Knowledge 3/28/25 * min read

How Risky Is It to Buy a Second-Hand EV? What You Need to Know

The used EV market today offers plenty of great and cost-effective options worldwide. Whether you're looking for a high-performance EV or a comfortable family car, most manufacturers now have electric models in their lineup.

However, even with such a vast selection, finding an EV that won’t cause issues down the road can be challenging. How can you avoid serious problems that might impact your budget? Here, we’ll highlight the key factors to consider before making a purchase.

Used EVs can be a fantastic deal, even when compared to traditional gas-powered cars. They often offer quicker acceleration and greater convenience, but what other factors make buying a used EV a smart choice? Let’s dive into the key reasons why EVs are among the most compelling vehicles to purchase today.

Affordable Pricing: Used EVs are generally more affordable than ICE vehicles. While their original prices may be similar, incentives can significantly reduce the final cost, making EV ownership more budget-friendly. Discover your potential savings by exploring our USA EV Incentives Map and selecting your state.
Fuel Savings: Electric vehicles offer substantial fuel savings due to the significantly lower cost of electricity compared to gasoline or diesel. In general, electricity costs about half as much as traditional fuel. To see exactly how much you can save by switching to an EV, try our Savings Calculator.
Lower Maintenance Costs: Unlike gas-powered cars that require servicing every 5-10K miles, EVs need maintenance less frequently. Additionally, standard EV upkeep is more affordable since there’s no need for complex engine-related procedures. Want to learn more? Read our detailed article on EV maintenance.
Long-Term Coverage: While most gas-powered cars offer 3-5 years of warranty, used EVs typically come with an 8-year powertrain and battery warranty. Brands like Hyundai and Kia even offer up to 10 years, meaning that a 3-4-year-old EV is almost as reliable as a new one, with major components still covered.
Slower Wear and Tear: EV powertrains are known for their reliability, with minimal degradation over time. While the battery may degrade slightly in the first 1-2 years, it stabilizes afterward, and the degradation rate significantly drops. Modern EVs can last over 10 years without major repairs, a level of reliability unmatched by most ICE vehicles.
High Safety Standards: Many EVs, even those at more affordable price points, score exceptionally well in safety tests like NHTSA and Euro NCAP. This is due to their advanced design, focused on minimizing risks in hazardous driving conditions. For families seeking top-tier protection, purchasing a used EV is a smart choice.

While a used EV can be a smart investment, it's important to remember that electric vehicles are complex machines packed with advanced and costly technology. In this section, we’ll highlight potential issues that may arise if you purchase an EV without properly checking its condition.

Battery Degradation: The battery is the most crucial component of an EV, directly affecting its range and being the most expensive part to replace. Typically, if its capacity drops below 70-80% of the original, it may still be covered under warranty for a free replacement.
Charging Issues: One of the most critical factors to check when buying a used EV is its charging capability. A faulty charging system can leave your EV undrivable, as the battery won’t receive power fr om chargers.
Damaged Electric Motors: Electric motors are among the most expensive components of an EV, making their condition a critical factor when purchasing a used electric vehicle — especially if you're considering a dual-motor or high-performance model.
Body Damages: While EVs are built with high safety standards, past accidents and poor-quality repairs can lead to costly part replacements or even compromise the vehicle’s integrity. In some cases, EVs involved in severe collisions have caught fire due to battery damage and improper repairs.
Warranty Coverage: While EVs with expired warranties may seem like a budget-friendly option, they come with the risk of costly repairs, especially for the battery or other high-tech components. Replacing these parts out of pocket can be significantly more expensive than opting for a vehicle with an active warranty.

Having identified the key risks of purchasing a used EV, let’s explore effective ways to avoid them. Below are our top recommendations to consider before buying.

Verify Battery Degradation: Since the battery is the most expensive EV component, verifying its condition is essential. Some brands, like Tesla, provide built-in battery degradation tests, but if this feature isn’t available, consult a specialist with diagnostic tools to check the exact remaining capacity.
Ensure Proper Charging Functionality: To confirm the EV’s charging system is in good condition, test the car's charging performance under both AC (slow home charging) and DC (fast public charging) conditions. The charging duration should match the estimated time displayed on the screen without any error messages appearing. Moreover, it's advisable to review the error log to check for any past charging-related issues. If no errors are found and the EV charges properly, you can be more confident that charging system is not damaged and that the vehicle is a reliable purchase.
Inspect Electric Motor Health: Ensure the electric motors are in good condition by consulting a specialist. Additionally, if an EV has exceeded 80-100K miles without a differential oil change, it may lead to costly repairs, making it a risky purchase.
Prioritize Vehicles With Valid Warranty Coverage: Check the warranty coverage of any EV before purchasing. Opt for one with an active warranty that lasts for the duration you plan to own the vehicle.
Inspect the EV’s Body for Damage: Inspect the body using a paint thickness gauge or consult a specialist to assess whether the EV has suffered significant accident damage or major body repairs.
Review the EV’s History: When purchasing a used EV, having a full service and ownership history is crucial. With GoodCar’s reliable and easy-to-use tool, you can quickly check accident reports, recall history, title records, and more to make an informed decision.

We've compiled a list of the most reliable EVs, ensuring a hassle-free ownership experience with minimal unexpected costs. Discover the key models that ensure confidence on the road.

BMW i4

The BMW i4 stands out for its exceptional reliability, with minimal warranty issues since its launch in 2021.

Nissan Ariya

While the Nissan Ariya may not offer the most thrilling driving experience, it’s an excellent option for those seeking a reliable, low-maintenance car for everyday use.

Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y, the world’s most popular electric SUV, offers top-tier reliability, as evidenced by its widespread popularity and low recall rate.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Although the Hyundai Ioniq 6 stands out for its cutting-edge technology, it remains highly dependable, ensuring owners can enjoy the latest features without frequent service needs.

Audi Q4 e-tron

The Audi Q4 e-tron demonstrates that modern German engineering can achieve the highest standards of reliability.

Kia Niro EV

The Kia Niro is the most affordable option on our list, and it proves you can get a practical, reliable electric car without spending a lot.

Still itching for more options? No problem! Explore other options in the used US EV market through our articles, wh ere we analyze top picks for low and mid-budget segments.

Buying a used EV requires careful consideration, as a single mistake could lead to unexpected expenses. To avoid this, be aware of potential risks, follow our expert tips, and explore the most reliable EV models. With these steps, you'll be well-equipped to find the best option on the used market.

If you haven’t yet found the right model, try our 'Find Your Perfect Electric Car' quiz – it’s designed to simplify your search for the perfect fit.