USA: Suggestions for buying a used hybrid car for $15000

Now I'm looking at some used cars to buy, especially Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids.

BHPian anjan_c2007 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

My nephew, based in San Francisco, CA, is working with an MNC. He wants to buy a used car costing around $15,000 for his city commutes and for occasional long drives in the West Coast. Being new to his job, the budget is low and maybe he will upgrade a few years later.

His message to me reads:

I got my driver's license in my first try here in Santa Clara last month. Now I'm looking at some used cars to buy, especially Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids. Thought I'll get your opinion as you must have seen and read about a lot of them.

I had suggested the Toyota Prius but he said it has ugly looks and a cheap build quality. He asked me about a 2016 Chevrolet Volt put up for sale for $12,995.

I also suggested him to go for a gasoline powered car that he may later replace with an EV or Hybrid. That's because he can tell his grandkids about the ownership tales of a gasoline car, that will soon be history.

He has said that gasoline prices are rising every day. Moreover, he is neither a BHPian nor a petrol head, who enjoy the roars of their fossil fueled cars.

I would welcome suggestions from members for him on how to go about it!

Here's what BHPian ranjitnair77 had to say on the matter:

One interesting and maybe unique point to consider. The freeways in the Bay Area (like the 101) get extremely busy on a daily basis. There are dedicated lanes for green vehicles which gasoline powered cars cannot use. That would be a major tick mark in favour of an EV or a Hybrid. Given that your nephew is not a petrolhead, getting a green car would be a no-brainer.

He should get a reasonably priced beater and perhaps upgrade to a Model 3 a few years down the line.

Here's what BHPian vigsom had to say on the matter:

For the purpose listed, viz. city and occasional road trips, here are my 2 cents:

1. Used Lexus RX350 or a used Acura MDX would be the best bets. The Lexus in particular is a fast moving item.

2. No used hybrids at all, unless one is absolutely sure that the battery pack indeed has adequate life.

3. Not sure if a good Tesla will meet the budget and fulfill the road trip requirements.

I have no direct experience in the US but have helped a few people buy cars under USD 8k.

Here's what BHPian HKap had to say on the matter:

Unfortunately at that price he's stuck with a Prius Hybrid. If he can stretch his budget to around 20k, then he can get a lightly used Corolla hybrid. That should last him a LONG time. If not, he's better off getting a used Mazda 3 or a Civic (relatively new) or get a 10 year old luxury car like a Lexus (avoid 10 year old german luxury cars). The Lexus IS is an absolute joy to drive, way better than any German car.

Here's what BHPian libranof1987 had to say on the matter:

Where does he stay exactly and where is his work? I'm assuming he doesn't live in SF because an average parking spot downtown itself will cost $ 300-400/month.

Ask him to visit Stevens Creek Boulevard, San Jose one day; there's every possible car dealership within a mile. All these dealerships have certified pre-owned as well as other cars (non-certified / other brands), and of course, new.

The *biggest* benefit of having an EV in California is what you can use the carpool lane (even if you're the sole occupant of the car) at all times; this alone can bring about a 15-30min difference in your office commute, depending on where you stay/work.

The other thing with buying an EV, ask him to check with his apartment / office on availability of a charging dock.

Here's what BHPian kinetic had to say on the matter:

As someone who'd lived in this city for 8 years with a car and motorcycle, I have some thoughts and questions:

1. Does he live right in the city? Is there a regular commute to the South Bay or anywhere outside the city on a daily basis? If so, definitely look at hybrids so that can take advantage of the HOV lanes. Also, if you're in the city, small is the way to go if you don't have dedicated parking. Street parking is tough depending on the specific neighborhood. Looking at his message, it seems he lives in Santa Clara, which is practically suburbia compared to San Francisco.

2. Unless he is an avid skier or likes to explore off-road trails around California, 2WD is just fine.

3. If a long daily commute isn't involved i.e. high mpgs and HOV lanes not a consideration, then there's plenty of decent options in that range. There's plenty of reliable Mazda, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota options to choose from on Autotrader.com, Carvana, Shift, Carmax etc. My personal pick would be a Mazda 3 hatchback. For a little more excitement and something different, maybe a Mini Countryman. If he's not living in the city and parking is not a concern, there should be some CRVs, RAV4s, Rogues, CX-5s in that range.

4. EVs that are 5-6 years old may not be a great option. There's likely some deferred battery maintenance, and 5-6 year old EVs won't have the greatest range if weekend road trips are on the cards. As much as I hate it, a newish Prius is a good compromise. Just watch out for ones with high mileage. Many of them will be used as rideshare (uber/lyft) cars and may not be very well maintained.

5. Something to note is that the US car market has gone bonkers currently. New car supply is weak, and the follow-on effect on used cars is insane. My Mini Cooper S convertible is worth 2-3k more today than what I paid for it 3 years ago! Best to shop smart and not get swept up in it and overpay.

I'm very much in the weeds in the SF Bay Area car market (I'm always looking at something or the other), so happy to help.

Here's what BHPian landcruiser123 had to say on the matter:

Having lived in the South Bay (Sunnyvale) for 2 years and having a lot of friends in SF, I believe I can share some advice - don't buy a car if you live in the city (SF).

1. All my friends who live in the city of SF don't have cars as public transport is excellent.

2. Car parking in most apartments costs $150-250 a month in addition to the expensive rent.

3. Besides, parking (if available) at prime areas where he'd be visiting for restaurants, cafes, etc is very expensive.

4. Zipcars/car shares have decent availability.

5. Fancier the car = higher chance of shattered windows. The thieves frequently targeted my friend's BMW 330i whereas my '12 Ford Fusion was inconspicuous.

If he must have a car, I'd suggest leasing an EV (especially if an upgrade is on the cards in a few years) like Nissan Leaf or Chevy Bolt. Many offices have free charging and there's access to ample charging around the Bay Area. (I know folks who have driven to Sacramento etc. with a Chevy Bolt; Just don't attempt Death Valley).

If he must have an ICE car, I'd suggest going cheap (under $8000) with a used Toyota Yaris/Honda Fit or Civic/Corolla for good MPGs. Gas can cost >$4 a gallon in CA, which is probably the most expensive in the country. I'm assuming he will be doing the road trips with friends/SO - would suggest renting a nice muscle car/sedan/crossover and split the cost. Hope this helps.

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