Buying a used hybrid car avoids the costly appreciation associated with new vehicles. Buying a used hybrid car does not eliminate depreciation entirely, but will go a long way to reducing it. It is worth noting, however, that buying a used hybrid car does not make the purchaser eligible for hybrid car tax deductions as these are solely for the purchase of new vehicles. These tax credits can be quite significant. The maximum allowable federal tax credit for a new hybrid vehicle purchase is presently $3400. Factor in state income tax credits of as much as $4000 in Colorado and other states and the tax savings alone may make the determination between buying a new hybrid car and buying a used hybrid car. In Connecticut, hybrid vehicles with an EPA rated mileage of greater than 40 mpg are exempt from sales tax. In New Mexico, hybrid vehicles with an EPA rated fuel mileage greater than 27.5 mpg are exempt from state excise tax for the year of purchase.

A quick perusal of major online used car websites indicate that buying a used hybrid car can cut up to half of a hybrid car’s cost when compared to buying new.

When taking such a financial leap, many buyers are comforted by the knowledge that their new, technologically advanced dream machine carries a hybrid car warranty equal to or in excess of any warranty to be found on standard, non-hybrid cars. Check with the manufacturer and read the fine print, but these warranties are typically transferable.

At the top of the list of items potential hybrid buyers are concerned about is the vehicle’s battery. The battery acts as the storage reservoir for electrical energy generated when the vehicle brakes or when the engine can run more efficiently by charging the battery while also driving the wheels. Size, weight and voltages of these batteries can very widely from vehicle to vehicle. Some are only slightly larger or higher in voltage than the deep-cycle batteries found on semis. Others operate at nearly 300 volts and make up whole sections of the vehicle. Small or large, high-voltage or low-voltage; these batteries could make for a hefty repair bill upon failure. To alleviate consumers’ fears of just this, manufacturers of hybrid vehicles have added protections to their warranties to cover battery replacement far beyond the expiration of the vehicle’s bumper-to-bumper warranty. Durations of these battery warranties vary, but are typically in the neighborhood of eight years and 80,000 to 100,000 miles.

It seems if one thing is constant, it is change. Hybrid cars are changing the very way Americans choose new and used cars. With reduced fuel costs and substantial tax credits, purchasers can keep more of their own change in their pockets. Buying a used hybrid car can help to keep those pockets even more full.

Buying a used hybrid car avoids the costly appreciation associated with new vehicles. Buying a used hybrid car does not eliminate depreciation entirely, but will go a long way to reducing it. It is worth noting, however, that buying a used hybrid car does not make the purchaser eligible for hybrid car tax deductions as these are solely for the purchase of new vehicles. These tax credits can be quite significant. The maximum allowable federal tax credit for a new hybrid vehicle purchase is presently $3400. Factor in state income tax credits of as much as $4000 in Colorado and other states and the tax savings alone may make the determination between buying a new hybrid car and buying a used hybrid car. In Connecticut, hybrid vehicles with an EPA rated mileage of greater than 40 mpg are exempt from sales tax. In New Mexico, hybrid vehicles with an EPA rated fuel mileage greater than 27.5 mpg are exempt from state excise tax for the year of purchase.

A quick perusal of major online used car websites indicate that buying a used hybrid car can cut up to half of a hybrid car’s cost when compared to buying new.

When taking such a financial leap, many buyers are comforted by the knowledge that their new, technologically advanced dream machine carries a hybrid car warranty equal to or in excess of any warranty to be found on standard, non-hybrid cars. Check with the manufacturer and read the fine print, but these warranties are typically transferable.

At the top of the list of items potential hybrid buyers are concerned about is the vehicle’s battery. The battery acts as the storage reservoir for electrical energy generated when the vehicle brakes or when the engine can run more efficiently by charging the battery while also driving the wheels. Size, weight and voltages of these batteries can very widely from vehicle to vehicle. Some are only slightly larger or higher in voltage than the deep-cycle batteries found on semis. Others operate at nearly 300 volts and make up whole sections of the vehicle. Small or large, high-voltage or low-voltage; these batteries could make for a hefty repair bill upon failure. To alleviate consumers’ fears of just this, manufacturers of hybrid vehicles have added protections to their warranties to cover battery replacement far beyond the expiration of the vehicle’s bumper-to-bumper warranty. Durations of these battery warranties vary, but are typically in the neighborhood of eight years and 80,000 to 100,000 miles.

One good source for used hybrid cars are companies that rent hybrid cars such as EV Rentals. EV Rentals is a leading rental car firm that specializes in renting hybrid cars. Their hybrid cars are lightly driven for around 20,000 miles and then sold off. They currently are selling portions of their Honda Civic Hybrid fleet for steep discounts. Another good source for is Fox Rental Car. They currently rent the Toyota Prius, Highlander Hybrid and other hybrid cars and have a similar policy to that of EV Rentals.

It seems if one thing is constant, it is change. Hybrid cars are changing the very way Americans choose new and used cars. With reduced fuel costs and substantial tax credits, purchasers can keep more of their own change in their pockets. Buying a used hybrid car can help to keep those pockets even more full.