If you are shopping for a used vehicle, one of the biggest decisions is whether to choose a hybrid or a traditional gas-powered vehicle. Used hybrid cars can offer better fuel economy, but they may also have a higher purchase price than comparable gas models.

 

So which option costs less to own?

 

The answer depends on how much you drive, where you drive, fuel prices, the vehicle you choose and how long you plan to keep it. Comparing the total cost of ownership rather than just the purchase price can help you make a more informed decision.

A traditional gas vehicle uses an internal combustion engine powered by gasoline. A hybrid combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery system.

 

Most conventional hybrids do not need to be plugged in. The vehicle can recharge its battery through regenerative braking and the gasoline engine. Some hybrids can also operate on electric power alone for short periods, depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.

 

Plug-in hybrids are different because they can be charged from an external power source and generally have a larger battery.

 

For this comparison, we are focusing primarily on conventional used hybrid cars versus comparable gas-powered vehicles.

The first cost to consider is how much you will pay for the vehicle.

 

Used hybrid cars can sometimes cost more than comparable gas vehicles because of their fuel efficiency, technology and demand. However, the difference varies significantly depending on the make, model, age, mileage and condition.

 

For example, a used hybrid version of a popular SUV may have a higher asking price than the gas version of the same model. But that does not necessarily mean the hybrid will cost more overall.

 

If you plan to keep the vehicle for several years, fuel savings can potentially offset some of the difference in purchase price.

Fuel is one of the biggest areas where hybrids can have an advantage.

 

Hybrid vehicles are generally most efficient in city driving because their electric motor can assist the gasoline engine and regenerative braking can recover some energy that would otherwise be lost.

 

A gas vehicle can still be very efficient, particularly on the highway, but a comparable hybrid may use less gasoline in many driving situations.

 

Your potential savings depend on how much you drive.

 

Someone commuting long distances every day may save significantly more on fuel than someone who only drives a few thousand kilometres per year.

 

Example

Imagine two used vehicles that each travel 20,000 kilometres per year.

 

If the hybrid uses noticeably less fuel per 100 kilometres than the gas model, the difference can add up over several years. At the same time, changing fuel prices can affect the actual dollar savings.

 

This is why it is useful to compare fuel economy based on your expected annual mileage rather than simply looking at the vehicle's advertised fuel consumption.

Maintenance is another important part of the cost comparison.

 

Hybrid vehicles still have gasoline engines, meaning they require many of the same maintenance services as conventional cars. Oil changes, tires, brakes, filters and other routine maintenance are still part of ownership.

 

However, hybrids can have some differences.

 

Regenerative braking can reduce wear on the conventional braking system because the electric motor helps slow the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle and driving habits, this can potentially mean less frequent brake replacement.

 

On the other hand, hybrids contain additional components such as an electric motor, high-voltage battery and specialized control systems. These can make certain repairs more complicated if something goes wrong.

The hybrid battery is one of the biggest concerns some used-car shoppers have.

 

Hybrid batteries are designed to last for many years, but like other vehicle components, they can eventually require replacement.

 

The potential cost of a replacement battery depends heavily on the vehicle, battery design and available parts and labour.

 

This does not mean buying a used hybrid is automatically risky. When shopping for one, look at the vehicle's age, mileage, maintenance history and overall condition. If possible, have the vehicle inspected before purchasing.

 

It can also be useful to research the specific hybrid model you are considering rather than making assumptions about all hybrid batteries.

Insurance should also be included in your overall comparison.

 

Insurance premiums are based on many factors, including the vehicle, your location, driving history, age, coverage and claims history.

 

A hybrid is not automatically cheaper or more expensive to insure simply because it is a hybrid.

 

Before purchasing, get insurance quotes for the specific vehicles you are considering. This can help you understand the real monthly cost rather than estimating based only on the purchase price.

Resale value can also affect the overall cost of ownership.

 

Some hybrid models have strong demand on the used market because buyers are looking for fuel-efficient transportation. However, resale value varies considerably between vehicles.

 

The vehicle's condition, mileage, maintenance history, accident history and overall market demand can all affect what it is worth when you eventually sell or trade it.

 

If you plan to own your vehicle for several years, consider both its expected depreciation and potential resale value when comparing a hybrid with a gas model.

If most of your driving is in the city, a hybrid may offer greater fuel-saving potential.

 

Frequent stops and starts give the hybrid system more opportunities to use electric assistance and regenerative braking. This can make a hybrid particularly appealing for commuters who spend a lot of time in urban traffic.

 

A gas vehicle can still be the better financial choice if its purchase price is significantly lower or if you do not drive enough kilometres for the fuel savings to make up the difference.

The difference can be smaller during highway driving.

 

Gas-powered vehicles can be relatively efficient at steady highway speeds, while hybrids may not have the same advantage they have in stop-and-go traffic.

 

If you regularly drive long highway distances, compare the actual fuel economy of the specific hybrid and gas models you are considering.

 

Your driving pattern matters more than simply choosing one powertrain category.

There is no single answer that applies to every driver.

 

A used hybrid may make sense if you drive frequently, spend a lot of time in city traffic and want to reduce fuel consumption. A gas vehicle may make more financial sense if the comparable model costs substantially less to purchase or if you do relatively little driving.

 

The best way to compare the two is to look at the total cost of ownership.

Consider:

• Purchase price
• Fuel consumption
• Annual kilometres driven
• Maintenance
• Potential repairs
• Insurance
• Financing costs
• Expected resale value
• How long you plan to keep the vehicle

A vehicle that costs more upfront can sometimes be cheaper over several years, while a lower-priced vehicle may be the better choice if your driving habits do not produce enough fuel savings to offset the difference.

If you are considering used hybrid cars, take the same approach you would with any used vehicle. Look at the vehicle's history, mileage, condition, maintenance records and overall cost before making a decision.

 

MyLoan offers a selection of used vehicles for different budgets and credit situations. If you are financing your next vehicle, you can also apply online and explore your financing options before deciding which vehicle fits your needs.

Are used hybrid cars cheaper than gas cars?

Not necessarily. Used hybrids can cost more to purchase but may save money on fuel. The overall cost depends on the vehicle, purchase price, mileage, fuel consumption, maintenance and how long you keep it.

 

Do hybrid cars save money on gas?

They can. Hybrid vehicles generally use less gasoline than comparable gas-powered vehicles, particularly in city driving. Your actual savings depend on your annual mileage, driving conditions and fuel prices.

 

Are used hybrid cars expensive to maintain?

Routine maintenance for a hybrid is similar to that of a gas vehicle in many respects. Hybrids have additional electrical components, however, so certain repairs can be more specialized.

 

Is it worth buying a used hybrid?

A used hybrid can be worth considering if fuel efficiency is important to you and the vehicle fits your budget. Before buying, check its maintenance history, condition and hybrid battery health where applicable.

 

Should I buy a hybrid or gas vehicle?

Compare the specific vehicles rather than making the decision based only on the powertrain. Consider purchase price, fuel costs, maintenance, insurance, financing and how much you drive to determine which option fits your situation.