Hybrid Cars
"Hybrid" covers several genuinely different types of car, and the fuel savings you'll actually see depend heavily on which type you buy and how you drive it.
The three types of hybrid, in plain terms
Full hybrids (like the Toyota Prius or Corolla Hybrid) can drive short distances on electric power alone, charged automatically by the engine and braking — no plugging in required, and strong fuel economy in stop-start driving.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have a bigger battery you charge from a socket, giving 20–40 miles of pure electric range. They can be very cheap to run if you charge regularly and do short journeys, but fuel economy drops close to a normal petrol car if the battery is left flat.
Mild hybrids (badged MHEV) use a small electric motor to assist the engine and can't drive on electric power alone — the fuel saving is real but modest compared to a full or plug-in hybrid.
Is a hybrid worth it for you?
A plug-in hybrid makes the most financial sense if you have somewhere to charge it and most of your journeys fit within the electric range — otherwise you're carrying a heavier car without getting the benefit.
A full hybrid tends to suit stop-start urban and suburban driving well, where it can spend a lot of time on electric power without ever needing to be plugged in.
What to check buying a used hybrid
Battery health matters more than mileage on its own — ask about any battery warranty remaining and whether it's been serviced by a hybrid-familiar garage.
For plug-in hybrids specifically, check the charging cable is included and ask whether the car has actually been charged regularly, since a well-used electric range says more about real-world running costs than the official figures.
Whatever you're looking at, it's worth reading our guide on what to check before buying a used car before you view anything in person.