How to Buy a Used Electric Car in Canada: 4 Step Guide

How to Buy a Used Electric Car in Canada: 4 Step Guide

Posted on October 12, 2022

If you want to buy a used electric car in Canada, we have some suggestions!

The majority of drivers in Canada are familiar with gasoline-powered vehicles, but since these EVs are new, there is a steep learning curve when it comes to selecting the right one, especially when dealing with used vehicles.

Never Buy From a Private Seller

Everyone has a story about how they or someone they know was ripped off by a private used car seller; the EV market is no different.

There is no governing body that regulates these transactions, so you are potentially setting yourself up for major disappointment if you buy a used electric car privately.

Buying a Reputable Make and Model of EV

There is a variety of different EVs currently available in Canada; some brands are better than others.

You should give preference to brands like Ford, which has been in business for over a century.

While there are new EV car companies out there, you want to deal with a car manufacturer that has stood the test of time when you buy a used electric car in Canada.

How to Determine the Suitability of a Particular Make and Model of EV

You should look at the mileage and overall condition of the battery. An EV could have low mileage but the battery is in a poor state due to the current owner not following best practices, which include not parking the vehicle in direct sunlight.

Heat is the enemy of EV battery storage and efficiency, so anything you can do to help protect a battery from the heat you should do.

With current EV batteries, the average rate of storage degradation is around 1%-2% per year, so if you like to drive long distances, it would be smart to pick an EV that has the ability to go long distances.

Otherwise, you will be forced to stop and recharge more frequently.

How Are You Financing the Purchase of the Used EV?

While the used EV market is still growing, the retail prices of these used vehicles are fairly high.

The average Canadian does not have enough cash on hand to buy a used electric car without securing financing.

The number of companies that offer financing for EVs is growing aggressively, but you still need to know where to look if you want to get a good deal.

You will not be able to find competitive used EV car loans online.

You should contact a local dealership in your area that has used EVs for sale. The dealership will already have a network of lenders that provide EV loans available.

Not only can the dealership help you find the right EV for your needs, but they can also take your current vehicle as a trade-in and give you top dollar for it.

Now that you know what is involved with buying a used EV in Canada, you should contact your local dealership today.

We will use all our skill and experience to deliver the lowest possible auto loan rates when you buy a used electric car in Canada, guaranteed. Contact Car Nation Canada Direct to learn how we can help.