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In reply to the discussion: Cheap Used EVs [View all]

Disaffected

(6,497 posts)
3. I'm looking mainly at new
Sat Mar 21, 2026, 05:46 PM
Mar 21

Better battery tech but used with some battery warranty remaining would be a good alternative. Just be sure to check battery SOH (state of health) for a used vehicle as battery replacement is v expensive. Also be sure there is competent EV servicing available in your area (EV reliability is not generally as good as IC or hybrid vehicles).

One concerning thing in particular about EVs is that even minor damage to the belly pan can result in the battery having to be replaced as it is not possible to determine in such cases if the visible outside damage resulted in internal battery damage (which is a fire hazard). In one such case not too long ago, going over a chunk of road ice resulted in a dent in the belly pan - the car was written off by the insurance company as the price of replacing the battery was about equal to the new price of the car.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Cheap Used EVs [View all] Indyfan53 Mar 21 OP
SUV Stupid Useless Vehicle GenThePerservering Mar 21 #1
4WD won't save you Indyfan53 Mar 22 #16
Hertz was dumping them last year. They still have some for sale. mahatmakanejeeves Mar 21 #2
I'm looking mainly at new Disaffected Mar 21 #3
Check for a skid plate. Indyfan53 Mar 21 #4
Sounds like good (mandatory?) protection. Disaffected Mar 21 #10
I have a 2015 LEAF Lulu KC Mar 21 #5
Thought about it (in an abstract way . . . ) hatrack Mar 21 #6
Bought a very lightly used VW in late '24. tinrobot Mar 21 #7
Oh--something I learned about EVs when I was looking Lulu KC Mar 21 #8
That was my master plan . . . oh well. hatrack Mar 21 #9
I was looking around for a new car this year and looked into hybrids first. GoodRaisin Mar 21 #11
Gas can skunk and go bad Indyfan53 Mar 22 #17
Too much of America is a cash or buy here pay here market. 5k-10k or less Cheezoholic Mar 21 #12
First gen Chevy Bolt can go for 10k Indyfan53 Mar 22 #15
I was looking into the Mustang Mach-E Rally, Ioniq 5N and the AMG EQE. flvegan Mar 21 #13
Anyone considering used vehicles, EV, hybrid or gas, should read the latest Consumer Wonder Why Mar 21 #14
No money for that, and certainly no money to pay even more electric costs. I'd love an EV, too. mucholderthandirt Mar 22 #18
Have you seen your profile pic Indyfan53 Mar 22 #19
The Wall Street Journal.: Sick of High Gas Prices? EV Deals Are Everywhere Right Now mahatmakanejeeves Mar 23 #20
The Murdochs' WSJ promoting cheap EVs? Indyfan53 Mar 23 #21
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