used models we offer. All you have to do now is consider what type of hybrid model will work best for you and then explore your options to find the perfect ride.