Like every other large purchase, it is advisable to do your research before reaching for your credit card. One purchase you that requires careful research in particular is in both new and used hybrid cars- a mistake many auto owners have found out after the fact. What things should you know about hybrid cars before you make the purchase? Let’s break it down:
1. Research the hybrid car model’s battery cost and battery life.
The most common mistake people make when buying a hybrid car is failing to research the information in regard to both the cost and the life of hybrid batteries. Why does this matter so much? Battery replacement costs can range anywhere between $1,000 to $6,000 depending on the make of the car, the labor, and the quality of the battery.
Hybrid cars are known to have, in general, weaker batteries when compared to a standard gas-fueled car. This means that although you may save some money on gas, you may end up paying more than what you paid for the car if you bought it used. Improvements in technology have increased the lifespan and warranties of hybrid batteries to last at least 100,000 miles, making batteries less of a problem. So long as the previous owner gave the car the proper maintenance required, a hybrid car with only 30,000- 40,000 miles on it, you should be able to get plenty of life out of it.
2. Hybrid car parts and mechanics that are knowledgeable in hybrid car maintenance can be hard to find, (and pricey).
The battery of a hybrid car isn’t the only costly repair that can come with owning a hybrid car. Oxygen sensors and catalytic converters are found in both hybrid and gas-fueled cars, and both are quite costly to replace. Catalytic converter replacement is never cheap, but depending on the hybrid, it can cost even more.
The evaporative emissions system is a common issue, whether it be failures or a leak in the system. It is the part of the car that is responsible for emission control, and often requires replacement parts for valves and lines that fail.
3. Hybrid cars aren’t helping the environment the way you’d think they would.
If the main reason you’re looking to purchase a hybrid is to be more eco-friendly, you may be surprised to know that hybrids do still run-on gasoline- plus lithium or NiMH battery packs. This creates an entirely new kind of carbon footprint. Further, mining for the materials found in the batteries have literally levelled mountains to have enough to make the batteries themselves.
If you ARE looking to decrease your carbon footprint, you can do that by purchasing a USED hybrid car opposed to a new one, or, simply choose a small, gas-efficient standard car.
4. Hybrid cars are an outdated concept already. Due the exponential growth in electric car technology, electric cars are becoming more and more affordable for the average person.
Hybrid cars are already an obsolete concept, as the electric car industry has made huge improvements to the technology, making them more affordable than ever. Though still costly upfront, it is the newest and best way for people to reduce their carbon footprint. Hybrid cars were introduced to the market before the technology was around for electric cars, trying to fill the gap between gas-fueled and electric cars.
