Do you want to drive an EV but don’t want to take the plunge and buy a brand-new one? A used EV may be just what you need, but there are some inherent risks that come with buying a used vehicle; we’ll help you decide whether you should buy an EV now or wait.
EVs are a Relatively New Niche in the Automotive World
Petroleum-powered vehicles have been around for generations, so there is a considerable amount of consumer reviews available about which used vehicles are lemons and which are highly coveted.
This is not the case with EVs; since the used EV market is new, there are risks that you need to be aware of so you don’t end up making a purchase you will regret.
Assessing the condition of the EV
There are services like CarFax that can provide you with the vehicle maintenance history, and that does provide you with some insight into whether the vehicle was properly maintained.
With EVs, there are fewer moving parts, so you are less likely to need repairs.
The downside of fewer moving parts and less maintenance is the intervals between maintenance mean something could happen to the EV, and you wouldn’t even be aware of it.
One of the most important considerations when reviewing an EV is the overall condition of the battery.
The battery is the single most expensive component in the vehicle, and if it is in a bad state of repair where it cannot hold a charge, you need to be aware of it.
This is not something you can determine on your own, you need to find a mechanic who has a considerable amount of experience with EVs, so they can determine whether the EV you are considering is a good option.
Don’t buy from private sellers
This should be a golden rule when buying used vehicles is to never buy from a private seller, even if it is someone you know personally.
There are a few reasons why you should steer clear of these platforms, but the main one is risk. You are taking on way too much risk when buying from a private seller.
If there are any issues with the vehicle or if the person selling the car isn’t even the legal owner, you could find yourself in a world of hurt; the best thing you can do is avoid private sellers like it was Covid.
Deal only with a local used EV dealership that has a great reputation
The best way to protect yourself and still get a good deal on a used EV is to work with a local dealership in your area.
A dealership that has been providing world-class support for a number of years and will be around to offer customer service and support should you need it in the future.
We think you should buy an EV now and not wait if you need a new car right away. For those of you who know that you have a challenging credit situation, please visit Dixie Auto Loans where we have a team of credit specialists ready to help you get approved for a car loan today!