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Gas, hybrid or electric? How to pick the right used vehicle for you.

If you’re ready to get a new-to-you vehicle, your first step is to figure out what type is the best fit for you. Take it from us: the best vehicle for you isn't necessarily the newest, cheapest or most technologically advanced. Rather, the right vehicle is the one that fits your budget, driving habits, lifestyle and your long-term needs.

Father loads bags into the car trunk while the children pass bags from their mother

So what type of used vehicle makes the most sense?

When your parents and grandparents shopped for their first cars, they were powered by gas, gas or gas. That was it. Lucky you, you get to choose from four kinds of used vehicles:

  1. Gas vehicle - Powered by gas, you still see these traditional cars/trucks everywhere. Three of the most popular gas-powered used vehicles being sold on BCAA Auto Marketplace are the Ford Escape, Volkswagen Jetta and the Toyota RAV4.
  2. Standard hybrid (HEV) - In a HEV, the gas engine and electric motor work together in tandem. The battery is quite small and automatically recharges through regenerative braking. HEVs are ideal for drivers who want the convenience of a traditional gas vehicle while benefiting from strong fuel efficiency. Many models achieve fuel consumption ratings of around 4–6 L/100 km, although performance varies by vehicle type and model. HEVs are ideal for apartment dwellers or people who don’t have easy access to home charging. Popular used HEVs being sold on BCAA Auto Marketplace are the Toyota Camry and Toyota Prius.
  3. Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) - A PHEV features a larger battery that you have to plug in. PHEVs are best if you have a short daily commute and can charge it at home or work. If you mostly drive in the city, you’ll significantly reduce your fuel bills. Popular models being sold on BCAA Auto Marketplace are the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Hyundai IONIQ PHEV.
  4. Electric vehicle (EV) - An EV is powered solely by electricity that’s stored in a large battery pack. EVs don’t need gas and produce zero tailpipe emissions. "Refueling" means you simply plug in at home or use a public charging station. On BCAA Auto Marketplace, the most popular EVs being sold are the Tesla Model 3 and the Nissan LEAF.

Young couple charging electric car at a city station

Here’s how each type of vehicle compares and contrasts:

Option

May make sense if…

What to consider in BC

Gas vehicle

You want the widest selection of vehicles. And you don’t want to think about charging. A gas vehicle may be a practical choice if you frequently take long road trips, tow boats or trailers or live rural/remotely with limited charging access. Be sure to project your ongoing fuel costs alongside the usual costs of insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

Hybrid

You want better fuel efficiency but are not ready to rely on charging. A hybrid is a good middle ground if you want to reduce your gas costs without changing your driving habits. You still fuel it up like a gas vehicle. But many hybrids use less gas during city driving with all its stop-and-go traffic.

Plug-in hybrid

You can charge regularly while still wanting the option of gas. If you're not ready to go fully electric, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) can be a good option. It offers flexibility for electric or gas driving. To maximize fuel savings, you'll need to charge it regularly to use the battery to drive in electric mode. Because they combine both electric and gas-powered systems, they can also be more complex to maintain than a traditional gas vehicle or fully electric vehicle, especially as they age.

Electric vehicle

You have reliable charging and want to reduce your environmental footprint. Charging infrastructure is expanding quickly in BC
BC is charging ahead. As of January 1, 2026, the province is home to more than 8,800 public charging ports, an 86% increase since 2023. Along with the 'Electric Highway', BC's growing EV charging network is helping ease range anxiety and making electric vehicle ownership more practical than ever, including for longer trips across the province.

Federal incentives are back
The federal Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP) was introduced in 2026 and provides:
  • Up to $5,000 for battery-electric vehicles
  • Up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrids
Since BC doesn't currently have a provincial purchase rebate, federal incentives can help reduce the upfront cost of buying an EV. There are also programs that can make home charging more affordable by offering free EV chargers helping to further lower the cost of EV ownership and reduce barriers to adoption. In addition, rebates are available in BC for Level 2 home charging equipment and installation costs, making it more affordable to charge at home.

mom wishing farewell to her two daughters on their first day back to school

Ready to explore used vehicles?

Visit BCAA Auto Marketplace to find your perfect vehicle match! You’ll find our listing experience is easy-to-navigate and you’ll get to see vehicle history reports without asking for them. Pro tip: be sure to test drive any used vehicles before you buy. Here are tips on what to look for when you’re going on a test drive. 

If you’re selling a car, we’ll help you showcase your vehicle and get you resources and tools when you need them. Plus, you'll be able to connect with a trusted community of verified users and over one million BCAA Members.

Your car-buying mission starts now

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should buy new, used or electric. The right vehicle is the one that fits your budget, fits your lifestyle and fits the way you actually drive in BC. If you’re ready to search for your ideal used vehicle, visit BCAA Auto Marketplace and we’ll help you find your perfect match.