It might seem intuitive that when given the choice, most people would choose a brand new car. But not many people know how many more used cars are sold here in the U.S. than new cars. The difference is significant: in 2024, used car sales hit 38.9 million cars, vs. just 15.6 million new cars.* It makes a lot of financial sense, assuming the car is in good shape: you’re getting the car you’ve been looking for at a much lower price.

You're also in good company: as more car manufacturers get into the EV game and more EVs hit our streets, the used EV market will grow and mature. In other words, used EVs will be more available and more affordable. According to Cox Automotive, one of the most respected sources of market insights, used EV sales increased by 3.5% this January, representing a 30.5% year-over-year growth and market share of 1.8%. Ranked by sales volume, the top five selling brands that month were Tesla, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Nissan, and the top-selling models were Tesla's Model 3, Model Y, and Model S, followed by Chevrolet Bolt and Ford Mustang Mach-E.**

Cox Automotive also reports that the average listing price for a used EV was $37,476—and a whopping 39.4% of used EVs sold were priced below $25,000. That's approaching mass affordability. "Ten brands (Porsche, Toyota, Chevrolet, Jaguar, Mazda, Volvo, Mini, Lexus, Nissan, and Subaru) had listing prices at or below those of their internal combustion engine (ICE+) models," they report in their EV Market Monitor for January 2025.

The used EV shopping checklist

With all of us here at Xcelerate being passionate car people, we thought we’d share our hard-earned insights on what to look for if you’re in the market for a used EV. Because unlike gas-powered cars, EVs have unique components that require careful evaluation. So, to help you make an informed decision, here’s our checklist:

Exterior & Functionality

✅ Check all door handles, windows, and locks for proper operation.

✅ Ensure the frunk (front trunk) and rear hatch open and close smoothly.

✅ Inspect headlamps and LED accents for discoloration or failure.

✅ If the vehicle has a panoramic sunroof, test for operation and check for water intrusion.

Interior & Technology

✅ Ensure the MCU (Media Control Unit) and driver’s screens are free from bubbling or leaks.

✅ Test the A/C and heat at all fan speeds; note any odd odors.

✅ Check seat adjustments, including heaters and tilt functions.

✅ Ensure the washer, wipers, and turn signals work properly.

✅ Look for any warning lights on the dashboard—if present, document them.

Mechanical & Performance

✅ Perform a hard acceleration test from a complete stop—any banging noises could indicate half-shaft issues.

✅ While stopped, turn the steering wheel fully from left to right—excessive creaking or grinding could signal control arm wear.

✅ Test the air suspension (if equipped) by adjusting the height in the settings.

Tires & Alignment

✅ Use a tire tread gauge to measure depth; anything below 5/32” may require replacement.

✅ Look for uneven wear, bubbling, or mismatched tires—EVs are heavy and can wear out the inner tread faster.

✅ If tread wear is uneven, request an alignment check before purchase.

Final Considerations

✅ Before accepting delivery, ensure any issues are documented and addressed by the dealership. Once you take possession, your legal options for recourse may be limited.

✅ If any repairs are promised, get them in writing on a We Owe form before signing anything.

Take this checklist with you next time you check out an EV. And if you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out!

* Source: Mathilde Carlier, “New and used light vehicle sales in the United States from 2010 to the third quarter of 2024,” Statista, January 10, 2025, https://www.statista.com/statistics/183713/value-of-us-passenger-cas-sales-and-leases-since-1990/.

** Source: Stephanie Valdez Streaty, "EV Market Monitor – January 2025," Cox Automotive, February 20, 2025, https://www.coxautoinc.com/market-insights/ev-market-monitor-january-2025/