Should I Buy an Electric Car With a Construction Year Between 2013 and Up?
Asked by may5224 Oct 03, 2020 at 12:43 PM about the 2014 BMW i3
Question type: Car Selling & Trading In
Hi, I'm interested in buying a second-hand BMW i3 but am unsure about the
battery. Should I buy second-hand electric cars with a construction year
equal or higher than 2013? When I think about batteries I imagine charge
cycles before the battery needs to be replaced. Now I do know that BMW
offers 8 years of warranty on the battery. But what if I buy a BMW i3 from
2013, would the battery last me 6+ years without replacement (if I drive
safely and maintain the car)?
Or should I go for a non-electric or hybrid second-hand car instead as a
second-hand car? What is more reliable as second-hand car without huge
maintenance? Because replacing the battery is very expensive and wouldn't
be able to afford it.
Is it even a good idea to buy cars that old to begin with? I am very
unspecialised when it comes to cars. I did read a lot but am still unsure.
8 Answers
I wouldn't. Average life expectancy of one of these batteries is about 7 years. When they wear out they're very expensive to replace. Overall I think the concept is great but the technology isn't there yet. Hope that helps! Jim
If money is your concern why the heck are you looking at BMW's? Get a Camry or an Accord or maybe a low mile Prius.
Hey Js08016, thanks a lot for your reply. I thought as much, I wasn't sure though. Thank you for the comment, I guess I should go for a gasoline engine instead? Those will last longer than those batteries correct?
Hey F_O_R, thanks a lot for your comment. The reason I wanted a BMW i3 is because I want to not pollute the air when driving a car since I could techinically buy an electric vechicle. My budget is 20k (euro's) and the BMW i3 seems to be one of the cheapest in my country to buy secondhand as an electric vehicle.But it isn't worth based on your comment I assume. Also, I forgot to mention. Those cars you mentioned, are not easily available where I live but except Toyota Prius, mercedes-benz and BMW and such types are easily available here though. An BMW i3 from 2018 is roughly 18-20k here. Btw, I have nothing with the brand in particular. But the cars look decent and there are a bunch for low prices here.
Absolutely, a gasoline engine, properly maintained by frequent oil changes, tune ups, etc. can last 15 to 20 years and several hundred thousand miles. But those hybrid batteries, not at all. Hope that helps! Jim
Hey Jim, thanks for the help. I guess I'll go for an ordinary (non-hybrid, non-electric) vehicle then. I appreciate the help I got, thanks again!
You're welcome. Glad to help! Thank you for the best answer click!! Jim
Since this is primarily a US site you are going to get US based answers unless you specify your country. Good luck finding your car!
