Electric cars often lose their value quite fast, sometimes dropping by as much as 50 percent within the first year. While that can be a bit worrying for new buyers, it’s actually great if you’re looking to get a good deal on a second-hand car.
Concerns about electric car batteries not lasting long are starting to fade away. We showed this by testing a ten-year-old Tesla Model S that had done over 250,000 miles.
What’s impressive is that it still had its original battery, and it kept 84 percent of its original capacity. That, along with regular software updates that fix issues and even add new features long after the car is sold, helps explain why the Model S and the smaller Tesla Model 3 are two of our top choices for used electric cars in the UK.
One important thing to keep in mind when buying a used electric car is that, if it’s been properly serviced, the battery will probably still be protected by its original eight-year warranty.
This means that if the battery or related parts break down during that time, the manufacturer will repair or replace them at no cost to you. The two Kias on our list still come with the rest of their seven-year warranty for second-hand buyers.
Remember, just like with any used car, the condition and service history really matter. So take your time to look over the car carefully and check its background, and don’t forget to read reviews of the seller too.
Only go ahead with the purchase when you’re completely confident, and enjoy the smooth ride, comfort, and low cost of running that electric cars provide.
Also Read: 12 Vehicles With the Best DIY Repairability
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 has changed the electric car market by offering a mix of range, performance, and advanced features that have made it one of the most popular electric cars in the UK. It comes in several versions, with some offering up to 348 miles on a full charge, which is ideal for people who need a car that can go longer distances.
The inside of the Model 3 is simple but modern, with a large touchscreen that controls most features. It uses good materials and feels roomy, even though the car isn’t very big.
The car is usually reliable, though earlier versions did have some problems like gaps in the body panels and paint issues. Tesla has made a lot of improvements since then, especially in the cars made in China and later in Berlin.
Inside, the Model 3 is a nice place to be, with comfortable seats and a quiet ride. The suspension is on the firmer side, but the car handles really well, making it fun to drive.
It doesn’t cost much to run, thanks to low maintenance needs and the ability to use Tesla’s Supercharger stations, which help make longer trips easy and cheaper. The Model 3 has low road tax, so it’s a smart choice for both personal and work use, though insurance can be on the expensive side.
If you buy it through Tesla’s Certified Pre-Owned program, you’ll get the latest software updates for your car, including Enhanced Auto Pilot self-driving features.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 was ahead of its time. It’s a different but attractive electric car, especially for people who care about being environmentally friendly and enjoy modern design.
Released in 2013, the i3 stood out with its unique style, including back doors that open from the rear and a modern interior made from recycled and natural materials. Even though it’s a small car, the inside feels open and roomy, helped by the flat floor and upright seating.
The i3 is known for being dependable, with few major problems reported by owners. One area where it doesn’t perform as well is range, especially with early models that go about 100 miles per charge.
Later versions, including ones with a Range Extender (a small engine that helps charge the battery), give you a bit more range but still not as much as newer electric cars.
It’s a comfortable car for city use, and its small size makes it easy to drive and park. The ride can be a little stiff in the sportier i3S version, particularly on bumpy roads, but it’s still a good option for everyday driving and is fun thanks to its quick acceleration.
Running costs are low, like most electric cars, with cheap upkeep and energy costs. Even as a used car, the i3 often has a higher price, which reflects BMW’s high-quality design and build.
It may not be ideal for long trips or those who need a lot of range, but it’s a great pick for city drivers who like its unique style and eco-conscious design.
Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV is a popular electric SUV that shares many parts with the Hyundai Kona Electric but has a more classic design. It has become a favorite in the UK because of its strong driving range, practical features, and good value.
One of the best things about the Niro is its range. The 64kWh version can go up to 282 miles on a single charge, which is great for people who drive long distances or have a long commute.
The Niro is well put together, with a strong and sturdy feel that matches other recent Kia models. The inside isn’t the most flashy, but it’s made with good materials and built to last.
There’s plenty of space for people and luggage, making it a smart choice for families and mini cab drivers — just make sure any used car you consider has been taken care of properly. The media system is easy to use and includes important features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It’s a comfortable car, with a smooth ride that handles bumps well. The seats are soft yet supportive, so it’s pleasant even on long trips.
The Niro is cheap to run, which is expected from an electric vehicle, and it comes with Kia’s seven-year warranty, which transfers to new owners. Along with Kia’s solid reputation for dependability, this makes the Niro EV a strong pick for used electric car buyers.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf was one of the first electric cars to become well-known and is still one of the top-selling electric cars in the UK. Since it first came out in 2010, the Leaf has seen big improvements in how far it can go, how it drives, and what features it offers.
The 62kWh e+ version can reach up to 239 miles on a full charge, so it’s well-suited for longer drives and works for many different kinds of drivers.
The Leaf has always been known for being reliable. Many older models are still running well today, and it scores highly in surveys about dependability.
Its electric motor setup is simple, which means fewer things can go wrong. The inside focuses more on being practical than fancy, but there’s plenty of space for passengers and a good-sized boot, so it’s useful for families.
It’s a comfortable ride, too. The drive is smooth, and the seats feel good even on long trips. It’s very quiet inside since there’s no engine noise, which makes the drive more pleasant. It’s not a sporty car, but it’s easy to handle and especially convenient in city traffic or tight spaces.
The Leaf is affordable to keep running, with little maintenance needed. The Nissan Leaf has proven to be a dependable, useful, and budget-friendly electric car that continues to be a solid choice on the used market.
Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace is a beautiful electric SUV and has previously won the World Car of the Year award. It’s received a lot of praise for combining speed, comfort, and modern technology. As Jaguar’s first electric car, the I-Pace set high expectations.
It has a claimed range of up to 292 miles on a full charge, although drivers often get less than that. Its quick response, strong performance, and high-end interior make it one of the most attractive electric cars available, especially considering how much more affordable it is now.
The I-Pace is built to a high standard, just as people expect from Jaguar. The interior uses quality materials like leather, metal, and soft plastics, which help create a classy and comfortable space — and these materials have held up well over time.
The look inside is modern and sleek, with a digital display and a two-screen infotainment setup that’s easy to use and nice to look at. There’s a good amount of room for both passengers and luggage, making it a useful option for those who want performance but need practicality too.
Comfort is one of the I-Pace’s best points. The ride is smooth and steady, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Some versions even have air suspension, which improves comfort even more.
What makes the I-Pace special is how fun it is to drive. With two electric motors and all-wheel drive, it delivers power instantly and accelerates quickly, putting it among the fastest electric SUVs. The steering is precise, and the car handles corners very well, which is surprising given its size and weight.
The I-Pace is not expensive to run when you consider how luxurious and powerful it is. Jaguar’s reliability history isn’t the best, but the I-Pace was made in Austria by Magna, which should help with long-term quality more than some Jaguars built in the UK.
MG 4
The MG 4 changed people’s views of electric cars by showing how an old car brand could be turned into something fresh. MG, once known for its small sports cars, is now owned by a Chinese company and mainly makes family-friendly electric cars that are a great deal for the money.
The MG 4 comes in two trims, called SE and Trophy, and has an official range between 218 and 323 miles depending on the version. It has bold, sharp styling and is available in bright colours that you might expect to see on a Lamborghini.
Fortunately, the car pulls off these looks well, and it ends up being, at least in our opinion, a very nice-looking car. We gave the MG 4 Trophy a 9 out of 10 rating for its excellent value (which is even better when bought used), enjoyable driving experience, and stylish design.
Visibility around the car is decent, though the rear window is narrow and sloped, which can make it harder to see out the back. However, it does come with cameras and sensors to help when reversing. It charges quickly too — on a 150kW fast charger, it can go from 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes, and using a 7kW home charger, it takes about 8.5 hours to go from empty to fully charged.
Used MG 4s are available at good prices, with many under £17,000 (compared to new prices between £27,000 and £36,500). We found one from 2022 with only 13,000 miles for just £15,000.
Volkswagen ID.3
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a big step for VW, being its first electric car built from the ground up on a new platform made just for electric vehicles. It’s meant to be a widely affordable and practical car, with a modern design that attracts a lot of different people.
The Pro S version can go up to 340 miles on a full charge, which puts it among the best in its class for range. This makes it useful for both city driving and longer trips.
Some of the first ID.3 models didn’t quite match the usual high standards of Volkswagen interiors. The materials used inside felt cheaper than what Golf drivers might expect. But the inside of the car is roomy, with enough space for people in both the front and back seats. The boot is a good size too, which makes the ID.3 a smart choice for families.
The ID.3 is very comfortable. The ride is smooth, and the suspension handles bumps in the road well. The seats give good support and feel comfortable even on long drives. Since it’s electric, the car is quiet while driving, which adds to the comfort.
It’s enjoyable to drive, with steering that feels light and responsive, and the car picks up speed quickly, especially in the more powerful versions. It’s not a sports car, but it still feels good on the road — steady and safe. There are some fun details in the design, like the play and pause symbols on the pedals.
Running costs are low, which is typical for electric cars. Volkswagen’s name for reliability adds extra confidence, making the ID.3 a smart pick if you’re looking at used electric cars.
Tesla Model S
The Model S was the first Tesla sold in the UK, and it set a high standard for electric cars. It brings together long range, strong performance in some versions, and advanced features in a stylish and sleek design.
The Long-Range version can go up to 405 miles on a full charge, which makes it one of the best choices for long trips. It’s even more attractive now with lower prices, and some still come with free Supercharging.
The Model S is now built to a better quality than it used to be. In the early years, there were problems like uneven panel gaps and issues with how parts inside the car were put together.
Over time, Tesla has improved. Inside, the design is simple and modern, with a huge central touchscreen that controls nearly everything. The space inside is generous, giving passengers and luggage plenty of room.
When it comes to comfort, the Model S can be a mix. Some versions have a firmer ride, but the seats are nicely shaped and offer good support. The cabin is very quiet, with little road or wind noise, which adds to the feeling of luxury.
The Model S is most exciting when it comes to driving. With two electric motors and all-wheel drive, it gives instant power and can accelerate as fast as some sports cars. The steering is sharp and the car feels well-balanced, thanks to its low center of gravity — especially impressive for a car of its size.
It doesn’t cost much to run, especially when compared to petrol or diesel cars with similar power. Since it’s electric, charging costs are low, and Tesla’s Supercharger network makes long trips more convenient. Regular software updates sent to the car help keep its features modern, which adds even more value.
Vauxhall Corsa Electric
The Vauxhall Corsa Electric is a good option for anyone looking for a reliable and practical used electric car. It’s small and easy to handle, which makes it great for driving around town.
Owners often like how smooth and quiet it is compared to petrol cars, and there are usually plenty of them available on the used market.
The Corsa Electric is usually reliable. The electric motor doesn’t have many known problems, and the battery tends to keep a decent range over time. Still, it’s a good idea to check the battery’s condition before buying. Vauxhall gives an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the battery, which can be reassuring.
The build feels solid both inside and out. Some people do mention that the inside materials don’t feel as high quality as what you might find in competitors like the Peugeot e-208. The infotainment system does what it needs to, but it can be a bit slow, especially on older versions.
Most owners enjoy having a Corsa Electric. It’s cheap to run, easy to drive, and the small size makes parking simple. Its range usually works well for daily use and commuting.
Kia EV6
Here’s another Kia worth considering, and not just because of the remaining seven-year warranty that used buyers can still benefit from. The EV6 is a sporty, roomy hatchback that has made many luxury car drivers switch to Kia.
That’s easy to understand, thanks to its stylish design and a high-tech, well-designed interior. Some people might find the headroom in the front a bit limited, but there’s plenty of space in the back, and the boot is a decent size, even if not huge.
Kia’s quality has improved a lot, and the EV6 shows just how far the brand has come. Kia’s name for being dependable is getting stronger, too.
Also Read: 10 Vehicles with the Most Expensive Long-Term Repair Costs
It’s best to skip the fast, all-wheel-drive versions unless you really want the extra speed — the rear-wheel-drive model gives the best mix of value and driving range. It’s still fun to drive, even though it’s a heavy car. That fun driving comes with a trade-off: the ride can feel a bit firm.
Fast charging using public chargers is a big plus. Even the more basic EV6 versions come with a good set of features and important safety tech.
The EV6 isn’t one of the cheapest used electric cars, but that long warranty means you may worry less about future repairs compared to some other models.
