(Posted on Sep 10, 2018 at 06:26AM by Patrick Wensink)
Dear Patrick,
I have my eye on a pre-owned Nissan Leaf, but I’ve heard hybrids and electrics are more expensive to maintain. Is that true?
-Susanna
Hi Susanna,
What a cool choice! You will love going green. You are actually not the first person to ask us this. Somewhere along the line, these cars got a reputation for being difficult or costly to fix. However, that simply isn’t true. Yes, the technology for a vehicle that must be plugged in is different than a gas guzzler, but this doesn’t mean it costs more at the mechanic.
There are so many hybrids on the road and repair professionals have come to know these automobiles just as well as any combustion engine. In our experience, something like a Leaf does not cost any more in the shop. In fact, you’ll probably find that a car like this will save money in the long run. As the price of fuel keeps fluctuating wildly, you’ll be moving steadily down the highway in a fuel-less ride.
Good luck with the new set of wheels. Let me know if there are any other questions I can help answer.Â