When it comes to buying a hybrid car for sale, you need to be just as prepared as when you’re purchasing a regular used car, if not more so. With escalating gas prices, people are clamoring for hybrid cars for sale. It pays to be cautious.

First, make sure you get a vehicle history report from Carfax. You’ll be able to find out if the hybrid car for sale has been subject to any accidents and odometer fraud. You can also find out if/when the hybrid car for sale has been serviced. If the car is in good shape and the title is clear, you can qualify for a buyback guarantee, where Carfax will buy your car back if it ends up being a lemon. Getting a vehicle history report is particularly important today because of recent natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. These disasters have wreaked havoc on personal property, and cars may have been subject to flooding or other damage.

Next, you should get the hybrid car for sale examined by a certified auto mechanic. The mechanic can see what kind of shape the car is in and whether any body work has been done, signifying involvement in an accident. They can check the integrity of the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, and other components. You can either ask the seller for permission to bring the hybrid car for sale into the garage, or you can have your mechanic come to the seller or dealership. Keep in mind, however, that a mechanic is limited in the types of checks he or she can perform without taking the car apart. Additionally, a mechanic is not an appraiser. The mechanic cannot tell you how much the hybrid car for sale is worth.

Consider purchasing an extended warranty when looking at a hybrid car for sale. You can purchase warranties directly from the issuing company online rather than going through the dealership. That way, you cut out the middleman and can save yourself a few hundred dollars. An extended warranty can be a real long-term money-saver. You can break even on your investment with just one minor repair. There have been a myriad of instances where a car just past its original manufacturer’s warranty breaks down and requires thousands of dollars in repairs that would have been covered by an extended warranty. An extended warranty can also add to the value of your car when you try to sell it in the future. Get a quote for your potential car purchase and factor the cost into your negotiations.

Buying a used car is much safer than it used to be. Services such as Carfax can enlighten you as to the vehicle’s history. Extended warranties could help mitigate repair costs. State lemon laws might also protect you. Not all used cars are good buys, however, including hybrid cars for sale. Do your research, shop around, and be as prepared as you can when purchasing your vehicle.