Buying a Used Electric Car: What Are the Pros and Cons?

If you're thinking about switching to electric driving, buying a used electric car could be an option worth considering. With more electric vehicles available on the used market, you don't necessarily have to buy brand new to experience the benefits of driving an EV.

However, buying a used electric car can raise questions you might not have considered when purchasing a petrol, diesel or even hybrid vehicle such as:

• How can you tell if the battery is in good condition?
• Will the available range be sufficient for your journeys?
• And could charging or maintenance cost more than you expected?

These are reasonable questions, especially if you've never owned an electric car before. Although there are advantages to buying a used EV, there are also potential drawbacks worth understanding before making a decision.

At Hilton Suzuki, we offer used Suzuki electric vehicles through our dealerships in Bedford and Bishop's Stortford. In this article, we'll discuss the pros and cons of buying a used electric car and explain what we'd recommend checking before deciding if one is right for you.

What Are the Advantages of Buying a Used Electric Car?

One of the main attractions of buying a used electric car is the opportunity to purchase a vehicle for less than the equivalent new model. This can make electric driving more accessible if you're working to a set budget or would prefer not to spend the amount required for a brand-new EV.

Depending on the vehicles available, you may also find that your budget allows you to consider a higher specification than you originally expected. However, it's still worth comparing the used vehicle with a new equivalent, as manufacturer offers change regularly and the difference in price may not always be as significant as you expect.

Another potential advantage is the cost of everyday driving. Electric cars can be cheaper to run than petrol or diesel vehicles, especially if you have access to home charging and an electricity tariff offering lower rates at certain times.

Exactly how much you could save will depend on your circumstances. Someone who regularly charges at home overnight may have a very different experience from a driver who relies entirely on public charging, so we'd recommend looking at your likely charging arrangements rather than assuming an electric car will automatically cost less to run.

Our guide to how much it costs to charge an electric car at home in the UK explains the factors that influence charging costs in more detail.

There's also the driving experience to consider. If you've never driven an electric car before, you might be surprised by how quiet and smooth it feels compared with a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle. Electric motors deliver power immediately, which can make pulling away from junctions feel responsive, while the absence of a manual gearbox can make everyday driving easier.

Electric vehicles also have fewer routine engine maintenance requirements because they don’t have a conventional combustion engine. You won’t need engine oil changes, for example, although that doesn’t mean an EV is maintenance-free. Tyres and brakes will still require attention, and other mechanical components can wear as the vehicle gets older.

What Are the Disadvantages of Buying a Used Electric Car?

Although there are several advantages, there are also potential disadvantages worth bearing in mind if you're buying your first electric vehicle.

Battery condition is understandably one of the biggest considerations. Like other rechargeable batteries, EV batteries gradually lose some of their original capacity through use and over time. This is known as battery degradation, and it can mean that an older electric car may not travel quite as far on a full charge as it could when new.

However, battery degradation doesn't mean the battery suddenly stops working, and the extent of any reduction in capacity varies between vehicles. It's important not to assume that every older electric car will have reduced range simply because of its age.

Charging arrangements are another important consideration. If you have a driveway and can charge at home, owning an electric car may be relatively convenient. Without access to home charging, you'll need to consider the availability and cost of public charging facilities.

Public rapid charging can be useful during longer journeys, but it may cost considerably more than charging at home. If you expect to rely on public charging regularly, it's worth comparing the likely cost with what you currently spend on fuel.

Driving range is another consideration, although this isn't necessarily a disadvantage for everyone. Someone making relatively short journeys around Bedford or Bishop's Stortford may find that an electric car comfortably meets their needs, while a driver regularly travelling longer distances without convenient charging opportunities could have different priorities.

The important thing is to understand how you'd use the vehicle before deciding if its available range is sufficient.

How Can I Check the Battery Health of a Used Electric Car?

Battery health is one of the most important things to consider when buying a used electric vehicle, because repairing or replacing a high-voltage battery can be expensive if it isn't covered by a warranty.

Before buying, ask whether any information is available about the battery's condition. Some electric vehicles can provide a battery State of Health (SoH) reading, which indicates the battery's estimated remaining capacity compared with its original capacity.

However, this information isn't available in the same way on every vehicle, and the methods used to assess battery condition can differ. It's worth asking the dealership what checks have been carried out and whether any supporting information is available.

You should also avoid relying entirely on the estimated range displayed on the dashboard. This figure is generally calculated using factors such as recent driving and energy consumption, so it doesn't necessarily provide an accurate indication of battery health.

The vehicle's age and mileage are also worth considering, but neither will tell you everything about the condition of the battery. A conversation with the dealership about the individual vehicle and any available battery information is a better starting point.

How Long Does the Battery Warranty Last on a Used Electric Car?

Electric vehicle manufacturers generally provide a separate warranty for the high-voltage battery, although the length of cover and applicable conditions vary between manufacturers and models.

Some warranties also include a minimum battery capacity threshold, meaning you may be able to make awarranty claim if the battery's capacity falls below a specified level during the warranty period

When buying a used electric car, it's worth checking:

• How much of the original battery warranty remains.
• Whether the warranty transfers to subsequent owners.
• What the warranty covers and whether any exclusions apply.
• Whether there are conditions attached.

A manufacturer battery warranty shouldn't be confused with a general used-car warranty, as the two may cover different components and have different terms.

If you're considering a used Suzuki e Vitara, the Hilton Suzuki team can explain the applicable manufacturer warranty and confirm the cover remaining on the individual vehicle.

Is a Used Electric Car Cheaper to Maintain Than a Petrol Car?

It can be cheaper to maintain a used electric car, although the difference will depend on the vehicle and how it has been maintained.

Because electric cars don't have conventional petrol or diesel engines, they don’t need some of the routine servicing work associated with combustion-powered vehicles. However, there are still components requiring regular attention, and an electric vehicle can develop faults just like any other car.

Tyre condition is worth checking when buying a used EV because electric vehicles can be relatively heavy, while immediate power delivery may contribute to tyre wear depending on how the car has been driven.

You should also check the service history and establish whether the vehicle has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Is Buying a Used Electric Car Suitable If I Can't Charge at Home?

This is one of the most important questions to ask yourself before buying an electric car, regardless of whether it's new or used.

Having access to home charging can make ownership convenient because you can recharge while the vehicle is parked overnight. Depending on your electricity tariff, it may also provide access to lower charging costs.

Without home charging, you'll need to rely on public charging facilities or another arrangement, such as charging at work. This doesn't automatically make electric ownership unsuitable, but it does mean you'll need to think more carefully about how charging would fit into your routine.

Consider where suitable charging points are located and how frequently you'd need to use them. If charging would regularly involve making journeys out of your way or waiting for a charger to become available, the inconvenience could outweigh some of the advantages of driving electric.

Not Sure Whether an Electric Car Would Suit You?

If you're still unsure whether electric driving would work for you, Hilton Suzuki's free EV Suitability Assessment can help you consider some of the factors that matter.

By answering 10 quick questions about your driving habits and circumstances, you'll receive a personalised result to help you understand whether an electric vehicle could be suitable for your lifestyle.

Take the Free EV Suitability Assessment

What Should I Check Before Buying a Used Electric Car?

Many of the checks you'd make when buying a used petrol or hybrid vehicle still apply to an electric car. You should look at its general condition and review the service history, while making sure the mileage is consistent with the documentation available.

However, there are some additional questions worth asking about an EV if you haven't owned one before.

Find out what information is available about the battery's condition and how much manufacturer battery warranty remains. You should also check which charging cables are supplied with the vehicle and whether its charging equipment is working correctly.

It's worth understanding the specification of the individual vehicle too, as different versions of the same electric model may have different battery capacities or charging capabilities.

Should I Buy a Used Electric Car from an Approved Dealer?

Buying from an approved dealership can provide additional reassurance, although it's important to understand exactly what is included with the individual vehicle.

Hilton Suzuki's dealerships participate in the Suzuki Approved Used programme, which provides benefits for eligible vehicles, including a minimum 12-month warranty and roadside assistance. The programme also includes multi-point vehicle checks and provenance checks.

Hilton Suzuki is also an RAC Approved Dealer, with eligible vehicles benefiting from the RAC's approved vehicle preparation standards and associated programme benefits.

These programmes don't mean every used electric vehicle automatically qualifies for the same warranty or cover. Before purchasing, we'd recommend asking which programme applies to the car you're considering and what protection is included.

Is a Used Suzuki e Vitara Worth Considering?

The Suzuki e Vitara is worth considering if you're looking for a used electric vehicle that offers the space and versatility of an SUV.

The Suzuki e Vitara is Suzuki's fully electric SUV and offers an automatic driving experience, with different specifications available depending on the version.

At Hilton Suzuki, our used electric vehicle offering includes Suzuki e Vitara models, giving customers the opportunity to consider a used vehicle alongside the new vehicles available.

When comparing individual cars, pay attention to the battery and drivetrain specification because these can influence the official driving range. It's also worth checking the remaining manufacturer warranty and asking the team to explain what is included with the vehicle.

You can view our current used Suzuki e Vitara vehicles to see which models are available from our Bedford and Bishop's Stortford dealerships.

Used Electric Car FAQs

Is buying a second-hand electric car a good idea?

It can be if the vehicle meets your requirements and you have a charging arrangement. As with any used car, condition and maintenance history are important, but it's also vital to understand the battery warranty and whether the available driving range suits your journeys.

How long will a used electric car battery last?

There isn't one fixed lifespan that applies to every electric vehicle battery. Battery condition depends on factors including age and usage, while individual vehicles may experience different levels of degradation. Ask about battery health and remaining warranty cover before buying.

Can you replace the battery in a used electric car?

High-voltage batteries can be repaired or replaced in some circumstances, although the options depend on the vehicle and the nature of the fault. As costs can be significant, it's important to understand the manufacturer's warranty and what protection remains.

Is it cheaper to charge a used electric car at home?

Home charging can be considerably cheaper than using public rapid chargers, depending on your electricity tariff. The age of the vehicle doesn't automatically determine charging costs, although its efficiency and battery size will influence how much electricity is required.

Can I test drive a used electric car before buying?

Yes, and we'd recommend doing so. A test drive gives you the opportunity to experience how the vehicle drives and assess whether it suits your everyday requirements. Contact the dealership in advance to confirm that the vehicle you are interested in is available to test drive.

So, Should You Buy a Used Electric Car?

Buying a used electric can be a great idea if you're looking to make the switch to electric driving without purchasing a brand-new vehicle. You could benefit from lower everyday running costs, especially if you can charge at home, while still enjoying the driving experience associated with an EV.

However, there are circumstances where a used electric car may not be the right choice. If you don't have convenient access to charging or regularly make journeys that exceed the vehicle's estimated range, it's worth considering whether electric ownership would suit you.

Battery condition and warranty cover should also form part of your decision, rather than concentrating entirely on the purchase price.

At Hilton Suzuki, we have a selection of used electric vehicles available from our dealerships in Bedford and Bishop's Stortford. If you're considering a used EV, our team can talk you through the vehicles available and answer your questions about electric ownership.

You can also arrange a test drive before deciding whether an electric car us right for you.