Buying a used car is a big decision and one of the most significant investments you’ll make in life, which can make it an exciting, rewarding and nerve-racking experience.
Motoring
Pros & cons of buying a used plug-in hybrid or hybrid car
The popularity of hybrid cars makes them an obvious choice for buying used, but have you considered the pros and cons of both regular hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)?
Hybrid cars are no longer a curiosity in Australia and are today favoured by many buyers over traditional internal combustion engines (ICE).
Now that market leader Toyota has switched most of its passenger cars and SUVs to hybrid only, and rival brands are trying to catch up with their own offerings, petrol-electric vehicles account for about 25 per cent of all new car sales in Australia – which in turn is fuelling growth in second-hand hybrids.
These cover both regular hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that are seen as cheaper to run than traditional ICE cars and free of the battery charging limitations inherent with pure EVs.
For those in the market, this is a guide to the pros and cons of buying a used hybrid and PHEV, with handy tips on what to consider in the quest for cost-effective, fuel-efficient motoring.
More: Hybrid vs plug-in hybrid vs electric vehicle: what’s the difference?
In this article
Buying a used hybrid car – pros
There are many advantages to buying a second-hand hybrid car. Some of these apply to new vehicles, too, however as a used car the benefits can be pronounced.
Improved affordability
Buying a used hybrid car can make it a more affordable option, unlike their new counterparts which often come with a higher price tag compared to petrol-powered models. Depreciation hits new vehicles hard in the first few years, so buying a hybrid second-hand should offer greater value for your investment.
As a guide, RACV data shows that a 2020 Toyota C-HR Koba Hybrid has an estimated driveaway price in Victoria of $34,292 (current as at mid-2025), compared to a similarly specified 2024 model that’s listed at $55,076 driveaway. That’s a $20K difference. For an even sharper contrast, a 2022 Honda Accord VTi-LX Hybrid was valued at $62,301 at the time of writing, while the equivalent 2021 model was substantially cheaper at $43,898.
Better fuel economy
If you spend most of your time driving in the city or suburbs, you should achieve significantly better fuel economy with a hybrid car compared to an equivalent ICE model. That translates to lower running costs, with less frequent visits to the service station and more money in your pocket.
To illustrate the point, a second-hand 2023 Toyota Corolla SX hatch returns 4.0L/100km economy on the official combined (city/highway) driving cycle, compared to 6.0L/100km for the petrol-powered version. In the city alone, the difference is dramatic – 3.8L/100km (hybrid) versus 7.5L/100km (petrol). Over a year, the savings brought with the hybrid should be considerable.
RACV data also shows how overall running costs are substantially lower for this 2023 Corolla SX hybrid compared to the petrol variant. Less fuel consumption means fewer tailpipe emissions, too.
Comparable servicing costs
Routine servicing of a hybrid car, according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, is roughly comparable with a petrol-engined vehicle. However, it does depend on the make and model, so check the brand’s capped-priced service schedule (where available) as a guide and also take a close look at the costs involved.
For example, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and 1.6T front-wheel-drive petrol models both have 12-month/10,000km service intervals, but the hybrid’s servicing costs average $398 per year over the first five years/50,000km of ownership and $480 over seven years (or 70,000km). This compares to the 1.6T at $368/yr and $428/yr over five and seven years respectively.
As a general rule, a hybrid car should place less wear and tear on some components, such as the combustion engine and brakes, over the longer term. But the extra mechanical complexity may add cost to a hybrid’s servicing at certain intervals. In the case of repairs, hybrids might also prove to be more expensive, depending on the components involved.
The Honda Civic e:HEV hybrid engine offers strong performance and fuel consumption as low as 2.0L/100km on the city cycle.
No charging issues
Hybrid cars rely on a traditional combustion engine that can propel the vehicle or will act as a generator for the battery, making them highly convenient to refuel and keep running compared to a battery-electric vehicle that must have access to a power source for charging. The battery in a regular hybrid is charged automatically, while PHEVs typically allow drivers to select EV power only, petrol only or choose hybrid operation. PHEVs will still run without battery power, albeit much less efficiently.
If you do not have access to off-street parking, or if you live in an apartment building that doesn’t have EV charging facilities, a regular hybrid may be a worthwhile option. Hybrids can also save time and provide peace of mind when travelling longer distances.
Proven technology
Toyota (including Lexus) and Honda pioneered hybrid technology in Australia and their petrol-electric powertrains are generally well regarded for their reliability and longevity. This is especially the case when the vehicle is properly maintained, giving used car buyers confidence.
Toyota’s hybrid battery warranty runs for up to 10 years, and Honda’s for eight years, both with unlimited kilometres (though conditions apply). They are transferable to subsequent owners if the car is still within the warranty period and all relevant conditions are met. Hybrid batteries often outlast their warranty period but will degrade and lose effectiveness over time, so replacement costs should be factored into a used hybrid car purchase if it’s an older model.
More: The best used cars and SUVs in Australia under $50,000
Buying a used plug-in hybrid – pros
The advantages we’ve outlined above for buying a used hybrid cover the increasingly popular plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, but PHEVs also have some unique pros – and cons.
Electric-only driving
Most plug-in hybrid cars are designed to operate just like a battery-electric vehicle for limited periods, running solely on electric power. This is especially useful in urban areas, where owners can avoid using the hybrid’s combustion engine (or at least reduce its influence) in stop-start driving conditions that invariably lead to higher fuel consumption.
The daily commute to work and school runs can potentially be done petrol-free, depending on your route, the vehicle’s driving range and other factors. This could deliver significant savings over the long run.
Bridge to EV ownership
Buying an affordable used PHEV can pave the way to future EV ownership without the bigger financial commitment typically involved with a new electric vehicle. You can become familiar with issues such battery capacity, driving range and charging (including when, where and how to charge), and ultimately decide whether you’re ready to make the switch to an electric car.
The savings brought with buying a used PHEV might also allow you to purchase a home charger, providing a fast and efficient means of keeping the car’s battery charged.
High specification
Most PHEVs are imported to Australia new as highly specified model variants. Beyond the electric powertrain, there’s often advanced safety technology, a premium infotainment system and plenty of creature comforts such as leather upholstery and front seat heating and cooling. High-tech capabilities such as Vehicle to Load (V2L) are also found on some PHEVs.
Depending on the make and model, buying second-hand can bring many of these extra features within reach compared to a similarly priced ICE car or regular hybrid.
Buying a used hybrid car – cons
Despite the clear benefits, buying a second-hand hybrid car can bring some distinct disadvantages compared to a traditional petrol-powered vehicle.
Higher purchase price
Hybrid cars are typically more expensive when new compared to an equivalent ICE model due to the extra complexity involved with the petrol-electric drivetrain, and this will generally flow through to the used car market. Buying second-hand makes the hybrid more affordable, but it’s still likely to carry a sizeable premium.
For reference, RACV data shows the 2021 Honda Accord VTi-LX Hybrid cited above is $3458 more expensive than the equivalent petrol-powered variant ($43,898 est. value in June 2025 compared to $40,440). This is actually a higher premium than in 2021 when the cars were new and the list price difference was $3000.
Toyota is among the leading car brands working hard to improve their hybrids’ resale value, which strengthens their price as a used car. That’s a disadvantage for the used car buyer – until it comes time to sell. In any case, it could take many years to offset the higher purchase price of a hybrid with savings achieved at the petrol bowser.
Different warranty periods
As with electric cars, hybrids often have a different warranty period for their electrical components, including the high-voltage battery and electric motor. For some models, this period might be longer than the vehicle warranty, but it could be shorter, too.
Kia, for example, limits the warranty on its hybrid batteries and related components to seven years/100,000km, compared to unlimited kilometres (over seven years) for the rest of the vehicle. Mitsubishi Outlander and Eclipse Cross PHEVs purchased new after October 1, 2020, carry an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty – a common period for many EVs and PHEVs across the industry. This compares to Mitsubishi’s 10-year/200,000km new car warranty.
Used car buyers are encouraged to always check the status of the battery warranty, in addition to the vehicle warranty.
Reduced interior space
A hybrid car’s battery is usually located under the rear seat or the cargo area, which tends to compromise interior packaging. There may be less boot space due to a higher floor and less versatility with storing smaller items and folding the rear seat.
It also means hybrid cars are rarely fitted with a full-size spare wheel. A space-saver temporary spare is commonly found, but carmakers are increasingly relying on a puncture repair kit comprising a small portable air compressor and sealant.
More: Cheapest hybrid and PHEV cars in Australia for 2025
Limited benefit on highway
Hybrids are most effective in urban areas where stop-start traffic allows the electric motor to handle much of the propulsion. If you do a lot of driving on the open road, a hybrid car’s advantages are less pronounced and any extra weight they carry over a comparable ICE car will typically make them less economical on the highway.
This can be seen in official fuel consumption figures. For example, the just-released 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid AWD has a 6.5L/100km economy figure for highway driving, well above the 3.6L/100km cited for city conditions. The tables are turned for the non-hybrid turbo-petrol variant, which returns 6.1L/100km on the highway and 9.8L/100km in the city.
Battery replacement costs
The high-voltage battery is generally regarded as the most expensive component in a hybrid car. Given all batteries deteriorate over time, used car buyers may be understandably cautious when purchasing a second-hand hybrid – especially if it’s nearing the end of its battery warranty.
Battery replacement costs for a regular hybrid can vary between $2000 and $10,000 (not including fitment) when sourcing from the vehicle manufacturer, while PHEV batteries can be higher than $10,000. Before buying an older used hybrid car, check with the manufacturer and/or its authorised dealer network for the cost of a new battery as the prices differ markedly between models. Independent companies offering refurbished or aftermarket new batteries can also be a cost-effective option.
More: Best affordable SUVs in Australia for 2025, including hybrids
Buying a used plug-in hybrid – cons
Like a full battery-electric vehicle (BEV), PHEVs require special attention when buying used and during ownership.
Needs consistent charging
Plug-in hybrids are often touted as being a perfect halfway point between a traditional petrol car and a BEV, but PHEVs do require owners to have a regular charging routine to be effective.
When the battery is depleted, PHEVs can consume more petrol than an equivalent ICE car, reducing (or even eliminating) their advantage. To realise the benefits of a plug-in hybrid, owners need to charge their battery and drive it like an EV wherever possible.
Limited EV range
Battery technology is constantly improving but many PHEVs, including early models found on the used car market, may only have a modest EV driving range of about 50km (or less, depending on the battery’s condition). This can limit their effectiveness outside a normal short-distance daily routine, especially on longer trips.
What’s more, the PHEV might not be compatible with the DC fast-chargers found at public charging stations, forcing the owner to drive with a fully depleted battery until a suitable AC charger (whether public or private) can be found. This can be inconvenient out on the road, while at home the slower rates of charge may also require some planning and patience.
A plug-in hybrid might need several hours to charge the battery using a household power point, while a 7kW EV home charger will be much more effective, adding about 35-40km of range per hour.
Battery degradation
Battery capacity in all hybrid cars will degrade during its lifecycle, but plug-in hybrids (and BEVs) are at the mercy of the charging habits of owners – the types of chargers used, charging frequency and, where applicable, fast-charging practices. An owner’s treatment of a car is important with any used car, but these factors unique to plug-in models deserve close consideration.
Buyers can also investigate the battery’s ‘state of health’ (SoH). Diagnostic tools and apps are available and could be used (with the seller’s permission) to determine a PHEV’s SoH, while a full diagnostic report from a service centre with appropriate equipment can show SoH, charge history, error codes and more.
Some brands offer extra reassurance by including in their warranty a minimum useable energy capacity for their PHEVs’ battery. Mitsubishi Australia, for example, guarantees the battery of its Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (from 2022 models onwards) will retain at least 66 per cent of its useable capacity for the warranty period. This ‘Drive Battery Capacity Care Program’ does not, however, apply to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV or pre-MY22 Outlander PHEVs.
Lower resale value
PHEVs have tended to depreciate faster than regular hybrids in recent years. Resale values are improving, but hesitation among Australian buyers about the technology has curtailed demand in the marketplace and pushed resale values lower than for more familiar non-plug-in hybrids.
That said, interest in plug-in hybrid technology has increased during 2025 as new PHEVs with a longer EV range have arrived in Australia. Resale data will soon be available on key models that are making their mark, including the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV dual-cab utes.
Unlike regular hybrids, a question mark over the long-term reliability of PHEVs may also be relevant here given their relative newcomer status. Independent reliability surveys are rare in Australia, but overseas research such as the JD Power 2025 US Vehicle Dependability Study shows that regular hybrids are among the best performers, reporting fewer problems than petrol and diesel cars, while PHEVs are the most problematic.
