How to Buy a Used Hybrid

When it comes to buying used cars, you probably know the smart things to do.

• Get a lifetime report.
• Check the price at Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or Edmunds.com
  
• Know who you're dealing with.
• Don't be afraid to bargain.
• Don't be afraid to walk away.
• Make sure you test drive it.
• Get a mechanic to look over the engine.

But, put the word hybrid into that phrase 'buying a used car' and you have a different story. Suddenly, people are unsure of what to look for. They have questions and insecurities they didn't feel before. And like the housing market a few years ago, you don't have a lot of time to think it over. Wait a week and that used Prius you had your eye on is gone.

The Biggest Question Mark?
The biggest question on everyone's minds when buying a used hybrid: How long does the battery pack last? Everyone has heard it would be very expensive to replace the battery and, not surprisingly, they don't want to spend thousands of dollars to maintain a used vehicle.

The truth is the battery pack is expensive, very expensive. It can cost several thousand dollars to buy a new one. But, don't despair. There are a few simple things you can do to alleviate those worries.

Check the Miles and the Warranty
First, it's even more important to know how many miles there are on a used hybrid car. If the used hybrid has a transferable warranty , and it should, then you need to know how many miles it covers. It can vary from 80,000 to 100,000 to 150,000 miles. (Note: the 80 or 100K mile warranty is more likely.) That way, you know you're covered if the battery pack fails.

Your Local Mechanic
Second, having your trusted mechanic look it over may not be good enough. You may need to take it to a dealership. Almost all the engine parts are the same and should be treated as such. But the electric motor and battery pack may be foreign territory for your local mechanic. If you have a trusted mechanic, ask him/her if they are comfortable looking at a hybrid. If they start talking about getting electrocuted, they haven't worked with hybrids before. Instead, take it to a dealership that sells hybrids. They may charge you for it, but it will be worth the money.

Reliability Issues
Hybrids tend to be highly reliable from all reports, and that includes the battery pack. Hybrid owners tend to be highly satisfied consumers. But don't just assume that to be true for this hybrid. Have the history checked. You don't want to find out it was totaled and then repaired last year. Car reports aren't necessarily reliable, so again, make sure a mechanic looks it over.

Ask about the Mileage
If you buy from a private owner, ask them about their fuel economy. Most likely, given gas prices today, that's what you're interested in. So don't be afraid to ask about gas receipts or any other records they may have. They may be proud of what they've been getting and may present you with a report. Also, don't rely solely on the fuel gauge most hybrids come with. That can be reset at any time.

Tax Credits and Other Benefits
When you buy used, you are not eligible for the federal tax credits. If you live in California or another state where solo access to the HOV lane is possible, check for a sticker. The sticker goes with the vehicle, not the owner.

Last Piece of Advice
Don't be afraid to walk away. Hybrids were scarce a few years ago, but that's no longer the case. You still may not find one at your local dealer, and even if you do, they still won't stay there for very long. But don't panic into rushing into buying something. You can always look online or wait until the next one comes along. They may still be rare, but they aren't that rare.

How to Buy a Used Hybrid

When it comes to buying used cars, you probably know the smart things to do.

• Get a lifetime report.
• Check the price at Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or Edmunds.com
  
• Know who you're dealing with.
• Don't be afraid to bargain.
• Don't be afraid to walk away.
• Make sure you test drive it.
• Get a mechanic to look over the engine.

But, put the word hybrid into that phrase 'buying a used car' and you have a different story. Suddenly, people are unsure of what to look for. They have questions and insecurities they didn't feel before. And like the housing market a few years ago, you don't have a lot of time to think it over. Wait a week and that used Prius you had your eye on is gone.

The Biggest Question Mark?
The biggest question on everyone's minds when buying a used hybrid: How long does the battery pack last? Everyone has heard it would be very expensive to replace the battery and, not surprisingly, they don't want to spend thousands of dollars to maintain a used vehicle.

The truth is the battery pack is expensive, very expensive. It can cost several thousand dollars to buy a new one. But, don't despair. There are a few simple things you can do to alleviate those worries.

Check the Miles and the Warranty
First, it's even more important to know how many miles there are on a used hybrid car. If the used hybrid has a transferable warranty , and it should, then you need to know how many miles it covers. It can vary from 80,000 to 100,000 to 150,000 miles. (Note: the 80 or 100K mile warranty is more likely.) That way, you know you're covered if the battery pack fails.

Your Local Mechanic
Second, having your trusted mechanic look it over may not be good enough. You may need to take it to a dealership. Almost all the engine parts are the same and should be treated as such. But the electric motor and battery pack may be foreign territory for your local mechanic. If you have a trusted mechanic, ask him/her if they are comfortable looking at a hybrid. If they start talking about getting electrocuted, they haven't worked with hybrids before. Instead, take it to a dealership that sells hybrids. They may charge you for it, but it will be worth the money.

Reliability Issues
Hybrids tend to be highly reliable from all reports, and that includes the battery pack. Hybrid owners tend to be highly satisfied consumers. But don't just assume that to be true for this hybrid. Have the history checked. You don't want to find out it was totaled and then repaired last year. Car reports aren't necessarily reliable, so again, make sure a mechanic looks it over.

Ask about the Mileage
If you buy from a private owner, ask them about their fuel economy. Most likely, given gas prices today, that's what you're interested in. So don't be afraid to ask about gas receipts or any other records they may have. They may be proud of what they've been getting and may present you with a report. Also, don't rely solely on the fuel gauge most hybrids come with. That can be reset at any time.

Tax Credits and Other Benefits
When you buy used, you are not eligible for the federal tax credits. If you live in California or another state where solo access to the HOV lane is possible, check for a sticker. The sticker goes with the vehicle, not the owner.

Last Piece of Advice
Don't be afraid to walk away. Hybrids were scarce a few years ago, but that's no longer the case. You still may not find one at your local dealer, and even if you do, they still won't stay there for very long. But don't panic into rushing into buying something. You can always look online or wait until the next one comes along. They may still be rare, but they aren't that rare.

Lexus LS 600h Released in Japan

Toyota released the Lexus LS 600h and 600h L today in Japan. The new luxury hybrid will show up in the North America, Europe and other markets starting in June. (The L stands for Long and the h is for hybrid.) Set to sell for over $100,000, this vehicle is not for the light of pocket.

The LS 600h is a full hybrid, capable of operating in electric-only mode for short distances at low speeds. The 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine is mated to two powerful electric motors and a 288-volt DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) compact battery pack installed behind the rear seat that is lighter and extremely quiet. Lexus engineers claim the V8 is equivalent to a conventional 12 cylinder in power.

At the same time, the fuel economy is set to what a luxury six cylinder is capable of. The preliminary EPA ratings set the LS 600h L at 20 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, 21 mpg combined.

LS hybrid is expected to receive a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating. A SULEV rating means it will be nearly 70 percent cleaner smog forming emissions than vehicles with a conventional internal combustion engine.

Since the gas engine can and will shut down when the vehicle comes to a stop, the power-steering system and air-conditioning compressor are electrically powered to reduce parasitic losses to the engine. The trunk also contains a 12-volt auxiliary battery that powers the audio, navigation, and other systems. A regenerative braking system further boosts fuel efficiency by recapturing energy normally lost in braking.

The performance of the AWD system is accomplished through a new transfer case that is ultra quiet, compact and equipped with a unique Torsen® limited-slip differential (LSD) that is 30 percent lighter in size and weight than previous Torsen® systems. To maximize the AWD system's performance, the LSD features a rear biased torque distribution of 40:60 under normal straight-line driving. The LSD automatically and continually adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels according to changing speed and road conditions.

The LS hybrid engine delivers a combined 438 horsepower with a dual-stage electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The luxury hybrid is capable of accelerating from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Even more impressive, the electric motor assists the gas engine in passing maneuvers. The LS 600h L rapidly accelerates from 50-70 mph in a rapid 3.5 seconds.

The new V8 is tuned to reduce vibration and sound by adding additional sound insulating materials around the cylinder head covers. Additional NVH reduction is achieved by reducing damper pulley tensions and perfecting engine mount sizes and locations through repeated testing by Lexus engineers.

Lexus LS 600h Released in Japan

Toyota released the Lexus LS 600h and 600h L today in Japan. The new luxury hybrid will show up in the North America, Europe and other markets starting in June. (The L stands for Long and the h is for hybrid.) Set to sell for over $100,000, this vehicle is not for the light of pocket.

The LS 600h is a full hybrid, capable of operating in electric-only mode for short distances at low speeds. The 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine is mated to two powerful electric motors and a 288-volt DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) compact battery pack installed behind the rear seat that is lighter and extremely quiet. Lexus engineers claim the V8 is equivalent to a conventional 12 cylinder in power.

At the same time, the fuel economy is set to what a luxury six cylinder is capable of. The preliminary EPA ratings set the LS 600h L at 20 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, 21 mpg combined.

LS hybrid is expected to receive a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating. A SULEV rating means it will be nearly 70 percent cleaner smog forming emissions than vehicles with a conventional internal combustion engine.

Since the gas engine can and will shut down when the vehicle comes to a stop, the power-steering system and air-conditioning compressor are electrically powered to reduce parasitic losses to the engine. The trunk also contains a 12-volt auxiliary battery that powers the audio, navigation, and other systems. A regenerative braking system further boosts fuel efficiency by recapturing energy normally lost in braking.

The performance of the AWD system is accomplished through a new transfer case that is ultra quiet, compact and equipped with a unique Torsen® limited-slip differential (LSD) that is 30 percent lighter in size and weight than previous Torsen® systems. To maximize the AWD system's performance, the LSD features a rear biased torque distribution of 40:60 under normal straight-line driving. The LSD automatically and continually adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels according to changing speed and road conditions.

The LS hybrid engine delivers a combined 438 horsepower with a dual-stage electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The luxury hybrid is capable of accelerating from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Even more impressive, the electric motor assists the gas engine in passing maneuvers. The LS 600h L rapidly accelerates from 50-70 mph in a rapid 3.5 seconds.

The new V8 is tuned to reduce vibration and sound by adding additional sound insulating materials around the cylinder head covers. Additional NVH reduction is achieved by reducing damper pulley tensions and perfecting engine mount sizes and locations through repeated testing by Lexus engineers.

EPA Proposal for Single Occupancy in HOV Lanes

The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users Act (SAFETEA-LU) requires the EPA to issue regulations for certifying vehicles as "low emission and energy-efficient." The EPA released their proposal today.

In order to qualify for an exemption, the EPA is proposing that vehicles under 8,500 lbs meet both low emission and energy efficient guidelines.

To the EPA, low emission means the vehicle is certified to either the federal Tier 2 bin 5 (or cleaner) or California LEV II emission standards.

To be energy efficient, the vehicle must be a dedicated alternative fuel vehicle or a hybrid that achieves 50 percent or better in-city fuel economy or 25 percent or better in combined city/highway fuel economy when compared to a similar gasoline fueled vehicle. In other words, the Escape Hybrid is compared to the Escape. The Civic Hybrid is compared to the Civic.

Which is why some hybrids do not qualify. As of right now, only the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius are allowed in the HOV lane in California. The new rules for who makes the grade (pdf).

Update: CNN has posted their list of vehicles that get passing marks from the EPA:

Only four manufacturers -- Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., Ford Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp. -- make vehicles that would qualify. A limited number of natural gas vehicles built by Honda and Ford also would meet the standards.

The qualifying vehicles include: the 2004-07 Toyota Prius, 2006-07 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 2006-07 Lexus RX400h, 2006 Mazda Tribute Hybrid, 2005-07 Ford Escape Hybrid, 2006-07 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, 2003-07 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2003-06 Honda Insight and 2005 and 2007 models of the Honda Accord Hybrid.

Natural gas versions of the 2003-05 Honda Civic and 2003-2004 Ford Crown Victoria would apply, too.

Some of the vehicles that would not qualify include the luxury Lexus GS450h Hybrid, DaimlerChrysler AG's Dodge Ram Hybrid and General Motors Corp.'s Saturn Vue Greenline Hybrid.

EPA Proposal for Single Occupancy in HOV Lanes

The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users Act (SAFETEA-LU) requires the EPA to issue regulations for certifying vehicles as "low emission and energy-efficient." The EPA released their proposal today.

In order to qualify for an exemption, the EPA is proposing that vehicles under 8,500 lbs meet both low emission and energy efficient guidelines.

To the EPA, low emission means the vehicle is certified to either the federal Tier 2 bin 5 (or cleaner) or California LEV II emission standards.

To be energy efficient, the vehicle must be a dedicated alternative fuel vehicle or a hybrid that achieves 50 percent or better in-city fuel economy or 25 percent or better in combined city/highway fuel economy when compared to a similar gasoline fueled vehicle. In other words, the Escape Hybrid is compared to the Escape. The Civic Hybrid is compared to the Civic.

Which is why some hybrids do not qualify. As of right now, only the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius are allowed in the HOV lane in California. The new rules for who makes the grade (pdf).

Update: CNN has posted their list of vehicles that get passing marks from the EPA:

Only four manufacturers -- Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., Ford Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp. -- make vehicles that would qualify. A limited number of natural gas vehicles built by Honda and Ford also would meet the standards.

The qualifying vehicles include: the 2004-07 Toyota Prius, 2006-07 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 2006-07 Lexus RX400h, 2006 Mazda Tribute Hybrid, 2005-07 Ford Escape Hybrid, 2006-07 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, 2003-07 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2003-06 Honda Insight and 2005 and 2007 models of the Honda Accord Hybrid.

Natural gas versions of the 2003-05 Honda Civic and 2003-2004 Ford Crown Victoria would apply, too.

Some of the vehicles that would not qualify include the luxury Lexus GS450h Hybrid, DaimlerChrysler AG's Dodge Ram Hybrid and General Motors Corp.'s Saturn Vue Greenline Hybrid.

Small Vehicle and Hybrid Sales Are Benefitting From the Rise in Gas Price

JD Powers is reporting through their Power Information Network (PIN) rising gas prices are moving some owners of large and midsize trucks into smaller vehicles. They are also seeing a similar pattern for hybrid electric cars. As gas prices increase, so do hybrid car sales.

The study shows that from February to April, as gas prices rose to all time highs ($3.10 a gallon nationwide average), owner loyalty is being affected. Midsize and large utility vehicle owners have moved into smaller vehicles. At the same time, owner loyalty within small vehicles segment has increased. The small vehicle segment includes cars and light trucks.

There have been increased sales seen in four cylinder engines from 27.5 percent to 35.7 percent from April 2004 to April 2007. Time to turn (the number of days a car spends on a dealership lot before being sold) has also decreased for new and used small vehicles as gas price rise.

It should be noted that large and midsize cars, small crossovers and small SUVS have remained relatively unchanged.

These patterns are very similar to those seen in 2006 when gas prices rose.