If you have ever taken the time to see what is offered at a used hybrid car sale, then you realize that they can be surprisingly affordable in comparison with the cost of a new model. Since used hybrid cars are reasonably priced, perhaps you are thinking of buying one. Before deciding, perhaps it would be a great idea to take into account the merits of purchasing such a vehicle.

The Disadvantages

Several experts will tell you that purchasing a used hybrid car is not such a good idea and there are three reasons why they hold such an opinion. First of all, when you purchase a used hybrid car, you aren't getting the tax refund which the government offers to those consumers who buy a brand new model. Moreover, the value of hybrid vehicles depreciates quickly and the parts are expensive to replace. You will have to think about these facts before deciding whether or not to buy a used hybrid car.

The Advantages

Hybrid vehicles depreciate in value most throughout the first year. If you purchase a used hybrid car that is between one and four years old, it should still be in good condition but the previous owner will have taken the biggest hit in terms of depreciation of value. Additionally, hybrids may have expensive parts but they are also more trustworthy than regular cars so you might not need to replace anything, particularly if you have a qualified mechanic that checks the condition of the vehicle before you buy.

Used hybrid cars are about fifty percent more fuel efficient than ordinary vehicles. Hence, you can purchase one without increasing your monthly costs. If you have a long daily commute back and forth from your place of work each day, you will actually save money on your monthly bills since you will be able to drive further for less. Additionally, fuel prices might increase dramatically again like they did in the summer of 2008. If fuel prices increase again, those who have a used hybrid car will stand in a better chance of remaining financially solvent than people who own an ordinary vehicle.

What to Find

If you choose that you desire to go ahead and purchase a used hybrid car, then there is protocol you should follow if you want to make sure that you get the best value for money. Make sure that the car you choose is not more than four years old and doesn't have too many miles on the clock. Have the car's components that were checked before you buy. Pay especially close attention to the condition of the car's batteries because these could be expensive to replace. You may also wish to protect your investment by purchasing an extended warranty for your vehicle.