A new buyer's guide for used electric cars can help you find bargains

Are electric vehicles more expensive than legacy vehicles? It depends on how you look at it. Teslas can be pricey, but no more so than comparable models from other luxury brands. When it comes to more mid-market vehicles, EVs do still tend to command a price premium over gas burners. On the other hand, in many cases the total cost of ownership, considering savings on fuel and maintenance, is demonstrably lower.

Above: Surprising deals can be found, for instance, on older Tesla Model S variants as the car was launched back in 2012 (Photo: Casey Murphy, EVANNEX)

Of course, there are many drivers who can’t really afford any new car, and some of them may be surprised to learn that a used EV could be well within their budgets. Plug-in vehicles are becoming plentiful on the used-car market, and there are some killer deals to be had (as your favorite EV writer, who bought a used LEAF and a used Prius Plug-in, can attest).

There are a couple of reasons why pre-owned EVs are available so cheap. First, many early adopters choose to lease rather than buy, and as the three-year leases run out, large numbers of lightly used vehicles hit the used market. Second, the makers of the moderately priced plug-ins - GM and Nissan - are continuously improving their vehicles, so the resale value of these models has been eroding quickly That’s bad news for folks who bought new, but great news for those looking for a used bargain.

The news is less good if you’ve got your heart set on a pre-owned Tesla. Unlike other EVs, Teslas have been holding their resale value extremely well (better than luxury models from Lexus, Mercedes and Porsche). Unlike other automakers, Tesla operates its own Certified Pre-Owned program, creating yet another direct link between manufacturer and consumer, and it’s been so successful that the company recently partnered with two outside firms to help it handle its growing used car business.

Whatever brand you’re looking at, shopping for a used EV is not the same as shopping for a used legacy vehicle. Plug In America has released a guide for people planning to purchase a pre-owned plug-in.

Above: There are also helpful sites, like MYEV.com, that can help EV buyers find a treasure trove of used electric car deals (Source: MYEV.com)

The new Used EV Buyers Guide explains the finer points of used EV shopping. In some ways, it’s easier - EVs have far fewer moving parts to wear out - no timing belts, fuel pumps, fuel injectors, manifolds, transmissions, piston rings, oil filters, crankshafts...With a used EV, says PIA, the only major concern is the quality of the battery. Plug-in hybrids do have ICE components, but they experience less wear and tear than their odometer mileage suggests, because some of those miles are powered by the electric motor (for the same reason, a PHEV needs less frequent oil changes than a dinosaur burner does).

“The inclusion of a battery warranty is perhaps the most desirable attribute to look for in a used EV,” says PIA. All EVs sold in the US carry a battery warranty good for 8 years or 100,000 miles. This covers only battery defects, but some manufacturers also warrant against any major loss of battery range. Certified pre-owned vehicles may come with an extended factory warranty (and a third-party extended warranty is also a good option).

Warranty or no warranty, it’s important to verify the battery’s state of health. PIA explains that this can be ascertained by performing an on-board diagnostics check. For this you’ll need to find a repair shop that specializes in EVs (for example, Tampa Hybrids in Florida) - outside of California, a used car lot or an ordinary mechanic probably won’t even know what you’re talking about.

“A used EV with a healthy battery is almost like a new car,” says PIA. “However, even an EV with a somewhat degraded battery could be an excellent deal if it meets your needs.”

The Used EV Buyers Guide also includes information on purchase incentives for used EVs that are offered by some states and local utilities.

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This article originally appeared in Charged. Author: Charles Morris. Source: Plug In America