Are you in the market for a used electric car? If so, you will need a few steps to help you buy the right electric vehicle for you.
What to keep in mind when buying a used electric vehicle
1 – Find out which vehicle is right for you
Take a look at the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt. The Leaf vehicle is purely electric and has a range of approximately 100 miles, depending on driving habits and conditions. The Volt vehicle is an electric vehicle that comes with a gasoline engine as a backup. The combination of the two allows the gas to go 300 miles. The Volt should be used more as a main vehicle. The Leaf works much better for a commuter vehicle.
2 – Where are you going?
It is important to consider where you are going if you plan to buy a used electric vehicle. After all, you must be where the juice is. For example, if you are looking to go to the forest or visit family, you may be left powerless before you know it.
3 – Contact a New Vehicle Dealer
It’s not a bad idea to call new car dealers to see if they have used electric vehicles. If there is a waiting list, you may have to pay a little money to be put on the list. This is something to consider, but it could definitely work in your favor.
4 – Examine the area you live in
It is not uncommon to find people who have purchased an electric car and do not have the proper place to park it each night. Your vehicle must be plugged in every night. And, if you live in an apartment complex, you might be out of luck.
5 – How is the guarantee?
It is not yet known if the vehicle will be part of the Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Programs, but it likely will. See what your vehicle’s coverage will be once you’ve bought it used. Hybrid vehicle batteries are warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
6 – Get information about the vehicle battery
It is important that you learn everything you can about your vehicle’s battery, including what could damage it. For example, hot weather could be more difficult on battery life than cold weather, which is something to consider when shopping for a used vehicle. Remember, if the battery ages and is used regularly, it will lose its capacity. Although an electric vehicle does not have much, the miles do not mean that the battery lasts long.
7 – Be prepared for disappointments
Always keep this in mind: first-generation electric vehicles will have some issues with them. After all, the technology is new and is being mass produced. There are likely issues with them that will eventually be resolved. Therefore, the need for guarantees especially with first generation cars!
8 – Rent an electric vehicle
You can find car rental agencies that do have vehicles for rent. Consider renting one to see what it would be like to live with this type of vehicle before spending your hard-earned money on one.
Last fact about electric cars: When you buy an electric vehicle, you will need to follow the steps that accompany it. What does that mean?
A – Test drive
B – Have the vehicle inspected
C – Get a vehicle history report
Why? Used electric vehicles are like other used cars. Never risk a large investment!
