Buying a used hybrid car

What is a “hybrid” car?

It was in 1997 that the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota launched the first hybrid car on the market: the Toyota Prius. But what is a "hybrid" car? This range of "hybrid" cars combines two sources of energy to move forward: electricity and gasoline (and more rarely diesel). The advantage of this type of engine is that it can activate the electric motor when the vehicle is started or when moving at low speed. Beyond a certain speed (around 50km / h), the gasoline engine then takes over.

The electric motor is powered by a battery. But how do you recharge this battery? For hybrid vehicles, there is no external charging. The heat engine and the kinetic energy recovery device are activated by braking or decelerating and allow your hybrid automobile to recharge. This electric mode will only allow you to drive 2 kilometers once the battery has been recharged.

If it is a plug-in hybrid car, a home charging station or socket can charge your car. Charging time is around 4 hours and these cars have a longer driving range. About ten kilometers can be covered once the battery is full with this range of car.

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A range that is certainly ecological … But economical?

From an ecological point of view, this technology makes it possible to limit CO2 emissions while maintaining the autonomy and performance of a classic car. But its main weak point remains the battery. To limit polluting emissions, you need sufficient autonomy and electrical power, so a large capacity battery. Today, cars run with hybrids are mainly sedan models (Tesla Model S, Audi Q7…), 4 × 4, either with four-wheel drive (Toyota RAV4, Lexus NX) or SUV (Audi Q5, BMW X5…). Hybrid powertrains are not widely extended to city cars. The Toyota Yaris is an exception in its class. The compact segment is for its part more supplied (Volkswagen Golf GTE, Audi A3 E-Tron, Toyota Auris…). In this dynamic, we offer a used Peugeot 508 SW, which exists in hybrid.

If you go for a hybrid, the on-board technology is more complex, the manufacturing costs higher, and therefore the price will increase accordingly. You will often find these models at prime car prices. The price is therefore higher than a conventional thermal car. Also, you will have to count about 5,000 € more if you prefer them to the "normal" models. The principle of variation between two engines in a hybrid car allows less fuel use. It is therefore an economy in this respect since it is completely possible to drive in the city using only the electric motor.

Hybrid cars are technical cars that have a computer of full board allowing to follow the operation of the engines. This can be simultaneous or only one of the two motors can operate. When driving conditions change, the second engine can support the first in order to increase the performance of the car. These cars have a clutch system, but with an automatic transmission. The maintenance costs are similar. On the other hand, the gearbox is drained less often.

Buying a hybrid car

How to choose your used hybrid car?

If you are looking for your future hybrid car, find out about its owner's use. The way you drive, the journeys traveled (for example, more trips in the city than on the highway) .Buying a used hybrid car means reducing your fuel consumption, polluting less, but generating less cost in terms of repairs because many parts are electrical and require less maintenance. The maintenance costs of a hybrid are generally lower than those of a "normal" car by about 30%.

The life of a hybrid car battery your hybrid is well made, the longevity of its battery could go up to about 10 years. Indeed, you have to wait until the 5th year to have the battery of your hybrid car checked. You will then have to perform this action every year until the 10th.

If you are fond of long journeys or your professional activity requires it, the choice of an entry-level hybrid car risks not to be judicious. The hybrid system only works up to around 50km / h. If you drive in the city and on journeys with frequent stops, the hybrid function will be used and the battery can also be recharged! However, if you use the highways often, this purchase may not be profitable for you.

New hybrid cars combine turbocharged gasoline engines with excellent efficiency and drivability. In addition, they are assisted by electric motors which boost their performance. They are therefore a better choice if you drive a lot outside cities and want to keep consumption under control.

For an ecological purchase, make the right choice

A trusted intermediary private buying and selling of used cars exists to help you make the right choice. CapCar helps you with the purchase of a hybrid, electric or plug-in vehicle!

The CapCar service to buy or sell a used car CapCar guarantees you a complete and meticulous expertise of the car you are looking for. But also a model adapted to your expectations. Your hybrid will be in very good working order and will have a minimum 6 month warranty!

Buy a hybrid car