Pros & Cons of Buying Used Electric Vehicles

Updated Nov 30, 2022 | Same topic: Best Advice for Car Buyers

Check the article out to know the advantages and disadvantages of buying a used EVs!

With all the innovations that are shoved at the human race these days, electric vehicles have got to be one of the most useful. Ecologists and scientists have been trying to make roadways that the human race can occupy Earth without putting so much weight or damaging it too much.

However, now that they finally found electric vehicles as a good solution, they’re not sure everyone can afford it. So if you’re looking to get yourself a cheaper EV unit, we, in Philkotse.com will help you decide if you would find used EVs suitable for you by weighing its pros and cons

I. Pros of Buying Used Electric Vehicles

1. They cost way less

Too bad the seller won’t be very happy about the drop in his precious electric vehicle but you as the seller is most likely very excited about the bargain. The savings, of course, will vary on a lot of factors and it may not always be a win-win situation for you.

There are cases when the used electronic vehicle was involved in an accident which is the reason why the seller resulted in selling the item but a good check-up can always clear this up for you. Another pro trivia is that some people sell their electronic vehicles just because they have a new one and they need space for it, hence the price drop with their current EV.

Electric car

Some people sell their electronic vehicles just because they have a new one and they need space for it, hence the price drop with their current EV

Some electronic vehicles can cost about 20 to 40 percent of the original price while still in great condition. Some sellers also need money desperately for their own personal reasons and will almost agree to any price close to what they originally offered.

These could be health and medical emergencies in which case they don’t really want to sell the vehicle but they really have to. You can opt to bargain with the seller to get him to the lowest price he could possibly agree on but then you can also be an empathetic person and consider his reason for selling the EV.

2. Velvet driving experience

Before the electric vehicle, you must have already experienced riding the generic vehicle where there is an engine, a suspension and all, then you must have noticed how bumpy and full of vibrations the ride was. Well in the case of electric vehicles, you’re bound to experience little to none of these. This is primarily because electric vehicles have none of the parts that make current vehicles so bumpy and shaky.

It has no combustion engine so it’s a lot quieter and travels smoother than your regular car; almost like driving on velvet roads - if the pavement is perfect anyway. The mechanical and technical techniques applied to the creation of most high-tech electric vehicles are also built so that they are more planted to the pavement for more even weight distribution. Even weight distribution helps your car last longer which means you’ll get more value for your money.

Car on the road

It has no combustion engine so it’s a lot quieter and travels smoother than your regular car; almost like driving on velvet roads - if the pavement is perfect anyway

3. Mother Earth loves them

Who would forget the initial and most primary reason that electric vehicles were manufactured for in the first place? It was to create a more organic world that’s nature-friendly, would lessen pollution and would also make human lives more convenient. Well, we are definitely reaching those initial objectives that we originally sought for.

The world of science and brilliant minds continue to scour their knowledge and results of their research for a renewable source of power and electric vehicles are definitely one of them. So no more tailpipe that emits poisonous smoke and no more spending on gas and fuel; simply recharge the battery and then go again.

Also, since you are buying a used EV you are contributing to Mother Nature's health a little bit more by lessening the possibility of one EV out there going to the junkyard instead.

electric vehicle

It was to create a more organic world that’s nature-friendly, would lessen pollution and would also make human lives more convenient

4. Saves you on maintenance

Did you own a regular vehicle before with a combustion engine before you decided you wanted to buy a used electric vehicle? Do you remember having to go to the auto repair shop for the monthly oil check, to get the radiator checked out or to see where that leaky smell is coming from? If so, then you might be relieved of this good news we have for you.

Electric vehicles have fewer parts that make it run therefore, it requires less maintenance so it means that you won’t have to buy a new sparks plug every now and then. In regular cars, the maintenance ceremonies go up higher by the cost and become more frequent when the car starts to age in years, while electric vehicles only require a change of brake fluid, cabin filter replacement and tire rotation in its third year of usage.

Comparison chart of EV vs. Combustion engine vehicle

Electric vehicles have fewer parts that make it run therefore, it requires less maintenance so it means that you won’t have to buy a new sparks plug every now and then

II. Cons of Buying Used Electric vehicles

1. Decreased battery life and performance

Since the merchandise is second-hand, you would never really know where they’ve really been or what the previous owner had actually put them through. So in the sense of buying a used EV, there could be a possibility that the electric vehicle that you managed to buy could actually have a battery that’s not as effective as you think.

Though it can’t be helped since your very own experience with smaller, handier types of battery already tell you that battery life and performance declines over time.

Man carrying a EV battery

Here could be a possibility that the electric vehicle that you managed to buy could actually have a battery that’s not as effective as you think

2. Obsolete real quick

Just like any electronic, high-tech device out there, these electric vehicles can quickly become outdated. This is similar to any phone, tablet, laptop, tv or even high-tech refrigerators. One second the previous owner bought the electric vehicle that’s all the range, then the next he’s selling it since there is a new release and before you know it, the second-hand EV you just bought is obsolete.

Though this may not be much of a problem to those who just really want a functioning EV, if your ride gets too far behind, then manufacturers of your EV's spare parts may not be even be making them anymore.

3. Resale is a lot cheaper

Remember how we said it’s a pro for you for buying a used EV? Well, if you’re going to re-sell it as well in the future, it’s best you don’t expect a price anything close to what you originally paid for.

>>> Click to get more helpful tips and advice for your car buying 

Hanna Sanchez

Hanna Sanchez

Author

Hanna is one of the most competitive swimmers in the country during her day. It was not long before she discovered her passion for the automotive industry as well. Nowadays, she balances her passion through writing as well as coaching.

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