EVs have been in the marketplace lengthy sufficient to present us some nice knowledge and client experiences that we will use to fee EV manufacturers and the way effectively they’ve held up over time. We’ve seen the business undergo the whole lot from modifications in construct high quality to advances in EV battery reliability during the last decade.

These observations are what make us assured that EVs are autos that you would be able to positively purchase used—each on a finances and with dependable outcomes.

Prime 5 Used EVs in 2023

Let’s check out a few of the greatest used electrical vehicles in the marketplace in 2023, what to examine for whenever you’re contemplating a used EV, and one of the best place to seek out used electrical autos on the web.

1) Tesla Mannequin 3

One of the vital widespread and visual EVs on the street at the moment, the Mannequin 3 makes primary on our listing of greatest used EVs for the cash because of its broad availability, aggressive worth, nice vary, and first rate construct high quality.

The used Mannequin 3 was solely obtainable at or over MSRP till costs dropped dramatically final 12 months (2022), and now you can discover them populating each used automobile web site on the web. Why? Partly, many personal sellers and dealerships hoping to flip Mannequin 3s for a revenue purchased up far too many.

Now, sellers and Tesla flipping hopefuls want to dump their inventory, typically at a great low cost. We’ve even seen used Mannequin 3s from 2017-2018 supplied and offered for as little as $20,000-$25,000.

Vary on the Mannequin 3 is within the higher tier of EVs, reaching 272-375 miles relying on whether or not you may have the Customary or the Lengthy Vary model. These numbers keep strong even on used Mannequin 3s, with Tesla’s batteries displaying solely a couple of 12% discount in vary over $200,000 miles. Even a 2017 Mannequin 3 with 80,000 miles would possibly solely have about 5% battery capability discount.

If knowledge on how effectively Tesla Batteries maintain up over time doesn’t have you ever fully satisfied that you want to purchase a Mannequin 3, there’s additionally the Mannequin 3s guarantee protection. Whereas the primary few mannequin years have reached the tip of their fundamental guarantee (the New Automobile Restricted Guarantee, at 4 years / 50,000 miles), most Mannequin 3s are nonetheless inside their Battery and Drive Unit Guarantee, which incorporates protection for the excessive voltage battery for 8 years and 100,000-120,000 miles (relying on the variant; see our Final Information to Tesla Guarantee Protection for extra particulars).

What about high quality? Whereas the primary couple of years noticed points with paint software and panel alignment (with restore lined by guarantee), Tesla has since labored out a lot of the kinks within the Mannequin 3s manufacturing. Construct high quality on the Mannequin 3 is reasonable, however a lot of the fit-and-finish points which have cropped up don’t appear to have had a lot long-term impression.

That mentioned, we’d advocate that anybody getting a used Mannequin 3 examine the rockers (decrease panels of the automobile between the entrance and rear wheels) for in depth injury to the paint because the Mannequin 3 (and Y) are each prone to rock and street particles injury in that space.

Lastly, although driving efficiency isn’t at all times on the prime of the listing of qualities to search for when shopping for a used car, a bonus for used Fashions 3s is their stellar efficiency at a cheaper price level. In case you purchase a used Mannequin 3, you’ll positively get pleasure from having that signature Tesla torque within the passing lane and on twisty, winding roads.

2) Nissan LEAF

Subsequent up is the Nissan LEAF, which might in all probability have our prime place spot on this listing if worth had been the one issue. The Nissan LEAF retained the title of one of the best promoting EV till 2020 (when it was dethroned by the primary used EV decide on our listing: the Mannequin 3).

What this implies for the LEAF as a used electrical automobile is that it’s been across the longest and there are—theoretically—fairly a number of of them obtainable for the used market.

We are saying “theoretically” as a result of a stunning variety of Nissan LEAFs don’t find yourself in the marketplace; as probably the greatest economic system electrical vehicles, Nissan LEAFs have house owners that simply received’t let their favourite electrical commuter go.

Why such loyalty? For starters, the LEAF’s battery lasts a extremely very long time. Most house owners report a suitable state of cost for as much as 10 years (about 80% battery capability retention). And whereas the LEAF acquired some dangerous press a number of years again for battery packs that did poorly in sizzling climates like Arizona, the present design of the LEAFs battery and administration system have had only a few issues.

As one of many oldest manufacturing EV extensively obtainable within the US, the primary few generations of the LEAF are definitely out of guarantee even for his or her electrical battery. Nonetheless, the excellent news for older LEAFs is that you may change the battery pack on the LEAF for a way more affordable worth and energy than on some other EV that we’ve seen to this point. Some years are even capable of improve to a better capability battery.

This battery pack swapping means is made potential as a result of LEAF packs had been engineered for a big diploma of backwards compatibility. For more information on the LEAF battery, make sure to take a look at our article on Nissan Leaf battery alternative.

In case you are on the lookout for a brief commuter with few frills, good serviceability, and a decrease than common used EV worth, we’d say a used Nissan LEAF is one of the best used EV for underneath $20,000. Actually, the one draw back we will consider to the LEAF is that it’s a bit cramped to your backseat passengers.

3) Tesla Mannequin S

Unsurprisingly, Tesla makes our listing of dependable electrical vehicles as soon as once more with their flagship EV: the Mannequin S.

With unbelievable efficiency and a battery longevity that has confirmed to solely lose about 12% of vary over 200,000 miles (sure, we all know we already talked about that, however these numbers are value repeating), a used Mannequin S won’t solely be a pleasure to drive however has the house and effectivity to let your passengers benefit from the journey, too.

Early fashions (2012-2014) might be discovered for as little as $20,000, although these are more likely to be greater mileage and should present some battery degradation. The excellent news is that these older Teslas may additionally have transferable perks similar to Premium Connectivity and Limitless Free Supercharging. The dangerous information is that you simply doubtless received’t have the {hardware} vital for the latest model of Autopilot or FSD.

The 2015-2016 variations of the Mannequin S assorted extensively in battery measurement (from 60-90 kWh) and would possibly require a bit extra scrutiny in battery degradation since Tesla was positively experimenting with their battery packs throughout that point. Many of those autos operate simply advantageous (although, once more, they might not have the {hardware} vital for Autopilot and FSD), and these autos must be obtainable at a reasonably steep low cost.

The 2017-2018 Mannequin S has extra fashionable {hardware} and might maintain their very own amongst newer EVs as regards to efficiency. A few of these autos will nonetheless be inside their battery guarantee, which is definitely an element value contemplating since the battery is the costliest half to switch on an EV.

A used Mannequin S from 2019-2023 has a lot of the newest AP {hardware} and tech and would possibly shock you with its asking worth. Since Tesla lowered their costs on the Mannequin S earlier in 2023, used costs have dropped dramatically. You could find this latest era of Mannequin S used for 10%-20% off MSRP…or generally much more.

4) Hyundai Kona Electrical

We’d put the Hyundai Kona Electrical in the identical bracket because the Nissan LEAF. They’re each glorious commuters with related pricing per mannequin 12 months. Each have sufficient room for the motive force and entrance passenger, although their again seats might be known as cramped. Sadly, so far as cargo house goes, each the LEAF and the Kona Electrical are considerably, effectively, restricted.

Nonetheless, whereas the Nissan LEAF does win out over the Kona Electrical in our listing because of the LEAFs broad availability and decrease used worth, the Kona Electrical is the winner in relation to vary. The 258 EPA vary places the Kona Electrical simply behind the Mannequin 3 despite the fact that the Kona is almost $7,000 lower than the Mannequin 3 when new.

Used costs on the Mannequin 3 have improved a lot over the previous 12 months that we will’t fairly convey ourselves to name the Kona Electrical a greater discount than the Tesla simply but. Nonetheless, we do see the Kona Electrical as probably the greatest used electrical vehicles in the marketplace (and we’re excited to see that it might get even higher with its upcoming redesign in 2024).

5) Chevy Bolt

The Chevy Bolt was just lately discontinued, and fairly quickly all Bolts will probably be used Bolts. Now, we all know the Chevy Bolt has had some fairly dangerous press, and for good purpose: no one needs a automobile that may catch hearth as a result of a producing defect.

Nonetheless, dangerous information for earlier house owners could also be excellent news for you. In any case, every Bolt within the recall (2017-2022 for the EV, and 2022 for the EUV) is eligible to obtain a brand new battery. Many house owners have already gotten the battery changed with a brand-new module. And the time restrict on the Bolt’s guarantee isn’t up, both: most Bolts have no less than 2 years left on their battery guarantee.

The Chevy Bolt EV (and EUV) is a superb EV with aggressive vary and good cargo house. It’s additionally enjoyable to drive, and might cost to full in about 7 hours on a Degree 2 charger. We’d contemplate the Bolt a wonderful different to Tesla for any commuter with a smaller finances who likes to take the household out on brief distance holidays.

Talking of budgets, the Bolt EV is already probably the most inexpensive EV on the present US market, so its used worth is sort of aggressive with different discount EVs. Couple the unique MSRP with the Bolt’s dangerous battery press protection, and also you might be able to rating a used Bolt for underneath $20,000.

What to Look For in a Used Electrical Automobile

You could already know to examine for balding tires, upholstery smells, clear titles, and such when purchasing for a used automobile. Nonetheless, there are a number of EV-specific gadgets to examine on whilst you’re contemplating a used EV for buy.

First, be certain to examine for any touchscreen points. Most electrical autos depend on a big, central touchscreen for a lot of of their important working capabilities and options. The display could be a very pricey restore, and it’s good to ensure all is effectively within the digital world earlier than dropping any cash on a used electrical automobile.

Subsequent, it’s value checking guarantee phrases to see if the EV you’re looking at continues to be throughout the producer’s guarantee time period concerning the electrical battery. Whereas EV batteries are proving to be very dependable, the costliest restore to make on an EV is certainly a battery alternative.

EVs within the US are required to supply a battery guarantee interval of no less than 8 years and 100,000 miles. Most of those warranties will switch from proprietor to proprietor, however not all. Quantity 4 on our listing of greatest used EVs, the Hyundai Kona Electrical, is without doubt one of the uncommon instances the place the battery guarantee doesn’t switch, no less than not fully (it drops down to five years / 60,000 miles of protection from the unique buy date).

One other factor to be careful for on a used electrical automobile is recall historical past. The recall info on EVs is a necessary method to determine how a lot of an additional trouble it might be to personal a selected EV (or not).

All the time take note of whether or not a recall requires a bodily go to to a restore store or must be mounted with a easy software program patch. Most EV firms can present a software program system patch over-the-air (by way of an web connection), although the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) nonetheless requires an official recall discover.

One severe concern to maintain an eye fixed out for is an EV battery recall. If the car you might be analyzing hasn’t already taken care of a battery recall (particularly related for the Chevy Bolt and the Hyundai Kona Electrical), it might have to spend some high quality time at a service middle earlier than you may safely drive or retailer it. This may imply a brand new battery pack, which is a plus, however it might probably additionally imply ready for elements which are briefly provide.

You may see recall info for any EV by coming into its VIN on the NHTSA web site.

Lastly, remember that the area you reside in might or might not have a great service help system for each model of EV. Contacting your native dealerships or service facilities to see if they’ve any expertise with or experience within the EVs you might be contemplating may help you with potential restore complications afterward.

The place to Discover The Finest Used EVs (Trace: You’re Already Right here)

The used electrical car market has exploded during the last 5 years, and now you actually can discover a used EV nearly anyplace.

Nonetheless, since many conventional dealerships and used automobile web sites nonetheless assume by way of gas-engine autos, you’re going to seek out out rapidly that not everybody is aware of the distinction between an EV and a plug-in hybrid.

Or a Hyundai Kona from a Hyundai Kona Electrical.

We’ve saved you the difficulty of wading by way of irrelevant listings by creating probably the most superior used electrical automobile web site on the net. On Discover My Electrical, you’ll be capable of filter and type by way of the fashions and options you have an interest in with none distracting strategies for fuel vehicles with related names or cargo capability.

From one of the best used commuter vehicles just like the Nissan LEAF to improbable efficiency drivers just like the Mannequin S Plaid (and, effectively, just about some other Tesla), we’ve acquired all of the choices that can aid you slim down your seek for one of the best used electrical automobile to fit your wants.

Take a look at our listings for used EVs from Tesla, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Nissan, to seek out one of the best used EV to your finances at the moment!