How to Buy a Used Hybrid Car

With gas prices climbing, more and more people are turning to hybrid cars to save money. If you're considering a hybrid car but don't want to shell out the money for a new model, then buying a used hybrid might be the way to go. However, with concerns about replacing battery packs and the car's general lifespan, there are some things you should do to correctly buy a used hybrid.

Instructions

1

Survey the models. The last few years have seen a marked increase in the variety of hybrid cars on the market. Take a look at what's out there. Pay attention to the different kinds of hybrid energy sources cars use, such as electric and gas, and how you maintain or recharge the hybrid. A few notable hybrid cars to look at are the Toyota Prius, the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid.

2

Treat the used hybrid like a regular used car. To begin, do what you normally would do to buy a used car. First, check the Kelly Blue Book value of the car against the owner's asking price. Then request a lifetime report for the car to see if it's sustained any damage or had serious malfunctions. Also, try to get an understanding of who the seller is and if he or she is trustworthy.

3

Shop around online. To widen your search radius for a good hybrid and to further educate yourself about the used hyrbid market, check out sites like HybridTraderOnline.com which specializes in aggregating used hybrids from other sites. While you shouldn't just click and buy a hyrbid through the Internet, using the web as a jumping-off platform is a good way to go.

4

Get the car checked out. One of the biggest concerns that used hybrid buyers have is the condition of the car's battery pack. A battery pack is extremely expensive to replace, so buying a car with a fading battery pack is very poor value. The best way to get the car checked is to take it to a dealership that sells that model. This might cost you a bit more money but in the long run you'll be better off.