What Issues Should Be Noted When Buying a Used Electric Vehicle?

[MacAubrey]

When purchasing a used car, the inspection mainly revolves around the vehicle's condition, such as the power battery, electrical system, and other aspects. When selecting a used new energy vehicle, due to its different structure, it is difficult to check the actual condition of some key parts without professional equipment and personnel. Extended information is as follows: 1. Inspection of the power battery: The core of a new energy vehicle's power is the power battery. The quality of the power battery directly affects the vehicle's range. Additionally, since replacing the power battery is very expensive, it is one of the key points during the inspection. 2. Motor, electronic control, and electrical system: A major cause of spontaneous combustion in new energy vehicles is faults in the electrical and electronic control systems. To avoid purchasing a vehicle with safety hazards, it is best to have a comprehensive inspection by a 4S shop, just like with the power battery. 3. Other inspections: For example, whether the steering wheel pulls to one side, whether there are abnormal noises when driving on bumpy roads, and whether the chassis is loose. Additionally, ensuring the completeness of the vehicle's documents is a routine check to rule out major accidents, repaired vehicles, water-damaged vehicles, and to verify the functionality of various vehicle components.

[CarmenAnn]

When buying a used electric vehicle, my biggest concern is the battery condition, so I always check the battery health first. Ask the seller if they have a battery health report, or take it to a repair shop to test the remaining capacity—older cars might only have 70-80% left, which affects range. Don’t forget to check if the warranty is still valid; manufacturer warranties usually transfer to the new owner. Take it to a fast-charging station to test the charging speed and stability, and watch for overheating or delayed heating. If the battery has been replaced, check whether it was done by the original manufacturer or a third party, as this affects long-term reliability. Frequent use of slow charging can also accelerate aging, so look for signs of charging habits. Battery costs are high, so don’t ignore these factors just to save money.

[DiKaden]

As a budget-conscious person, I focus on cost-effectiveness when choosing a used electric vehicle. The second-hand price may be cheap, but the total cost must be calculated: replacing the battery after degradation could cost tens of thousands, insurance may be 20% higher than for a new car, and while electricity costs are lower, the installation fee for a charging station must be included. Check brands with high market presence like Tesla, where parts are cheaper and easier to find. Low operating costs are an advantage, and the savings on fuel are significant if you drive a lot. Don’t overlook tire wear and the braking system—budget for replacements. Overall, opt for models within three years to minimize depreciation and ensure market stability.

[LeJace]

Don't overlook the used car's history details. I need to check the accident records and use an app to scan the VIN for any collision repairs. Are the maintenance logs complete? Did the previous owner change filters and perform software updates on schedule? The battery warranty documents must be complete, otherwise the risk is high. During the test drive, pay attention to any abnormal motor sounds or unusual noises, and check the smoothness of the software system interface. If the owner can't clearly explain charging habits, be cautious.

[SanIker]

The test drive experience is most important; I personally test the performance by driving. Plug in the home charger to see if the speed is stable, and check if there's any hesitation during high-speed acceleration. Evaluate how well the air conditioning cools, especially in summer. Test the responsiveness of in-car electronic devices like the touchscreen. Don't forget to drive in rainy conditions to check the wipers and whether the seals leak. Take your time during the whole process, and repeat the tests for several minutes.