The Best Used Electric Cars in 2024

EVs have been on the market long enough to give us some great data and consumer experiences that we can use to rate EV brands and how well they’ve held up over time. We’ve seen the industry go through everything from changes in build quality to advances in EV battery reliability over the last decade.

These observations are what make us confident that EVs are vehicles that you can definitely buy used—both on a budget and with reliable results.

Top 5 Used EVs in 2024

Let’s take a look at some of the best used electric cars on the market in 2024, what to check for when you’re considering a used EV, and the best place to find used electric vehicles on the internet.

1) Tesla Model 3

One of the most popular and visible EVs on the road today, the Model 3 makes number one on our list of best used EVs for the money thanks to its wide availability, competitive price, great range, and decent build quality.

The used Model 3 was only available at or over MSRP until prices dropped dramatically in 2022, and you can now find them populating every used car site on the internet. Why? In part, many private sellers and dealerships hoping to flip Model 3s for a profit bought up far too many.

Now, dealers and Tesla flipping hopefuls need to offload their stock, often at a good discount. We’ve even seen used Model 3s from 2017-2018 offered and sold for as low as $20,000-$25,000.

Range on the Model 3 is in the upper tier of EVs, reaching 272-375 miles depending on whether you have the Standard or the Long Range version. These numbers stay robust even on used Model 3s, with Tesla’s batteries showing only about a 12% reduction in range over $200,000 miles. Even a 2017 Model 3 with 80,000 miles might only have about 5% battery capacity reduction.

If data on how well Tesla Batteries hold up over time doesn’t have you entirely convinced that you need to buy a Model 3, there’s also the Model 3s warranty coverage. While the first few model years have reached the end of their basic warranty (the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, at 4 years / 50,000 miles), most Model 3s are still within their Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, which includes coverage for the high voltage battery for 8 years and 100,000-120,000 miles (depending on the variant; see our Ultimate Guide to Tesla Warranty Coverage for more details).

What about quality? While the first couple of years saw issues with paint application and panel alignment (with repair covered by warranty), Tesla has since worked out most of the kinks in the Model 3s production. Build quality on the Model 3 is moderate, but most of the fit-and-finish issues that have cropped up don’t seem to have had much long-term impact.

That said, we would recommend that anyone getting a used Model 3 check the rockers (lower panels of the car between the front and rear wheels) for extensive damage to the paint as the Model 3 (and Y) are both susceptible to rock and road debris damage in that area.

Finally, though driving performance isn’t always at the top of the list of qualities to look for when buying a used vehicle, a bonus for used Models 3s is their stellar performance at a lower price point. If you buy a used Model 3, you will definitely enjoy having that signature Tesla torque in the passing lane and on twisty, winding roads.

2) Nissan LEAF

Next up is the Nissan LEAF, which would probably have our top place spot on this list if price were the only factor. The Nissan LEAF retained the title of the best selling EV until 2020 (when it was dethroned by the first used EV pick on our list: the Model 3).

What this means for the LEAF as a used electric car is that it’s been around the longest and there are—theoretically—quite a few of them available for the used market.

We say “theoretically” because a surprising number of Nissan LEAFs don’t end up on the market; as one of the best economy electric cars, Nissan LEAFs have owners that just won’t let their favorite electric commuter go.

Why such loyalty? For starters, the LEAF’s battery lasts a really long time. Most owners report an acceptable state of charge for up to 10 years (about 80% battery capacity retention). And while the LEAF got some bad press several years back for battery packs that did poorly in hot climates like Arizona, the current design of the LEAFs battery and management system have had very few problems.

As one of the oldest production EV widely available in the US, the first few generations of the LEAF are certainly out of warranty even for their electric battery. However, the good news for older LEAFs is that you can replace the battery pack on the LEAF for a much more reasonable price and effort than on any other EV that we’ve seen so far. Some years are even able to upgrade to a higher capacity battery.

This battery pack swapping ability is made possible because LEAF packs were engineered for a large degree of backwards compatibility. For more info on the LEAF battery, be sure to check out our article on Nissan Leaf battery replacement.

If you are looking for a short commuter with few frills, good serviceability, and a lower than average used EV price, we’d say a used Nissan LEAF is the best used EV for under $20,000. Honestly, the only downside we can think of to the LEAF is that it’s a bit cramped for your backseat passengers.

3) Tesla Model S

Unsurprisingly, Tesla makes our list of reliable electric cars once again with their flagship EV: the Model S.

With incredible performance and a battery longevity that has proven to only lose about 12% of range over 200,000 miles (yes, we know we already mentioned that, but those numbers are worth repeating), a used Model S will not only be a joy to drive but has the space and efficiency to let your passengers enjoy the ride, too.

Early models (2012-2014) can be found for as low as $20,000, though these are likely to be higher mileage and may show some battery degradation. The good news is that these older Teslas may also have transferable perks such as Premium Connectivity and Unlimited Free Supercharging. The bad news is that you likely won’t have the hardware necessary for the most recent version of Autopilot or FSD.

The 2015-2016 versions of the Model S varied widely in battery size (from 60-90 kWh) and might require a bit more scrutiny in battery degradation since Tesla was definitely experimenting with their battery packs during that time. Many of these vehicles function just fine (though, again, they may not have the hardware necessary for Autopilot and FSD), and these vehicles should be available at a pretty steep discount.

The 2017-2018 Model S has more modern hardware and can hold their own among newer EVs with regards to performance. Some of these vehicles will still be within their battery warranty, which is certainly a factor worth considering since the battery is the most expensive part to replace on an EV.

A used Model S from 2019-2023 has most of the latest AP hardware and tech and might surprise you with its asking price. Since Tesla lowered their prices on the Model S in 2023, used prices have dropped dramatically. You can find this newest generation of Model S used for 10%-20% off MSRP…or sometimes even more.

4) Hyundai Kona Electric

We’d put the Hyundai Kona Electric in the same bracket as the Nissan LEAF. They’re both excellent commuters with similar pricing per model year. Both have enough room for the driver and front passenger, though their back seats could be called cramped. Unfortunately, as far as cargo space goes, both the LEAF and the Kona Electric are somewhat, well, limited.

However, while the Nissan LEAF does win out over the Kona Electric in our list thanks to the LEAFs wide availability and lower used price, the Kona Electric is the winner when it comes to range. The 258 EPA range puts the Kona Electric just behind the Model 3 even though the Kona is nearly $7,000 less than the Model 3 when new.

Used prices on the Model 3 have improved so much over the past year that we can’t quite bring ourselves to call the Kona Electric a better bargain than the Tesla just yet. Still, we do see the Kona Electric as one of the best used electric cars on the market (and we’re excited to see that it may get even better with its upcoming redesign in 2024).

5) Chevy Bolt

The Chevy Bolt was recently discontinued, and pretty soon all Bolts will be used Bolts. Now, we know the Chevy Bolt has had some pretty bad press, and for good reason: nobody wants a car that can catch fire due to a manufacturing defect.

However, bad news for previous owners may be good news for you. After all, each Bolt in the recall (2017-2022 for the EV, and 2022 for the EUV) is eligible to receive a new battery. Many owners have already gotten the battery replaced with a brand-new module. And the time limit on the Bolt’s warranty isn’t up, either: most Bolts have at least 2 years left on their battery warranty.

The Chevy Bolt EV (and EUV) is a great EV with competitive range and good cargo space. It’s also fun to drive, and can charge to full in about 7 hours on a Level 2 charger. We’d consider the Bolt an excellent alternative to Tesla for any commuter with a smaller budget who likes to take the family out on short distance vacations.

Speaking of budgets, the Bolt EV is already the most affordable EV on the current US market, so its used price is quite competitive with other bargain EVs. Couple the original MSRP with the Bolt’s bad battery press coverage, and you may be able to score a used Bolt for under $20,000.

What to Look For in a Used Electric Car

You may already know to check for balding tires, upholstery smells, clean titles, and such when shopping for a used car. However, there are a few EV-specific items to check on while you’re considering a used EV for purchase.

First, make sure to check for any touchscreen issues. Most electric vehicles rely on a large, central touchscreen for many of their essential operating functions and features. The screen can be a very costly repair, and it’s good to make sure all is well in the digital world before dropping any money on a used electric car.

Next, it’s worth checking warranty terms to see if the EV you are looking at is still within the manufacturer’s warranty term regarding the electric battery. While EV batteries are proving to be very reliable, the most expensive repair to make on an EV is definitely a battery replacement.

EVs in the US are required to offer a battery warranty period of at least 8 years and 100,000 miles. Most of these warranties will transfer from owner to owner, but not all. Number four on our list of best used EVs, the Hyundai Kona Electric, is one of the rare cases where the battery warranty does not transfer, at least not entirely (it drops down to 5 years / 60,000 miles of coverage from the original purchase date).

Another thing to watch out for on a used electric car is recall history. The recall information on EVs is an essential way to figure out how much of an extra hassle it may be to own a particular EV (or not).

Always pay attention to whether a recall requires a physical visit to a repair shop or should be fixed with a simple software patch. Most EV companies can provide a software system patch over-the-air (via an internet connection), though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) still requires an official recall notice.

One serious issue to keep an eye out for is an EV battery recall. If the vehicle you are examining hasn’t already taken care of a battery recall (especially relevant for the Chevy Bolt and the Hyundai Kona Electric), it may need to spend some quality time at a service center before you can safely drive or store it. This will mean a new battery pack, which is a plus, but it can also mean waiting for parts that are in short supply.

You can see recall information for any EV by entering its VIN on the NHTSA website.

Finally, be aware that the region you live in may or may not have a good service support system for every brand of EV. Contacting your local dealerships or service centers to see if they have any experience with or expertise in the EVs you are considering can help you with potential repair headaches later on.

Where to Find The Best Used EVs (Hint: You’re Already Here)

The used electric vehicle market has exploded over the last five years, and now you really can find a used EV just about anywhere.

However, since many traditional dealerships and used car websites still think in terms of gas-engine vehicles, you’re going to find out quickly that not everyone knows the difference between an EV and a plug-in hybrid.

Or a Hyundai Kona from a Hyundai Kona Electric.

We’ve saved you the trouble of wading through irrelevant listings by creating the most advanced used electric car site on the web. On Find My Electric, you’ll be able to filter and sort through the models and features you are interested in without any distracting suggestions for gas cars with similar names or cargo capacity.

From the best used commuter cars like the Nissan LEAF to fantastic performance drivers like the Model S Plaid (and, well, pretty much any other Tesla), we’ve got all the options that will help you narrow down your search for the best used electric car to suit your needs.

Have you heard about the Used EV Tax credit yet? While private sales are not normally eligible, it IS possible to get the $4,500 credit on a private sale when you and the seller let our partner KeySavvy work with you! For more info, check out our article on the Used EV Tax Credit.

Ready to start your search? Check out our listings for used EVs from Tesla, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Nissan, to find the best used EV for your budget today!