10 best second hand hybrid cars you can buy

Review the best second-hand hybrid cars in the market now.

Do you want to buy a used hybrid car? Very good, because this is the perfect time to purchase such a used hybrid. Currently, there are a large number of these types of models on the market. In addition, you need to worry less about depreciation: these cars save tens of thousands of euros in depreciation!

So, which hybrid car should you choose and which criteria should you pay attention to? What exactly is a hybrid car? And why is this the perfect time to buy a used hybrid car? Techzle answers all your questions about hybrid cars, and has put together a list of the best used hybrid cars at the moment.

What is a hybrid car?

Let’s start from the beginning: definition. What exactly is a hybrid car? The answer to this question is not that clear. From a purely theoretical point of view, a hybrid car is in fact a car that is driven by two different drive types. Now all ‘old-fashioned cars’ are equipped with a fuel engine and an electric starter , which you can, for example, drive forward a few meters in an emergency (turn the ignition key all the way when you stand still). Strictly speaking, almost every car is therefore a hybrid car.

In practice, by hybrid we mean a car that has both an electric motor (not to be confused with the starter motor) and a fuel motor. Both can be used for the drive. We make a distinction between a classic hybrid car and a plug-in hybrid car. An electric car (with or without range extender) is not a hybrid, because it only uses an electric motor for the drive.

Difference between hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars

The ‘normal’ hybrid car is a car that runs mainly on petrol or diesel, and only uses the electric motor in certain cases. Consider Toyota Prius. This engine is therefore not powerful and is only used to support the fuel engine. The battery is also small. In addition, you only charge the battery while driving, using regenerative brakes, and not with a plug.

A plug-in hybrid car is equipped with a plug. This way you can charge the plug-in at home or at a charging station. In addition, plug-ins still use the regenerative braking system to charge the battery while driving. With a plug-in you can also drive without using the fuel engine. Many plug-in cars can drive fully electrically for the first twenty to thirty kilometers and thereby achieve a speed of around 50 km/h. Ideal for short trips through the city. If you drive faster, the fuel engine will largely take over.

Why used hybrid cars are very interesting now

As we wrote earlier about electric cars , we are at a turning point in car history. Within now and a few years, electric cars will be cheaper to purchase and use than their fuel variant.

However, it is not that far yet, and hybrid cars are now just at the tipping point: they combine the advantages of electric (less emissions, low consumption and fast acceleration) with the advantages of driving on fossil fuel (long range, high top speed, now even cheaper). In this way they eliminate the disadvantages of both techniques.

In addition, the first second-hand plug-ins cars have been on the market since 2015. These are high-quality cars that are not inferior to gasoline or diesel cars. Research has shown that the annual depreciation of a hybrid is less than that of a car using diesel: 14% compared to 16%. These days, the battery lasts for hundreds of thousands of kilometers and second-hand cars are a lot cheaper than new plug-in hybrids or purely electric cars.

Our top 10 second-hand hybrid cars

1. Toyota Prius 3

The Prius was the very first hybrid in 1997, and probably also the first one many people think of when they hear the word hybrid. That’s not for nothing. Since 2016, the Prius is again in its fourth generation.

For this list we have chosen the third generation, who rolled off the band from 2009 to 2015, because there are so many of them on the market in many price categories, ranging from 7,000 to 20,000 euros, depending on age and mileage. At all, however, you get the highly reliable gasoline-electric drive system, lots of space and comfort.

2. Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in

The first second-hand Ioniqs have recently appeared on the second-hand market with a plug and that means a party for those who want to buy second-hand! From 25,000 euros this car is really a bargain. Powered by a 1.6 liter petrol engine and an electric variant, this car produces no less than 139 horsepower and goes from 0 to 100 in 10.6 seconds. That is not fast, but you do not buy an Ioniq for the sporting performance. But for the low emissions: with only 26 grams of CO2 per kilometer it can even be called impressive. With this Hyundai you can perfectly drive through the city without polluting, because with a range of more than 50 kilometers you only need to use the gasoline engine on longer journeys.

3. Porsche Panamera SE Hybrid

If you are willing to buy a car with a relatively high mileage, you cannot ignore the Porsche Panamera SE Hybrid. A model from 2013 or 2014, with around 100,000 kilometers on the clock, you already have for around 40,000 euros. And then you have a hybrid Porsche!

This means that you get a three liter engine in combination with an electric, which together deliver the equivalent of 416 horses in power. With this you can drive from 0 to 100 in 5.5 seconds and reach a top of 270 km/h! Those are impressive performances for a car that drives 1 in 40 and can drive around 30 kilometers without a drop of fuel!

4. Ford Mondeo Hybrid

Ford Mondeo always retains its value very well. Recently you also have the choice of a hybrid version with this Mondeo Hybrid. Models from 2014 are fairly rare, but we at Techzle really want to introducthe them to you. These cars are very spacious and score very high on reliability and performance. The current value of these seond-hand cars is almost laughable. In good condition they only cost 15,000 euros! You can drive a newer one from as little as 25,000, which is still a lot cheaper than this year’s completely new one.

5. Volkswagen Golf GTE

The Golf has been a classic for years and that is no less true for this hybrid version. They are powerful, elegant and now also extremely environmentally friendly. The Volkswagen Golf GTE comes with 148 hp, with which you can drive 100 within 7.3 seconds. The 8.7 kWh battery provides enough energy for 40 kilometers of city trips. You can buy a second-hand hybrid Volkswagen Golf from around € 16,000.

6. Honda CR-Z

Those who prefer to spend their money elsewhere and still want to drive electric cannot ignore Honda CR-Z. This car is less suitable for families, but this car is perfect for two people in the city. The CR-Z combines sporty driving with economic consumption: 122 hp and a whopping 40 km per liter of gasoline. You can buy a second hand Honda CR-Z with just 7,000 euros.

7. Kia Niro

With the Niro, Kia has succeeded in also allowing large families to benefit from the hybrid technology. With an SUV with a gasoline and electric motor built in it, you drive in a spacious, high, comfortable and clean vehicle through the city. The first Niro only saw the light of day in 2016, so they are not yet cheap. On the other hand, there is a good quality car with only a few kilometers that is ready for the future. Are you ready for it too? Then make sure you have at least 20,000 euros in cash.

8. Toyota Prius plug-in

After the success of the original Prius, Toyota could of course not be left behind with a plug-in. They did not do this and in fact: the Prius plugin is once again a forerunner in its class. The first Prius Plug-in came on our roads in 2012, which is good news for those looking for an affordable plug-in. Depending on the mileage, you can already buy a second-hand one from around 13,000 euros. For this you drive a car as economical as a compact city car with the space of a mid-sized car. The great thing is that these cars keep their value well. Selling your Toyota hybrid at a later stage is therefore no problem.

9. Honda Civic Hyrbid 2

The second generation of the Honda Civic Hyrid is perhaps the best buy for those looking for a fuel-efficient family car and not necessarily looking for a new model. From around 5,000 euros you have a decent Civic Hybrid that not only runs economically and cleanly, but also comes out surprisingly spicy with its 1.8-liter petrol engine.

10. Audi A3 e-tron

When you are looking for a Hybrid Hatchback, and you like the luxury and appearance of Audi, this A3 e-tron is the perfect choice for you. The car is very comfortable and makes an impression regardless of whether you arrive at a children’s party or a business meeting. The nearly 50 kilometers of electric range are spacious enough for clean city journeys, while the 1.4-liter engine takes you all over the world. A second-hand A3 e-tron is for sale from around 20,000 euros.

Tips when choosing your ideal second-hand hybrid car

Before you decide to buy a hybrid, you should take the following into account. Because although a hybrid runs very economically in theory, it can be disappointing in practice. This has everything to do with the limited capacity of the battery. Hybrid cars are particularly economical in the city, but at long distances and high speeds a hybrid runs on petrol, so the advantage disappears like snow in the sun. We would therefore only recommend that you buy a hybrid when you are driving in and around the city in particular.

If you decide to buy a second-hand hybrid car, we still have a few tips. Because what the best second-hand hybrid is for you personally depends of course on your wishes. For example, it is important to first think about how much you want to spend on and how much money you want to spend on it. And also consider the following:

1. Decide where you buy . It can be attractive to buy privately. This saves you money, but there is a downside to this. In many cases you will not receive a guarantee (except for the factory guarantee). Buying from a car dealer is more expensive, but comes with a warranty.
2. Take a test drive . Even with used cars it is very normal to take a test drive, even if you buy from a private individual. Take the time for this: do not only test the car in built-up areas, but also go onto the highway and pay attention to road handling and consumption. This way you don’t buy a cat in the bag.
3. The purchase inspection . The buyer and seller are obliged by law to know all problems that the car has. Always have a purchase inspection carried out, and have the maintenance booklet and the odometer reading checked.
4. Negotiate the price . The value of a used car is not set in stone. That is why it is best to negotiate and try to take over the car as cheaply as possible. Therefore, look up the daily value of the model in advance, and never try to pay more than that value. If you play it smart, you may even get the car for less!
5. The purchase agreement. What is written in stone, or black and white in a contract, is the legal agreement in which the purchase is recorded. Always make sure you have a signed version at home to prevent jokes. This way you know for sure that and when you will receive the car and in what condition.
6. Warranty conditions. Every legal car dealer is obliged to give a guarantee on a car with a value of 4500 euros or more. This therefore applies to almost every second-hand hybrid car. Now the precise determination of this guarantee is sometimes the subject of discussion, so make sure you have it recorded in black and white. The precise nature of this guarantee may vary from company to company, so ask for the conditions and record them.
7. First sell your old car . To make room in your garage and to have extra money for your new car, you should first of all sell the old one . You can immediately discover the value of your car by having it valued for free and without obligation through our company. You will then receive a bid within a few hours and you can already be in the hands of the money tomorrow. No hassle!