Thinking Of Buying A Hybrid? Read This First!

Hybrid cars are a pretty common sight these days. They’re only increasing in popularity too. Whether it’s the reduced fuel costs or a moral question of the environment, more and more people are switching over. If you’re still on the fence about getting a hybrid car, then this post is for you. Here are some of the things you should know before buying.

The main thing most people who consider buying hybrids wonder about is the fuel economy. These cars vary in specification. However, there are two main categories your vehicle will probably fit into. Regular hybrids are made with a conventional petrol engine, and a battery which is recharged solely by the car itself. These usually have a higher price, but offer significantly improved gas mileage. Typically, you’ll be looking at 40 to 50 miles per gallon.

Source: Wikimedia

Then, there’s the purchase price. Although a lot of hybrid cars are cheaper to fill up, the same isn’t true for buying. In fact, some hybrids can be much more expensive than their conventional equivalents. The cheapest hybrids you’ll be able to find start at around $20,000. Then, there are luxury models which cost closer to $100,000. If you were thinking of getting an all-electric vehicle, then you’ll be looking at a similar price range. Don’t let this scare you off completely though! Some advanced models such as the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt are eligible for certain tax credits, and a lower purchase price. If you scour the market enough, you’ll be able to find a distinctly cheaper model. However, expect to pay a little more than you would for a normal car.

Source: Wikimedia

Onto the operating costs. If you’ve already looked at some of the prices out there, you might be looking for some payback. By this, I mean cheaper running costs which make up for an increased vehicle price. Obviously, it’ll take some time for your hybrid to pay for itself. This will probably range between five years and a decade. However, it all depends on the fuel costs you’re looking at, which varies from model to model. Compared to a conventional car, you’ll probably be looking at a much better warranty. Manufacturers will offer an extended coverage for cars with parts specifically for hybrids. This usually lasts around eight years, so you won’t have to worry if the batteries or electric motor fails on you. The cost of replacing a battery pack varies from model to model. For services like this, there are many centres like Mick's Automotive which can help you. Plug-in hybrids have their batteries recharged by both the car and external power sources. When charged from outside sources, you can use it for short-range all-electric use, or long-range hybrid use. Generally, the more you can lean on the electric side of your car, the lower your running costs.

Hopefully this has helped you decide whether a hybrid car is for you. Operating one may take some getting used to. However, I’m confident you won’t regret the decision in the long run!