[Used Electric Car Buying Guide] 5 Critical Things You Must Check Before Purchase

As the EV (Electric Vehicle) market continues to grow, interest in used electric cars is rising as well.
However, buying a used EV requires a completely different checklist compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles.

Without properly checking the battery condition, high-voltage system health, and government subsidy status,
you could face huge repair costs or even legal issues.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential things to check when buying a used electric vehicle,
ensuring you make a safe and smart purchase.

 

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Main Content

1. What's Different About Buying a Used EV?

Core Components	Engine, Transmission	High-voltage Battery, Motor, Inverter
Key Inspection Points	Oil condition, Engine/Transmission health	Battery SoH (State of Health), Charging History, High-voltage parts
Maintenance Costs	Relatively low	Potentially very high (battery replacement)
Main Depreciation Factors	Accident history, Mileage	Battery health, High-voltage system damage

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2. 5 Essential Checks When Buying a Used EV

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(1) Battery Health (SoH: State of Health)

• The battery accounts for 30–40% of an EV’s total value.
• SoH indicates how much capacity remains compared to a brand-new battery.

90% or higher	Excellent (Highly recommended)
80% - 89%	Acceptable but expect future depreciation
Below 80%	Significant degradation (Purchase not recommended)

How to Check:

• Request an official "Battery Health Report" from the manufacturer’s service center.
• Some EVs (Tesla, Hyundai Ioniq 5) allow direct SoH viewing from the dashboard.

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(2) High-voltage Parts Inspection

• EVs operate on 400V to 800V systems.
• Accidents that impact the battery pack, inverter, or motor can cause invisible but serious internal damage.

How to Check:

• Review insurance and accident history via a trusted database (e.g., CarHistory).
• Request a "High-voltage Inspection Report" from the official service center.
• Bring an EV-savvy mechanic if possible for additional safety.

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(3) Charging Habits and History

• Frequent fast charging (DC rapid charging) can accelerate battery degradation.
• Regular slow charging (AC charging) is better for long-term battery health.

How to Check:

• Ask the seller about their charging habits.
• Some EV brands (like Tesla) can provide a charging history log.

Pro Tip:
Prefer vehicles that have primarily used slow charging (>70%).

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(4) Government Subsidy Usage and Mandatory Hold Period

• New EVs often receive government grants or subsidies.
• These subsidies typically require the vehicle to remain registered to the first owner for 2–3 years.

Why It Matters:

• If the required hold period is not completed, the subsidy could be reclaimed, even affecting the new buyer.

How to Check:

• Confirm the first registration date (on the vehicle registration document).
• Contact the local government office to check the subsidy status if needed.

Warning:
Buying a car still under a subsidy hold could mean unexpected penalties later.

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(5) Remaining Manufacturer Warranty

• Most EV manufacturers offer warranties covering
  the high-voltage battery and motor for 8 years or up to 160,000 km.

How to Check:

• Confirm the first registration date and mileage.
• Contact the manufacturer's service center to verify warranty status.

Pro Tip:
Buying an EV with a valid battery warranty remaining can save you thousands in future repair costs.

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3. Bonus: Additional Inspection Tips

Charging Port Condition	Look for corrosion or damage
Underbody Rust	Battery pack sits low and is vulnerable
OTA Update Status	Especially important for Tesla vehicles
Air Conditioning & Heater Performance	EVs are sensitive to thermal management

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4. Real Case Studies: What Happens Without Proper Checks

SoH at 72% leads to poor driving range	Car needed to be resold within months.
Fast charging only	Battery health degraded faster than expected.
Purchased during subsidy lock period	Buyer received a $5,000 subsidy reclaim notice.

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Conclusion

Buying a used EV = Battery Health + High-voltage System + Legal/Financial Check.

✔️ Always confirm the actual battery SoH.
✔️ Always check for high-voltage system repairs or damage.
✔️ Always check the government subsidy lock status.

Skipping these steps could turn your "smart EV deal" into a financial nightmare.

Be smart, check thoroughly, and drive safely!

Summary

Battery Health (SoH)	Prefer 90% or higher
High-voltage System	Verify no accident damage
Charging History	Prefer slow charging vehicles
Subsidy Status	Ensure mandatory hold period is completed
Manufacturer Warranty	Confirm remaining coverage

 

Thank you so much for reading my post!

I truly hope the information here makes your life a little easier, whether you're in Korea or anywhere around the world!