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Is it wise to buy a used electric car?

I’m hoping to purchase a used car, and I would love it to be an EV, but the new ones are way out of my price range. I’ve seen some advertisements online for used EVs but I don’t know if I should go for it. I’m comfortable buying a used car but is it wise to buy a used electric car?

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Marlee John · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! Buying a used electric car can be a great way to save some money, but there are a few things to take into consideration before signing any ownership documents.
Similar to purchasing a used combustion engine car, there some of the major things are the same. Make sure you’re purchasing from an established and reputable seller. Car dealerships and websites like AutoTrader are trustworthy, but we wouldn’t advise purchasing a vehicle from eBay.
Take a look at the vehicle and inspect it yourself. Sitting in the vehicle and test driving it yourself is the best way to see if it works for you. While most used car dealerships make sure to present their cars in good shape, don’t just take someone’s word for it, drive it to see if anything feels or sounds off.
Ask about the battery and maintenance history. Since EVs don’t undergo as much internal wear and tear as traditional cars, they’re great to buy used. That said, a car replacing a bad or old battery may end up costing you the same or more than if you were to buy a new vehicle. If the battery has been replaced or is still in great condition and the vehicle was maintained well, you’ve got yourself quite the deal!
Choosing a car whether new or used is a big decision, but so is choosing the right insurance policy. If you need an insurance plan or are looking to switch from your current one
Jerry
can help. Jerry is a super app that allows you to gain access to the best deals all from your smartphone. We’ll even help cancel your old policy.
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