The state of the batteries, the brakes, and the software updates. will give you the keys to see if you are making a good investment
In the second-hand car market, we can already find a good range of electric models, which can help us enter this market segment without making an extraordinary investment.
But, what should we look for to know if we are facing a good offer? The automotive experts at car vertical have put together a small guide to help you on this adventure.
Why Invest In An Electric Car
Second-hand cars are still more expensive than traditional ones. And of course, many consumers calculate how long it will take to amortize that investment, and they don’t finish seeing it.
A second-hand electric car solves that equation. And at a time of rising gasoline prices like the current one, even more so. By some estimates, switching from petrol/diesel to an electric model can save some drivers up to a thousand euros a year.
Another advantage is that used electric cars are often in better condition than traditional vehicles, as they have fewer moving parts. In short, you have to invest less in repairs.
Now the bad news. Older electric cars have poorly performing batteries. That is, they have less autonomy than the newest ones and will force us to charge them more frequently.
The Duration Of The Batteries
In both gasoline and electric cars, it is inevitable that the battery will degrade over time. Temperature changes repeated charging, and high mileage are some of the factors that reduce battery health.
Most car manufacturers guarantee batteries for eight years or 100,000 miles. When a vehicle exceeds this figure, it is very likely that its battery performance will be much lower than that of a new car.
Battery health also depends on weather conditions. Lithium-ion batteries found in electric vehicles do not tolerate hot climates. A used vehicle from some countries may have a lower battery capacity, while one from the Netherlands or Germany may offer much better battery performance.
For this reason, before closing the deal with the seller, it is advisable to consult a report on the state of the battery of the vehicle that we are going to buy. Replacing your car battery is expensive, so it’s best to make sure it hasn’t suffered a lot of wear and tear.
Charging Infrastructure
Another key piece of information is the local recharging infrastructures that exist where we live. Single-family homeowners can charge their vehicles in their garage or driveway, but most cities lack adequate charging infrastructure.
Completing a charge only takes a few minutes, but finding where to charge an electric vehicle can take up to half a day. Some companies already offer portable electric vehicle chargers for owners who can’t plug in the car at home. However, they have low charging power, so these chargers are not a valid option as compared to traditional vehicles.
Check Car History
Every car is different. Two identical vehicles of the same model made in the same year can be in very different conditions. Driving style, accidents, and mileage are some of the factors that buyers should consider.
Look for places like car vertical to easily research the history of the car you’re buying. By entering the chassis number (VIN), you can check if it has been in an accident, make sure your mileage has not been falsified, check if the car is stolen, and review its registration history. Checking the VIN of the car will also give you an advantage when negotiating the price.
Other Keys Before Deciding
Brakes. When an electric car isn’t accelerating, it uses regenerative braking to slow the vehicle down, which decreases brake wear. But if they still show wear, it may mean that the car has been used a lot and needs to be inspected thoroughly.
Software updates
Electric vehicles, like any other system, receive regular software updates. With them, developers fix known bugs and introduce new features to improve car performance. But often people put off updates, so it’s not uncommon to find your car running on an old software version. This may indicate that the owner has not taken good care of the car and that it could have problems in the future.
Car maintenance
Not all mechanics have the necessary training to work on electric vehicles, so it can be difficult to find a reliable workshop. Electric car experts recommend sticking to official dealers, as they use original parts and back their work with a warranty. Before buying a second-hand EV, you should check if all repairs have been carried out by a reputable workshop.
Little variety on offer
The situation is gradually improving as manufacturers focus on electric vehicles and the number of models continues to increase. However, the market for second-hand electric cars is much smaller, so finding an SUV between 5 and 10 years old or a family van can be difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keys To Buy A Used Electric Car
What is cheapest used electric car?
1. Honda Fit EV, $12,995-$14,995
2. Toyota Prius, $16,495-$17,495
3. Chevy Volt, $32,500
4. Mercedes B-Class Hybrid, $35,500
5. Kia Soul EV, which launched in 2014, has a longer range than Smart and can go 215 miles on a charge. It is currently sold for $22,000-$24,500.
6. Nissan Leaf, which debuted in 2010, has a slightly shorter range than Smart and Kia but still can get up to 300 miles per charge. It sells for $27,000-$29,000.
7. Smart Fortwo, which debuted in 2009, is the lightest and smallest of the bunch. It can go 100 miles on a charge and sells for $13,000.
Is it worth to buy a used electric car?
1. You’re probably saving hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars by buying a used vehicle instead of buying a new one.
2. If you can find a clean, reliable used car, it may be worth the extra effort to look for one.
3. Your odds of finding a clean, reliable used car are much higher in the fall or winter than they are in the spring or summer.
What are used electric cars to avoid?
1. Buy a used electric car is a great way to save money, and it doesn’t require any more maintenance than a new car.
2. You can get a new or used electric car for less than $40,000, which is significantly cheaper than buying a used gas car.
3. Buying a used electric car can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
4. You can get used electric cars for around $14,000 on average.
5. Electric cars are a greener alternative to gasoline-powered cars.
6. A used electric car will last at least 10 years, and if you’re careful with maintenance, it can last up to 30 years.
7. A used electric car has been thoroughly inspected by a mechanic, so it is safe.
What are best used electric cars?
1. Tesla Model S
2. Toyota Prius
3. Tesla Model 3
4. Chevrolet Volt
5. Nissan Leaf
When will used electric cars be affordable?
1. A few electric cars are available to buy today for under $30,000.
2. By 2030, the cost should be under $20,000.
3. And by 2050, the cost should be less than $10,000.
4. In the meantime, the market is developing new technologies to make driving electric even more affordable.
Does an electric car have a key?
1. Tesla’s Autopilot uses “software and hardware” to “perform automated driving.”
2. Some cars can be unlocked without keys by a security code.
3. The BMW i3 has a keyless entry feature.
4. A remote-start car uses “electronics, computers, and software” to turn on the ignition.
5. Electric cars are sometimes called “un-keyed cars.”
6. The Volkswagen e-Golf is a “remote-controlled electric vehicle.”
What is the value of a used electric car?
1. You get to add a little more to the world.
2. You can sell your old car for some extra cash.
3. You get to show your support for green living.
4. It’s a great way to recycle.
5. And you can use it to go camping.
6. It’s just cool.
7. If you’re lucky enough to find one in good condition.
8. You don’t have to pay to fill up at gas stations.
9. And if you take care of your car, you might even be able to buy a new one for cheaper!
What are the reasons not to buy an electric car?
1. The price of battery packs is still high.
2. They don’t offer the same range as gas-powered cars.
3. You need to own a house that will accommodate them.
4. You’ll still have to use gas for most of your driving.
5. Some states don’t offer incentives for buying them.
6. You can’t get a good night’s sleep in it.
7. It won’t be able to tow a trailer.
8. You’re not going to want to own a Tesla if you’re buying a car because you think it’s cool.
9. They have no range.
10. It is super expensive.
What is considered high mileage for an electric car?
1. Tesla Model S – 200-300 miles
2. BMW i3 – 90-110 miles
3. Nissan Leaf – 50-60 miles
4. Chevy Volt – 80-100 miles
5. Tesla Roadster – 85-90 miles
6. Ford Fusion Energi – 150-200 miles
7. Honda Accord Hybrid – 130-160 miles
8. Audi A3 e-Tron – 100-130 miles
9. Mini Cooper – 45-55 miles
10. Toyota Prius – 75-80 miles
11. Mercedes C350e – 60-70 miles
12. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – 80-90 miles
13. Jaguar I-PACE – 100-110 miles
14. Porsche Cayenne Turbo S – 115-140 miles
What is the best used EV car to buy?
1. Ford Focus. The best-selling vehicle in America for five years running, the Focus has low gas mileage and a small interior, but it’s reliable, inexpensive, and easy to drive.
2. Honda Accord. If you’re willing to spend more, the Accord comes in four different body styles and can seat seven people, with all models getting great gas mileage.
3. Toyota Camry. The best-selling midsize sedan for the last three years, the Camry offers high performance and style for a reasonable price.
What is the best value in an electric vehicle?
1. Electric cars can save you money.
2. Electric cars are good for the environment.
3. An EV is more fun than a gas car.
4. EVs can reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
5. EVs can be cheaper than gasoline-powered cars.
6. EVs are easy to operate and maintain.
7. EVs are safer than gasoline cars.
8. EVs can increase your range.
9. EVs can save you money on gas.
10. EVs are environmentally friendly.
How long does a used electric car last?
1. It depends on how you use it and the condition it was in when you bought it.
2. Cars get worse over time due to wear and tear, which can cause unexpected breakdowns or shorten the lifespan of an already-used car.
3. New cars are more durable than older ones because they are made to be lighter and stronger.
Conclusions
While purchasing used electric vehicles might seem more expensive than purchasing new vehicles, it can actually be cheaper, especially when factoring in the lower costs of fuel, maintenance, and repairs, and the long-term savings on ownership costs. And, you’ll save money on gas and repairs because your vehicle will have a longer lifespan.
