Hybrid battery and inverter
Warning lights, the engine running more than it should, or poor economy can point to a tired battery or inverter cooling problem.
Used Hybrid car inspection
Hybrid car pre-purchase inspection
A hybrid has two drivetrains, so there’s twice as much to check. The hybrid battery and electronics, plus the petrol engine that may hardly ever run, both need looking at.
We inspect used hybrids and plug-in hybrids at dealers and private sellers.
Known problems
What goes wrong on a used hybrid car
Common on Toyota Prius, Yaris, Corolla and C-HR, Lexus, Kia Niro, Hyundai Ioniq, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BMW 330e and more. Not every car has these faults. They're what we look for.
Plug-in range
On plug-in hybrids, compare the electric range on a full charge with what the car offered new, and check charging works.
Catalytic converter theft
Hybrids, especially Toyotas, are a target for catalytic converter theft. We check it’s there and properly fitted.
An engine that rarely runs
Plug-in hybrids driven mostly on electric still need oil services. Check the history.
Brakes that rust
Regenerative braking means discs are used less and often corrode.
Our inspection
What we check on every used hybrid car
On top of our standard checklist of up to 180 points.
- Hybrid warning lights and how the system switches between engine and battery
- Electric range and charging on plug-in hybrids
- Catalytic converter present
- Brake discs and braking on the road test
- OBD2 scan for stored and cleared codes
- Service history for both the engine and hybrid system
Prices
Hybrid car inspection prices
Fixed prices, the same for every make and model.
Basic110-point · No road test£69.99
Full135-point · Road test up to 10 miles£99.99
Premium160-point · Road test up to 15 miles£139.99
Ultimate180-point · Road test up to 20 miles£169.99
Questions
Hybrid car inspection FAQs
How do I check a used hybrid battery?
Look for warning lights, watch how often the engine starts, and check economy. On plug-ins, check electric range and charging. We record all of this in the report.
Is a hybrid battery expensive to replace?
It can be, though many last a very long time and reconditioned units exist. Some makers extend hybrid battery cover with a yearly health check.
How much does a used hybrid car inspection cost?
From £69.99 for Basic up to £169.99 for Ultimate. The price is fixed, with no travel charge, in London.
Can you inspect a used hybrid car at the dealer or a private seller?
Yes. The inspector comes to wherever the car is, on a forecourt or at the seller’s home or workplace. You don’t need to be there.
RevXpress is an independent inspection company. Faults listed are common patterns reported for these cars, not a sign that any particular car has them.
Other makes