You’ve Waited. Now It’s Finally Worth It.
Used electric cars in 2025 aren’t the wild guess they were five years ago. The hype’s cooled down, and enough miles have been racked up that we can talk about what’s actually good — and what’s just leftover inventory in a new disguise.
The thing is, you still have to be careful. Some EVs age like bricks. Others just keep going. It’s not about which model had the biggest screen or the slickest commercials when it launched — it’s about which ones are still doing the job now, quietly and consistently, without the owner having to spend half their life at the service center.
This isn’t a top-ten list. This is the full breakdown: what works, what doesn’t, and what you should look for if you’re shopping used and want something that’ll keep going past 100,000 miles.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range (2018–2021)
This one has earned its spot. Not because of brand loyalty — because of numbers. There are more high-mileage Model 3s on the road than any other EV, and they’re still holding together better than expected.
Owners report losing around 8 to 10 percent range after 100,000 miles. That’s solid. Original rated range was about 310 to 322 miles. Most still see 280+, which puts it ahead of almost everything else.
Drive motors are lasting. Power delivery is still sharp. Most of the issues people talk about are cosmetic — loose trim, worn seals, touchscreen glitches that get fixed with a reset. Nothing that kills the car.
Weak points:
- Interior rattles more as it ages
- Suspension gets noisy by 60,000 miles, especially in rough climates
- Rear seats are fine for kids but cramped for adults
Look for: 2019–2021 builds with service history, ideally from warmer states where salt and potholes haven’t had their way with it.
Prices: You can find clean examples between $22,000 and $27,000. Stay away from anything that’s had body work or fleet abuse.
Chevrolet Bolt EUV (2022–2023)
If your budget is closer to $20K and you don’t need something flashy, this is the smartest EV buy on the used market right now.
Why? Because of the recall. Every Bolt from this range got a brand-new battery pack under GM’s warranty. That means most of these now have packs with less than 15,000 miles on them, with fresh 8-year coverage starting from the date of replacement.
Real-world range? Around 240–260 miles. They charge slower than Teslas or Ioniq 5s, but for daily use, it’s no problem.
It’s not quick. It’s not roomy. But it’s honest. And you can fix it anywhere because GM dealers actually exist, even in small towns.
Weak points:
- Infotainment system freezes once in a while
- Interior feels budget, because it is
- No heat pump, so winter range drops harder than you’d like
Prices: Most range from $17,000 to $22,000. Go for the Premier trim if you want heated seats and adaptive cruise.
Hyundai Kona Electric (2019–2022)
This one flew under the radar when it launched, and it’s still not getting much attention — but it should. Owners who’ve had these for years rarely sell them. And when they do, it’s usually because they’re upgrading to something bigger, not because something broke.
You’ll get about 230 miles of real range on a full charge, sometimes more in warmer weather. The powertrain is smooth, and the battery degradation is minimal. Plenty of owners report less than 10 percent loss after 75,000 miles.
It’s front-wheel drive only, which helps with traction but limits the fun factor. The cabin is snug. Think hatchback, not SUV.
Weak points:
- Rear cargo space is tight
- Ride gets bouncy on bad roads
- Rear legroom is minimal
Watch for: Uneven tire wear and creaky suspension, especially if it’s been driven in snowbelt states.
Price range: $18,000 to $24,000 depending on mileage and trim. The SEL trim is common. Look for Limited if you want more features.
Tesla Model Y Long Range (2020–2022)
If you want the utility of an SUV without losing the Tesla drivetrain, this is the one to get. The Model Y is basically a stretched Model 3 with a hatch. It drives nearly the same but gives you actual cargo space and better headroom.
Range is still strong after two to three years — usually 280 to 310 miles depending on how it’s been driven and charged. These respond well to home charging. Supercharger-heavy histories tend to shave more range off faster.
Owners report few serious issues. Some noise from suspension over time. Occasional rattles. Panel gaps. But the drivetrain stays solid.
What you’re paying for is convenience. You get access to the Supercharger network. You get fast charging that actually works every time. And the resale value is strong if you ever decide to flip it later.
Watch for: Noisy rear motors, water intrusion in tailgate seals, and software bugs (fixed by updates, mostly).
Prices: $32,000 to $38,000. Higher trims and low-mile examples can still hit $40K+. If you want comfort and cargo space, it’s worth it.
Ford Mustang Mach-E (2021–2022)
Ford rushed it out. It showed. But to their credit, they patched most of it quickly. If you avoid the earliest builds, this is now a pretty reliable used buy.
Range is solid — around 240 to 270 miles depending on battery size. The standard-range RWD models are easiest to find and cheapest. Extended-range AWD is best if you can swing it.
Ford’s dealer network makes a big difference. You don’t need to worry about finding some specialty EV shop. That alone makes it a better used buy than something like a Lucid or even Rivian, where support still isn’t consistent everywhere.
Weak points:
- Early software bugs caused charge lockouts (fixed now)
- Interior quality is hit or miss
- Charging curve isn’t as quick as Hyundai or Tesla
Look for: 2022 models with BlueCruise enabled and fewer than 50,000 miles.
Price: Around $25,000 to $32,000. The Premium trim with extended range is the best all-around choice.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2022–2023)
Still new to the used market, but already shaping up as one of the better future-proof buys. These have quick charging, good range, and enough cabin space to replace a midsize SUV.
The SE and SEL trims are the ones showing up used right now. Rear-wheel drive is more common and slightly cheaper. AWD costs more, but range takes a hit.
Most owners report range holding well — around 260 miles real-world on the RWD trims. Charging from 10 to 80 percent takes under 20 minutes with a good fast charger, which makes this one of the best used options for road trips.
Weak points:
- Some early software glitches (most patched)
- Climate controls are all on a screen — frustrating for some
- No rear wiper, which is ridiculous on a hatch
Prices: $30,000 to $36,000. If you can get an SE RWD for under $32,000, that’s a strong buy.
Used EVs to Be Careful With
Nissan Leaf (2018–2020)
The range just isn’t there anymore. Most are down to 100 to 120 miles, and CHAdeMO charging makes them hard to road-trip. Fine as a cheap city car, but nothing more.
Volkswagen ID.4 (2021–2022)
Early models are buggy. Climate systems fail. Cameras stop working. Software is clunky. They’ve improved, but you’d want a 2023 or newer build — and even then, be cautious.
Jaguar I-PACE
Drives great when it works. But charging issues, electrical faults, and service delays ruin the experience. It’s not a smart used buy unless you have a Jaguar tech in your neighborhood.
What to Ask Before You Buy
- How was it charged?
A car that lived on Superchargers will age faster than one that charged at home. - What’s the battery state of health?
Some EVs show this on screen. Others need a scan tool. If they won’t show it, walk. - Has it had software updates or recalls handled?
You’d be surprised how many sellers don’t bother — even with known issues. - What’s the tire and brake wear look like?
EVs eat tires. If you see uneven wear or noisy brakes, budget for replacements soon. - What plug does it use?
You want CCS or NACS in 2025. Avoid anything with CHAdeMO unless it’s dirt cheap and you don’t plan to leave town.
Final Word: What’s Actually Worth Buying?
If you want something that still has life left in it, the answer depends on your budget.
- Under $20K? Look for a 2022 Bolt EUV or an older Kona Electric.
- Around $25K? You’ll find Mach-Es and better trims of the Kona or Bolt.
- Got $30K+ to spend? Tesla Model 3, Model Y, or an Ioniq 5 SE are your top picks.
Stay away from the cars with fading range and outdated charging. Stick to the ones that still deliver what they promised — even after 70,000 miles.
If you want the truth about which EVs are aging well and which ones aren’t, keep checking BidForAutos.com — we’ve been watching this market since day one.
