7 Things Fairfield Drivers Should Know Before Buying a Used Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Are you looking for an eco-friendly family vehicle that doesn’t skimp on space or savings? The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid stands out as one of the best used minivan options for drivers in southern Ohio. With long-range capability and family-friendly features, it’s a smart choice for anyone shopping for affordable used hybrids throughout Butler County. 

In many ways, it fits nicely with Ohio’s City of Opportunity, making it a good choice for anyone searching for affordable used cars for sale near Fairfield. But before you jump into shopping for one, it might be wise to first learn about some vital features and a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a used Pacifica Hybrid.

#1 – You Have Up to 520 Miles of Range

If you need a multi-purpose vehicle, a used Pacifica Hybrid really comes in handy. You can use it for daily driving, family vacations, or even commuting. In fact, the range on the Pacifica Hybrid is extremely impressive, which feeds into its versatility on the road. The combo of fuel types means you can get more range out of the hybrid than you would a standard all-electric or gas-only vehicle.

For example, according to the EPA, you can achieve up to 32 miles of electric-only driving on a full charge. This is great if you want to save on gas and run the minivan on the electric component of the plug-in hybrid powertrain (a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 16.2-kWh battery pack). Alternatively, you can rely solely on the gas engine, getting up to 488 miles of total range, if you want to save the battery’s charge. 

Combined, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid provides up to 520 miles of total range on a full charge and full tank of gas. That makes the Pacifica Hybrid excellent for both commutes and running errands. No matter which model year you go with, you have access to the same impressive range provided by the Pacifica Hybrid, enabling you to save big both upfront and at the pump.

#2 – Battery Health and an EV Warranty 

Alongside the excellent range, if you buy a Pacifica Hybrid that’s used, you may still be eligible for transferable warranty coverage. This gives you added protection if you buy a used Pacifica that’s still within the scope of the new vehicle warranty offered by Chrysler. It’s an added incentive for buying the right kind of used model at a low price. You just have to be sure to check the date of the purchase of the used Pacifica Hybrid and whether it qualifies for the transferable warranty coverage. Additionally, you can get extended coverage on a used Pacifica Hybrid if you’re interested in the extra protection.

One way of checking if the Pacifica Hybrid is worth that kind of investment is ensuring the battery holds up to its intended and advertised range. You can have the dealer test the battery for the model to ensure it holds its charge and can provide you with the range you want. There is also the possibility of being eligible for a $4,000 tax incentive if you buy a used Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid released between 2017 and 2022. 

Thus, if you get one where the standard warranty has expired, or you managed to get some of the benefits of the tail-end of a transferable warranty, investing in an extended warranty may not be a bad idea, especially if you opt to use the tax incentive to help cover the costs.

#3 – You Can Recharge By Plugging In

There are different types of hybrid vehicles—predominantly either a traditional hybrid, wherein the engine recharges the battery, or a plug-in hybrid, wherein the battery is recharged externally. The Pacifica Hybrid is the latter kind, also known as a PHEV. This is a very significant feature because it means that, if you want to save a lot of money at the gas pump, you can do the majority of your travel using the battery pack and then only use gas when necessary. 

A PHEV creates a great fuel-saving and cost-effective way to travel for both daily driving and longer drives. Other hybrids that rely on recharging the battery solely through the combustion engine mean that you always have to fill the gas tank to get the most out of the vehicle, and you cannot get around that. When you shop for a Pacifica Hybrid, you can actually rely on the battery alone for a lot of your travel, with conveniences like overnight charging.

#4 – Check the Charging Equipment

Having to charge the Pacifica Hybrid means that it will require the right Level 1 or Level 2 equipment. Buying a used Pacifica Hybrid requires due diligence to ensure that you have this necessary equipment. New Pacificas come with a 120-volt Level 1 charging cable, but you aren’t guaranteed that a used Pacifica Hybrid will come with that cable, so you need to make sure that the one you’re looking to purchase comes with it. 

However, if you do purchase a used one that does not come with the charging cable, Mopar offers OEM charging cables for the Pacifica Hybrid, including both Level 1 charging cables at 120 volts and a Level 2 charging unit at 240 volts. This will enable you to charge at home using a standard three-prong outlet, or you can use a dedicated Level 2 charger to recharge more quickly, whether at home or the multiple public charging stations available throughout Fairfield.

#5 – Make Sure the Features Are Intact

Even with a warranty intact, it doesn’t guarantee that everything is covered. This is why if you’re shopping for a used Pacifica Hybrid, it’s important to inspect the interior and check all of the features to make sure that the used model you’re shopping for has everything working as intended. Use a pre-owned checklist or ask your dealer for a pre-sale inspection. Make sure you do a good survey of vital components like the upholstery, infotainment system, connectivity features, and charging ports.

If you opt for a trim with second-row infotainment, make sure all the screens are working and that features like the sliding doors and tailgate are in working order. Again, not all of the features you may want will be covered by the warranty, so it’s important to take an assessment of what the Pacifica Hybrid has, what the states of its components are, and what you can do with and without when it comes to features. Talking with the dealer about the vehicle and its service and warranty state is a good way to figure out what the status of the vehicle is and if it meets your expectations in terms of integrity and quality.

#6 – Varied Available Infotainment Suites

Given the importance of infotainment systems in the modern era, many drivers want the best that a vehicle has to offer. The Pacifica has had a robust infotainment system since its 2017 debut. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Pacifica underwent a major facelift and overhaul with the 2021 model year. This didn’t just change some core functionality; it also resulted in an interior overhaul, which impacted the infotainment screen size as well as running on the faster Uconnect 5 operating system for faster load times, app access, and software support.

Between 2017 and 2020, the Pacifica Hybrid housed an 8.4-inch touchscreen. However, since 2021, the Pacifica Hybrid has come standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The refreshed models of the Pacifica Hybrid basically offer you up to nearly 16% of additional screen real estate for the console touchscreen, as well as faster Uconnect access, enhanced voice support, and improved navigation services. If this is a key feature for you, it’s worth considering which model year Pacifica Hybrid you go with.

#7 – Choose a Trim Based on Your Budget

You’re likely shopping based on preferences and price. When it comes to the Pacifica Hybrid, the trims vary by model year, but most years have the Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle. The 2021 model has a slightly alternate trim lineup in the Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle. However, the highlight of buying a used Pacifica Hybrid is that, if you want the best that this model has to offer, you can certainly find some of the top trims for much cheaper than shopping for the same trim from the latest model.

If you absolutely need to save as much money as possible, you can opt for an entry-level trim of a used Pacifica Hybrid, such as the Touring or Touring L, to get all of the basics for the lowest price available. However, shopping used opens up the opportunity to get a higher-grade trim at a low price, which is something worth considering if you want features like leather upholstery, rear-seat entertainment, or the Stow ‘n Vac vacuum without paying higher costs of a new model. If you need help figuring out how to get the best fit possible while keeping to your budget, we can help you find the right Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid year and trim.