Why Buy a USED EV?
Hear from an EV Driver Who’s Owned Five (or maybe more)!
Today, we sit down with Ant Day from Western Australia, an avid EV owner and expert who is helping redefine what it means to go electric. Ant isn’t just a casual EV enthusiast; he’s the Chair of the WA branch of the Australian EV Association (AVA) and the administrator of one of the largest EV Facebook groups in the country. Crucially, Ant has owned five electric vehicles, and he believes strongly that buying used is the way forward.
The message is clear: used EVs are going a lot longer than people thought, they are more reliable, more efficient, and often provide screamingly attractive pricing opportunities.
Starting Early: A Journey of Confidence
Ant’s dedication to electric mobility started young; he knew EVs were the future even in primary school. Having studied electrical engineering, Ant had no problem with secondhand EVs from the outset. His first EV, purchased in 2012, was a used Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which he acquired for a remarkable $18,000. Since then, every EV he has owned has been secondhand, save for one new GWM Ora.
Ant’s confidence stems from knowing that modern EV batteries are designed to last, potentially “in excess of 20 years”. He understands that general trepidation about secondhand EVs is largely unfounded. In fact, the i-MiEV he bought in 2012 is still going strong today with other AVA members.
Ant’s subsequent vehicles included a Nissan Leaf (bought secondhand for $33,000 with 84% State of Health), and his current daily driver, a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The Kona is particularly praised as a “great car” often overlooked in the used market, with batteries that have a reputation for not degrading substantially. Ant uses his Kona as a workhorse, having added a tow bar for light duties, after deciding to get rid of his diesel car.
He also took the plunge on a high-mileage EV, buying a secondhand Tesla Model 3 with 120,000 kilometres on the clock. Ant felt assured, knowing that such a vehicle was “only just getting started”. He notes that the increasing pace of technology brings new car prices down, forcing used EV prices to follow, thereby making them an “affordable and attractive proposition”
Maintenance: The Myth of High Costs
One of the most appealing aspects of ownership is the dramatic reduction in maintenance. Ant confirms that neither his Kona nor his Tesla has required maintenance per se, apart from the usual tires and easy DIY replacements like the cabin filter. Critically, traditional items like brakes rarely need changing. Ant has done maybe three services across his six or seven EVs because they were simply not necessary.
He also addressed the persistent rumour about EVs wearing out tires faster. While the temptation to “lead foot” in an EV is real, Ant reports getting 80,000 kilometres out of a set of tires on his rear-wheel-drive Model 3, confirming he hasn’t changed tires any more frequently than on his previous petrol cars. Though EV-specific tires are coming to market (offering stiffer sidewalls for durability), he suggests they might be “a little bit overblown” and often carry a price premium.
Understanding the Used EV Market
The EV market truly started to go mainstream about four years ago, sparked by the release of the Tesla Model 3. Today, the Model 3 dominates the Australian used EV market, accounting for approximately 45% of used stock.
For buyers looking right now, the $20,000 to $35,000 market is “really hot,” featuring a plethora of vehicles including Model 3s, Konas, and MG ZS EVs.
For those considering a purchase, Ant strongly advises utilizing the private seller market. Early adopters tend to be fideous owners who have looked after their “babies,” meaning the second or third owner benefits from a car kept in fantastic condition.
When it comes to batteries, Ant cautions that buyers should definitely check the State of Health (SOH), especially for older, non-thermally managed models like the original Leaf. However, for modern vehicles, buyers shouldn’t be overly worried about initial degradation. All lithium batteries typically degrade around 8 to 10% in the first two years, before the degradation plateaus.
Ant’s final advice? Don’t be scared. Remember that private sellers are often more likely to negotiate than dealers. Utilise the abundant help available through clubs like the AVA and dedicated enthusiast Facebook groups (such as the Hyundai Enthusiast Australia or Nissan Leaf Owners Australia) to ask questions and gain confidence.
The used EV market is exciting, and the opportunities are vast!