With a shifting focus towards sustainable mobility, hybrid vehicles have become a sought-after option for car buyers in the UAE, like in the rest of the world. Available in many makes and models, they now enjoy a considerable market share alongside regular cars and EVs.
With a myriad of choices available, buying a hybrid vehicle can be an overwhelming decision, which usually requires careful consideration. Therefore, for those who are on the fence about picking the right hybrid vehicle, this guide will be helpful.
Here we will share some useful hybrid car buying tips for the UAE, which will help our readers decide better.
Important Hybrid Car Buying Tips for the UAE
The following tips will shed light on various crucial aspects of buying a hybrid car in the UAE.
Research and Selection
Here are a couple of factors that should be taken into account when searching for hybrid cars in the UAE:
Understand Hybrid Vehicle Types
Hybrid vehicles are categorised into several types. However, the most popular ones among them are full hybrids (aka self-charging hybrids), mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
Full Hybrids
Full hybrids are the most common type of hybrid vehicle in today’s world. They are called self-charging hybrids because they don’t need charging from external sources. Instead, these hybrids primarily rely on regenerative braking and the petrol/diesel engine power to charge the battery.
Mild Hybrids
On the other hand, we have mild hybrids. Like full hybrids, these vehicles also have a combination of an electric motor and a combustion engine. However, the electric motor in a mild hybrid only assists the combustion engine in terms of acceleration to improve its efficiency. The two power sources cannot be used independently of one another.
Plug-in Hybrids
A plug-in hybrid, also called PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), is a type of hybrid car that combines an electric motor and a petrol/diesel engine. As the name implies, a plug-in hybrid can be charged from an electrical point.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
Like a regular car, when buying a hybrid vehicle in the UAE, look at its fuel efficiency ratings. It is typically measured in kilometres per litre (km/L). The greater the number of kilometres per litre, the better the fuel efficiency.
Similarly, the electric range of a hybrid car can also be an important consideration that impacts a vehicle’s mileage. For instance, a full hybrid like Toyota Yaris has an average fuel economy of 28 km/litre. On the other hand, a mild hybrid, such as Fiat 500, offers an estimated mileage of 25 km/litre. Someone looking for a pre-owned Toyota Yaris or Fiat 500 car can navigate to the below links:
Since PHEVs come with bigger battery packs, they may be pricier than other types of hybrid cars. That said, plug-in hybrids offer better mileage and long-term fuel efficiency.
Prius Prime is a noteworthy example in this regard. This plug-in hybrid has an electric range of more than 70 kilometres, as claimed by Toyota. This results in greater fuel efficiency and lower environmental emissions, which are among the most prominent benefits of buying a hybrid car in the UAE.
Maintenance and Repairs
Considering the potential maintenance and repair costs is one of the important tips for buying a hybrid car. Anyone going for a hybrid vehicle must add the following things to their checklist for buying a used car in the UAE.
Battery Life
Many famous car makers offer warranty coverage for at least five to ten years or 100,000 to 160,000 km for hybrid batteries. If the mileage is low, around 50,000 to 70,000 km, one can expect plenty of life left in the battery pack.
The battery life varies from automaker to automaker. For instance, Hyundai offers a 10-year or 160,000 km battery warranty for its hybrid cars, such as Elantra and Sonata, among others. Additionally, you can check out the Hyundai Sonata history to see how the battery and vehicle has evolved with time.
Moreover, as the hybrid car ages, the reliability of its battery can be enhanced by routine maintenance. Therefore, before making a purchase, thoroughly check the service records for its maintenance history. Make sure to be aware of all the important things about a hybrid car battery before finalising your purchase.
Battery Replacement Cost
The battery replacement of a hybrid can be costly, therefore it is necessary to give it due consideration before buying a hybrid vehicle. On average, hybrid battery replacement costs in the UAE range between AED 4,800 to 15,000. Note that battery prices may vary according to different makes and models.
Limited driving range, malfunctioning powertrain, and faulty dashboard clusters and controls are among the most common hybrid car problems that an aspiring hybrid vehicle owner should know about.
Recommended Maintenance Intervals
Hybrid vehicles typically require less frequent maintenance compared to regular petrol or diesel cars. It is because, in a hybrid car, the combustion engine shuts down automatically when the vehicle is idling or is driven at low speeds and the electric motor takes over.
The reduced load on the engine lowers the intensity of wear and tear on its moving components. Moreover, for smaller hybrids, it is recommended to have oil changes at 8,046 km, rather than the 4,828 km commonly advised for similar-size regular cars.
Vehicle History and Inspection
Take note of these few more valuable tips to buy a used hybrid car in the UAE.
Check Vehicle History
When buying a used hybrid car, knowing its history is important. It is crucial to know about all the car’s previous owners, service records, major accidents and repairs. One of the easiest ways to check a car’s history in the UAE is by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG) website.
Another source to check and verify vehicle history is the official website of the Ministry of Interior (MoI). All this government portal requires is the vehicle chassis number for retrieving the necessary data.
Go for a Professional Vehicle Inspection
Opt for a professional vehicle inspection to make sure there are no underlying issues. It is one of the most noteworthy tips to buy a used hybrid car in the UAE. One can also book a pre-purchase car inspection service with dubizzle and get a detailed inspection report before closing the deal.
These were some of the most useful hybrid car buying tips. Moreover, you can check for these FAQs about hybrid cars to make a well-informed decision.
Here’s a list of hybrid cars to look for in 2023. It explores some popular makes and their hybrid car models for the current year. Besides, make sure to browse these used cars for sale in the UAE to pick a hybrid vehicle that matches your requirements.
Keep following the dubizzle car blog for more informative car buyer guides and exciting pieces on the latest auto trends.
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