Why This Blog Matters
Used EVs are finally affordable. But not all of them are worth the deal.
Some models were never designed to last, others were rushed out with flawed batteries or glitchy software, and a few look fine online but have hidden problems that only show up once you live with them.
If you’re buying used in 2025, you need more than specs — you need the real story. These are the electric cars we’d skip entirely, based on what they’re like after 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Everything here is based on owner reports, service issues, repair costs, and what you’ll likely deal with if you pick the wrong one.
1. Nissan Leaf (2018–2020)
Still cheap — and still a trap
What’s wrong:
The Leaf’s biggest flaw is its air-cooled battery. Unlike most modern EVs, it has no thermal management. That means if it’s been fast-charged regularly or lived in a hot climate, the range degrades fast — often below 100 miles by 60,000–70,000 miles.
Charging is another issue. It uses CHAdeMO, which is being phased out in the U.S. Charging stations are disappearing, and adapters are hard to find. That makes road trips nearly impossible.
Common owner complaints:
- Sudden drops in range
- Charging stalls in hot weather
- HVAC failure in early models
- Rear brakes locking or dragging
Dealbreaker for most buyers:
Short range and obsolete charging tech make this a bad bet for anything beyond city-only use. Even $8K is too much if you’re stuck with 80 miles of winter range and no fast charging.
2. Jaguar I-PACE (2019–2022)
The luxury EV with a not-so-luxury ownership experience
What’s wrong:
The I-PACE is fast and refined — when it works. But after 40,000 miles, owners report constant glitches, from frozen screens to charging lockouts to radar sensor failures that kill cruise control and regen.
Battery degradation isn’t terrible, but electrical gremlins are. Parts are expensive. Service centers are limited. Most fixes require dealer-only diagnostics — and even they struggle.
What owners deal with:
- Frozen infotainment requiring resets
- Key fob and start failures
- Charging cables getting stuck
- OTA updates bricking functions
Out of warranty? You’re gambling on $3,000–$7,000 repairs just to keep the dashboard working.
Bottom line:
It drives beautifully, but don’t fall for the looks. If you buy one used, expect downtime, stress, and big repair bills. There’s a reason so many are for sale.
3. Volkswagen ID.4 (2021–2022)
A promising EV that just wasn’t ready
What’s wrong:
VW’s first U.S. electric SUV had a lot of promise, but early models were rushed to market. The infotainment system lags, climate control freezes, and some cars just stop fast charging with no warning.
VW patched some issues with software, but you can’t do those updates at home — you have to go to the dealer, and even then, it’s hit or miss.
By 50K miles, common issues include:
- Unresponsive touchscreens
- AC systems failing during heatwaves
- Charge port locks malfunctioning
- Sudden drop in winter range below 150 miles
Why it’s risky:
Charging isn’t reliable, and dealer support is still learning how to handle EV diagnostics. Even if you find one cheap, the user experience can be frustrating. And if you’re on a road trip? Good luck finding out what went wrong mid-charge.
4. BMW i3 (2017–2019)
Cool design. Terrible long-term usability.
What’s wrong:
The i3 is fun, weird, and electric — but that doesn’t mean it’s a good buy in 2025.
The early 60 Ah and 94 Ah batteries now struggle to deliver more than 70–90 miles. Range extender models add complexity and maintenance without solving the real issue: aging battery packs and outdated charging systems.
By 60K miles, many show:
- Degraded range under 80 miles
- Slow charge rates even on Level 2
- Parts shortages for interior and drive electronics
- Faulty steering column bushings
Why it’s not worth it:
It’s small, hard to work on, and has no parts availability outside major cities. And BMW’s out-of-warranty support is expensive.
Even if you find one for under $12,000, it’s still overpriced for what you’re getting.
5. Fiat 500e (2013–2019)
The EV you only buy if you don’t plan to drive
What’s wrong:
The 500e was never meant to be more than a compliance car. Fiat barely supported it, and now it’s essentially orphaned. Most have 60–80 miles of range left, no fast charging, and limited parts access.
By now, expect:
- Dash cluster failures
- Charge port wear
- Range under 70 miles
- HVAC and heater errors
Also: Fiat left the U.S. market entirely for years. That means fewer techs, fewer parts, and almost zero dealership experience in handling these cars.
Conclusion:
It might look quirky and be fun around town, but most buyers will regret it within the first month. Not built to last. Definitely not built for resale.
6. Lucid Air (2022–2023)
A future luxury EV with too many present-day problems
What’s wrong:
Lucid built something incredible on paper — 500+ miles of range, a gorgeous cabin, blazing acceleration — but real-world reliability has lagged far behind.
Owners are already reporting touchscreen malfunctions, keyless entry failures, and flaky charging behavior. And service? Lucid’s network is small and stretched thin. Fixes take weeks, sometimes months.
What buyers deal with:
- Frozen screens that disable HVAC or drive modes
- Mobile service delays due to staff shortages
- OTA updates not solving deep system errors
- Limited aftermarket or third-party support
Why to wait:
Lucid may sort it out, but right now, buying a used one is like buying a prototype. And if you need support, you’re relying on a brand still trying to scale.
7. Mercedes-Benz EQC (Imports)
Not made for the U.S. — and it shows
What’s wrong:
Some EQC units were imported privately or sold through limited dealer channels. Most weren’t fully supported here. The result? No OTA updates, slow parts access, and local dealers refusing to do anything beyond basic service.
Battery range has dropped fast in cold-weather states. Owners in Europe have reported full drive unit failures under 80,000 miles.
What you’ll face:
- Charging compatibility issues
- Limited tech support
- Spotty software performance
- Range that drops below 200 miles after two winters
Conclusion:
This car looks like a good deal online. It isn’t. Leave it for collectors or people who only drive to Whole Foods.
What These EVs All Have in Common
- Weak or outdated battery cooling systems
- Charging systems with compatibility or software faults
- Sparse or expensive service networks
- Poor resale value and mounting reliability concerns
- Real-world performance that doesn’t match early press hype
If you’re buying used, you don’t want a car that needs constant updates, hand-holding, or a suitcase of adapters just to charge normally.
Final Thoughts: Buy Smart — Or Buy Trouble
Some used EVs are great deals in 2025. These aren’t.
If you’re hunting for a used electric car, skip anything with:
- CHAdeMO charging
- Air-cooled batteries
- Known sensor or software failures
- Spotty dealership coverage
You don’t want to spend your weekends googling error codes or waiting on parts from Europe. Stick with models that have proven long-term support and battery stability — even if they’re less exciting on paper.
And if you want more guides that skip the showroom spin and give you the real story, keep checking BidForAutos.com — we don’t do fluff. We do facts.
