Which 5 or 6 year old EV?
Discussion
I'm running around in circles over this, so thought it might help to get some advice.
What (I think) I need:
- Something that has a range of at least 70 miles, but ideally over 100.
- Anywhere up to £11k at the most.
- At least 4 seats (2 adults, 2 kids)
- Useful boot space (for the occasions where we'd go away, not ruling out using a roof box/similar)
What I'll use it for:
- localish jaunts. At most Bristol and back (I'm the other side of Bath, so ~50 mile round trip)
- occasional commutes. Maybe once a fortnight, office will be 60 miles or so down the M4, each way. Possible charging options there, but I doubt it can be guaranteed.
- maybe longer journeys once or twice a year, so ideally if it can feasible charge quickly in those cases it'd be nice.
(not a 'must have', and I'm flexible on this use case)
Total mileage per year isn't expected to be too high. Probably 6k at the most. Been feeling the pull for a few years, and I've got bored of the constant stress of shedonomics and the impending death or driving an ICE wherever you want without having to think whether you're allowed.
What I've seen so far is the following:
- Zoe. 2016, 40k or thereabouts. £7k with battery lease (I believe around 50pcm for 4.5k pa) or +£3k to buy the battery
- Leaf. 2016, anywhere between 10k and 50k, battery owned, for £8k to £10k
- Soul. 2015ish and around 60k can be just in budget.
- i3. A 2014 REX with 60-70k can be in budget, else a 40k non-REX.
My thoughts so far are:
Zoe
Less to lump out on, BL can give some reassurance and flexibility? Boot a bit smaller (338L) and 'claimed' 150 mile range is still likely to be good enough? Less space, worse quality, but better looking. It's a Renault, so may disassemble itself ad hoc.
Leaf
Possibly the best VFM, but lots of worries about battery degradation. Pretty ugly and uninspiring, but more spacious. Range may be a bit rubbish even on a 30kWh due to the former.
Soul
Would still have warranty, but reading that the range would be well under the claimed 100+. Battery degradation seems to be slightly more common than is comfortable? Reasonable spacious.
i3
Arguable the best aesthetics and interior. The BEV version seems to offer 80 miles at most, but the REX seems to be a hot potato for issues, from what I have read.
It seems like all options (and indeed, all cars - even ICE ones) have their foibles, but I'm really not sure what to do. One half of me thinks that the Zoe is the most 'affordable', and the i3 the most appealing but probably regrettable!
I have some rainy day funds, but I'll mostly be financing any purchase (seeing as rates are so low anyway)
What (I think) I need:
- Something that has a range of at least 70 miles, but ideally over 100.
- Anywhere up to £11k at the most.
- At least 4 seats (2 adults, 2 kids)
- Useful boot space (for the occasions where we'd go away, not ruling out using a roof box/similar)
What I'll use it for:
- localish jaunts. At most Bristol and back (I'm the other side of Bath, so ~50 mile round trip)
- occasional commutes. Maybe once a fortnight, office will be 60 miles or so down the M4, each way. Possible charging options there, but I doubt it can be guaranteed.
- maybe longer journeys once or twice a year, so ideally if it can feasible charge quickly in those cases it'd be nice.
(not a 'must have', and I'm flexible on this use case)
Total mileage per year isn't expected to be too high. Probably 6k at the most. Been feeling the pull for a few years, and I've got bored of the constant stress of shedonomics and the impending death or driving an ICE wherever you want without having to think whether you're allowed.
What I've seen so far is the following:
- Zoe. 2016, 40k or thereabouts. £7k with battery lease (I believe around 50pcm for 4.5k pa) or +£3k to buy the battery
- Leaf. 2016, anywhere between 10k and 50k, battery owned, for £8k to £10k
- Soul. 2015ish and around 60k can be just in budget.
- i3. A 2014 REX with 60-70k can be in budget, else a 40k non-REX.
My thoughts so far are:
Zoe
Less to lump out on, BL can give some reassurance and flexibility? Boot a bit smaller (338L) and 'claimed' 150 mile range is still likely to be good enough? Less space, worse quality, but better looking. It's a Renault, so may disassemble itself ad hoc.
Leaf
Possibly the best VFM, but lots of worries about battery degradation. Pretty ugly and uninspiring, but more spacious. Range may be a bit rubbish even on a 30kWh due to the former.
Soul
Would still have warranty, but reading that the range would be well under the claimed 100+. Battery degradation seems to be slightly more common than is comfortable? Reasonable spacious.
i3
Arguable the best aesthetics and interior. The BEV version seems to offer 80 miles at most, but the REX seems to be a hot potato for issues, from what I have read.
It seems like all options (and indeed, all cars - even ICE ones) have their foibles, but I'm really not sure what to do. One half of me thinks that the Zoe is the most 'affordable', and the i3 the most appealing but probably regrettable!
I have some rainy day funds, but I'll mostly be financing any purchase (seeing as rates are so low anyway)
It’s a tough budget for that capability. Cars around that are great for a regular shorter commute or runabout (hence the strong used prices) but for the longer distance stuff you list they’d be a frustrating time. i3 REX will at least give some flexibility but hey, it’s still got an engine to go wrong.
IMO find an extra couple of grand for an Ioniq 28, they’re super efficient and have a good chance of doing the 120 mile trip without needing to charge. If you do, they’re CCS so best option for the future. Not many about though, there was a £13k one last week but it went fast. Leaf 40s are getting down to that too, worth the extra over a 30.
Else get a ZE40 Zoe and live with the battery lease or look to buy it out later. It’ll do your commute fine. Although for the longer trips it’s not quick to charge and a lot of new charging (including all instavolt) is DC only.
Consider leasing a new EV too. 6k miles a year is a good place for cheap leases, under £8k gets you an Ioniq 38 for 3 years. Well specced, decent boot, do all you need with ease, no worry of battery degredation or a big bill.
IMO find an extra couple of grand for an Ioniq 28, they’re super efficient and have a good chance of doing the 120 mile trip without needing to charge. If you do, they’re CCS so best option for the future. Not many about though, there was a £13k one last week but it went fast. Leaf 40s are getting down to that too, worth the extra over a 30.
Else get a ZE40 Zoe and live with the battery lease or look to buy it out later. It’ll do your commute fine. Although for the longer trips it’s not quick to charge and a lot of new charging (including all instavolt) is DC only.
Consider leasing a new EV too. 6k miles a year is a good place for cheap leases, under £8k gets you an Ioniq 38 for 3 years. Well specced, decent boot, do all you need with ease, no worry of battery degredation or a big bill.
Perhaps worth considering a Vauxhall Ampera...
The Leaf will charge off Chademo, which is less common but certainly not rare. The 30kWh battery does a decent charge curve. I think it's type 1 AC too.
The Soul of that vintage I believe is Type 1 connector and Chademo. So same as the Leaf.
The i3 of that vintage and rex had CCS as an option, so worth checking if it's installed on the chosen models.
This might make no difference if you never go beyond the range. I think all would struggle with 100 miles, certainly at any real pace and in winter.
cj2013 said:
What I've seen so far is the following:
- Zoe. 2016, 40k or thereabouts. £7k with battery lease (I believe around 50pcm for 4.5k pa) or +£3k to buy the battery
- Leaf. 2016, anywhere between 10k and 50k, battery owned, for £8k to £10k
- Soul. 2015ish and around 60k can be just in budget.
- i3. A 2014 REX with 60-70k can be in budget, else a 40k non-REX.
The Zoe will only have AC charging, so 23kW is likely the fastest charge speed you'll find.- Zoe. 2016, 40k or thereabouts. £7k with battery lease (I believe around 50pcm for 4.5k pa) or +£3k to buy the battery
- Leaf. 2016, anywhere between 10k and 50k, battery owned, for £8k to £10k
- Soul. 2015ish and around 60k can be just in budget.
- i3. A 2014 REX with 60-70k can be in budget, else a 40k non-REX.
The Leaf will charge off Chademo, which is less common but certainly not rare. The 30kWh battery does a decent charge curve. I think it's type 1 AC too.
The Soul of that vintage I believe is Type 1 connector and Chademo. So same as the Leaf.
The i3 of that vintage and rex had CCS as an option, so worth checking if it's installed on the chosen models.
This might make no difference if you never go beyond the range. I think all would struggle with 100 miles, certainly at any real pace and in winter.
Biggy Stardust said:
dvs_dave said:
It’s what I paid for my just off lease one in 2019…..ymmv.
I'll concede if you can show me one for sale anywhere else at that price, especially a 2016 on with the 125 mile range you mentioned.I’ve got a 2013 Leaf with 50k miles, it’s the 24kwh but still does 80 miles happily. The anxiety over degradation hasn’t appeared in 8 years, so you’re probably going to be fine. Grab a 30kwh and you’ll cover most of what you’re expecting to need. Easy to live with by the virtue of being completely forgettable. Perfect EV.
imo do not get a REX i3, get the BEV just make sure it has 50 kW CCS option!
The charging network is growing all the time, and your useage sounds exactly likeours was 5 years ago, when we bought a small batetry BEV i3. If you like driving, if you want an interesting, fun car, then the i3 is head and shoulders above the others on your list. It's also probably going to hold the highest amount of it's value (because it's a low volume seller with a unique identify).
The ReX, is problematical,heavy and ruins the handling, so stick with the BeV!
issues for i3 are
no easy roof rack solution (although it is possible using expensive "sucker" type racks)
only a 4 seater
small boot
Pluses are
by far the best to drive
fastest
good level of tech and br far the nicest interior
rare
after 5 years with ours, the only thing we could replace it with was another one :-)
The charging network is growing all the time, and your useage sounds exactly likeours was 5 years ago, when we bought a small batetry BEV i3. If you like driving, if you want an interesting, fun car, then the i3 is head and shoulders above the others on your list. It's also probably going to hold the highest amount of it's value (because it's a low volume seller with a unique identify).
The ReX, is problematical,heavy and ruins the handling, so stick with the BeV!
issues for i3 are
no easy roof rack solution (although it is possible using expensive "sucker" type racks)
only a 4 seater
small boot
Pluses are
by far the best to drive
fastest
good level of tech and br far the nicest interior
rare
after 5 years with ours, the only thing we could replace it with was another one :-)
Zoe, who owns the battery. Most are leased at that price, it's an additional cost to buy it out.
Leaf. What age are you? If pensionable, it'll be fine.
Soul. Jeez those looks, Noddy.
i3 is the best option. The range extenders had issues when new but this is all recall stuff and most have been fixed. You'll rarely use it anyway, so largely irrelevant.
https://youtu.be/8NGeM_rdeSU
Leaf. What age are you? If pensionable, it'll be fine.
Soul. Jeez those looks, Noddy.
i3 is the best option. The range extenders had issues when new but this is all recall stuff and most have been fixed. You'll rarely use it anyway, so largely irrelevant.
https://youtu.be/8NGeM_rdeSU
Tricky one, as you’ve discovered none of them meet all the requirements! I think I thus agree with the poster suggesting an Ioniq28 (over budget but that’s usually the way it works!).
This will do the 120 mile trip, has CCS for future proofed DC charging, is reasonably practical, reliable and will still have some of the 7 year warranty left.
I’d then be looking at the Soul, not quite as efficient as the Ioniq and has chademo but available for less money. A quick stop to charge for the 120 mile trips shouldn’t be too painful - you might even make it in the warmer weather if you took it easy.
i3 is fantastic, but not very practical for 4 people as an only car. I’d avoid the Rex and any pre 2015 if you do look at these, it’s obviously a pretty small battery on the early ones (increases to 94Ah from 66 plate).
Leaf is a good car but once your spending 10k+ the Soul is a better bet IMO (less degradation and more usable battery even than the Leaf30 at similar money, plus warranty). Zoe seems a bit flaky from what I’ve come across, most are battery lease and don’t have DC charging as mentioned.
Edit: It’s worth looking on speakEV if you haven’t come across it yet.
This will do the 120 mile trip, has CCS for future proofed DC charging, is reasonably practical, reliable and will still have some of the 7 year warranty left.
I’d then be looking at the Soul, not quite as efficient as the Ioniq and has chademo but available for less money. A quick stop to charge for the 120 mile trips shouldn’t be too painful - you might even make it in the warmer weather if you took it easy.
i3 is fantastic, but not very practical for 4 people as an only car. I’d avoid the Rex and any pre 2015 if you do look at these, it’s obviously a pretty small battery on the early ones (increases to 94Ah from 66 plate).
Leaf is a good car but once your spending 10k+ the Soul is a better bet IMO (less degradation and more usable battery even than the Leaf30 at similar money, plus warranty). Zoe seems a bit flaky from what I’ve come across, most are battery lease and don’t have DC charging as mentioned.
Edit: It’s worth looking on speakEV if you haven’t come across it yet.
Edited by danp on Saturday 10th July 09:14
Thanks all.
I have looked on SpeakEV, but I wanted to get some opinion outside of an echo chamber, if that makes sense.
As much as the i3 may never use the REX, I heard things about gearboxes leaking and destroying the motor etc.
I've never bought 'new' before, but I am starting to wonder if PCP is a better option.
For example:
ID3 (reasonably base spec, £27k) 1 x £319, then 48 x £319 - GMFV £12,500 (ish) - 5kpa
Advantages being that the deposit is low, so less to put up front, and there's less/no risk of expensive stuff happening, at least for 3 of the years.
As I say, never done it before so not sure if it's a better option.
I have looked on SpeakEV, but I wanted to get some opinion outside of an echo chamber, if that makes sense.
As much as the i3 may never use the REX, I heard things about gearboxes leaking and destroying the motor etc.
I've never bought 'new' before, but I am starting to wonder if PCP is a better option.
For example:
ID3 (reasonably base spec, £27k) 1 x £319, then 48 x £319 - GMFV £12,500 (ish) - 5kpa
Advantages being that the deposit is low, so less to put up front, and there's less/no risk of expensive stuff happening, at least for 3 of the years.
As I say, never done it before so not sure if it's a better option.
cj2013 said:
Thanks all.
I have looked on SpeakEV, but I wanted to get some opinion outside of an echo chamber, if that makes sense.
As much as the i3 may never use the REX, I heard things about gearboxes leaking and destroying the motor etc.
I've never bought 'new' before, but I am starting to wonder if PCP is a better option.
For example:
ID3 (reasonably base spec, £27k) 1 x £319, then 48 x £319 - GMFV £12,500 (ish) - 5kpa
Advantages being that the deposit is low, so less to put up front, and there's less/no risk of expensive stuff happening, at least for 3 of the years.
As I say, never done it before so not sure if it's a better option.
It seems for your budget buying outright and the requirements do not match. I have looked on SpeakEV, but I wanted to get some opinion outside of an echo chamber, if that makes sense.
As much as the i3 may never use the REX, I heard things about gearboxes leaking and destroying the motor etc.
I've never bought 'new' before, but I am starting to wonder if PCP is a better option.
For example:
ID3 (reasonably base spec, £27k) 1 x £319, then 48 x £319 - GMFV £12,500 (ish) - 5kpa
Advantages being that the deposit is low, so less to put up front, and there's less/no risk of expensive stuff happening, at least for 3 of the years.
As I say, never done it before so not sure if it's a better option.
So either up the budget/borrow more or delay purchase by a year when more options will fall into your budget.
Buying new will be very nice but that comes at a much higher cost but will be the best option to meet your needs excl budget.
Consider how "cheap" is cheap
Our last i3, bought ex demo in 2016 worked out at just £50,41 a month over the 5 years we owned it, including everything (tyres, lecy, servicing, tax, depreciation, insurance)
Yes, we needed to find £16k to buy it, but we got £14.5k of that back when we sold it and running costs we stupidly low.
Our last i3, bought ex demo in 2016 worked out at just £50,41 a month over the 5 years we owned it, including everything (tyres, lecy, servicing, tax, depreciation, insurance)
Yes, we needed to find £16k to buy it, but we got £14.5k of that back when we sold it and running costs we stupidly low.
That’s my likely route too. At drivethedeal prices it’s £24.5k for the cheapest mid battery (58kwh) ID.3 Life which is still pretty decent spec. Smaller motor but on par with most mainstream EVs and same torque as the performance one. Add £635 for a colour, £650 for alloys if you want them.
I was working on £3k deposit, 4 years, 10k pa and would be around £250pm.
I was working on £3k deposit, 4 years, 10k pa and would be around £250pm.
Edited by sjg on Saturday 10th July 12:17
I'd be going for something like these at that budget
2016 Nissan Leaf, 24 kwh, claimed range 124 miles
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106254...
2018 Renault Zoe, 41 kwh, claimed range 250 miles. I believe this is a battery owned version, but you might want to check in case I'm wrong
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105263...
I wouldn't worry about reliability too much on an electric car, much less to go wrong compared to ICE. Even with a Renault! What I would buy is some kind of electric car flat battery cover, seems most of the major recovery companies offer it these days for the cost of a couple of coffees a month.
2016 Nissan Leaf, 24 kwh, claimed range 124 miles
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106254...
2018 Renault Zoe, 41 kwh, claimed range 250 miles. I believe this is a battery owned version, but you might want to check in case I'm wrong
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105263...
I wouldn't worry about reliability too much on an electric car, much less to go wrong compared to ICE. Even with a Renault! What I would buy is some kind of electric car flat battery cover, seems most of the major recovery companies offer it these days for the cost of a couple of coffees a month.
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