Buying A Used EV In Canada? Here Are The Top Tips To Help You Shop Smart

by Oct 27, 2022Car buying, Electric cars0 comments

The used EV market is now thriving in Canada. Due to global supply issues and the high demands, used electric vehicles are being purchased at prices close to MSRP. On the other hand, Canadian are turning to electric vehicles to take advantage of government subsidies and to counteract rising gas prices. Buying a used EV in Canada may be incredibly beneficial at this point, but in these times of frenzy, you may want to avoid sellers who are only looking to make a quick profit and look for a bargain that makes sense for a used EV. 

Many factors impact the price of a used electric vehicle, and buying a used EV in Canada you also need some additional considerations. This article will take a look at how to avoid overpaying for used electric vehicles and get the best deal on used EV  in Canada. Let’s check out how to get the greatest value out of your hard earned money when buy a used EV on the used car market.

Buying a used EV not only saves you money but also helps the environment.

Carnex, your EV expert in Ontario, is here to help you find the best used electric vehicle in Canada. Visit Carnex today and discover the best deals on used EVs.

Here’s are the top tips to help you shop smart when buying a used EV in Canada:

Understand your needs

When shopping for a used electric car in Canada, you may be surprised by the diversity of options available, such as electric SUVs, sedans, vans, luxury electric vehicles, and so on. Consider what you really require in the EV you are searching for. 

To choose what type of EV category to examine in order to satisfy your demands, ask yourself the following questions:

Is this going to be my only or backup vehicle?

How many passengers am I going to transport?

What kind of range do I need?

Will I build a charging station at home, or will I be able to use one at work?

Is there a 120-volt outlet available outside?

Is driving in the city more common for me than driving on the highway?

By asking yourself these questions, you will be able to narrow down the type and model of used electric car you will be looking for, and you will be able to begin scanning the market for the type of EV you require for your personal needs.

Knowing what you need is critical, as is determining the cost of the options you choose so that you do not overspend when buying a used EV in Canada. 

Buying A Used EV In Canada

Plan your budget

After determining what type of used electric car you want, whether it is an EUV, a sedan, or another type, you can now search the market for specific brands and models of EVs that fulfil the parameters of used electric vehicle that you desire. Always conduct thorough research and pricing ranges comparison. Then you’ll have an idea of the various used electric car types and models, as well as the price range in which the used EV would be marketed in your region.

Having a set budget range that you feel to be fair value based on your search will assist you to avoid acquiring an accidentally overpriced used electric car and overpaying for the EV you purchased.

Furthermore, while purchasing a used electric car may not qualify for federal incentives, you may consider the various provincial government incentives when purchasing a used EV in Canada and figure them into your budget. For example, the Ontario government offers a $1,000 discount on used electric automobiles. Check to check if the one you’ve selected is eligible. If you build a home charging station, you may potentially be eligible for a rebate. These incentives are available in many jurisdictions other than Ontario. So when purchasing a used electric vehicle in Canada, be sure to check to see if you are qualified for any form of incentive that may save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Check the vehicle’s battery condition and the features

When purchasing a used gas-powered car, you most likely check the odometer first. However, when it comes to EVs, the battery is the most crucial component. And the amount of kilometers travelled does not necessarily indicate the health of a battery. An EV with a long range may have been overcharged or stored in a cold climate. As a result, even a EV with a low odometer reading may have a limited range. When buying for a used electric car in Canada, battery life and range should be the first and the key considerations. Because we have hard winters in Canada that may cause greater battery degradation than in other areas with mild temperatures. 

To save money on future repairs and battery replacement, it’s suggested that you find a used electric car with a long battery life. To prevent the continual need for charging caused by harsh winter circumstances, which might damage the EV’s performance to the point where it is unable to accomplish its task. 

Electric car batteries like warm weather, and this is true whether the vehicle is brand new or used. In severely cold conditions below -25°C, an EV’s battery range might decline by up to 50%. When looking for a used EV or going behind the wheel of an EV, Canadian drivers should keep this in mind. In addition, make sure to check the car features that come with the used EV. From charging speed to storage capacity, self-driving capabilities, and interior climate control to engine performance. 

Buying used EV from a private seller or dealership

Buying a used EV from the owner or a dealership is both worth considering. 

Buying a used EV from a local vehicle dealership with a stellar customer satisfaction reputation is the right way to go to protect your investment. Buying a used EV in Canada at reliable EV dealerships is the best way to obtain a decent bargain as well as peace of mind about the used electric vehicle’s quality and condition. You may save thousands of dollars both up front and over time on maintenance expenses.

If you find the used EV you want from a private seller on Kijiji.ca at an unbelievably good price, you should think carefully and make sure to have the car inspected before making the purchase. Buying a used electric car privately from an online marketplace such as Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or Craigslist, on the other hand, typically means paying a higher price or sacrificing the quality of the used electric vehicle once you purchase it. That says, private options have a higher potential to link with a higher initial cost or a higher long-term repair or maintenance expense. Keep in mind that a low upfront cost doesn’t always save you money. Because with used EVs, the battery performance is the key factor to consider when making the purchase. You want to make sure the battery is in good health and there is no need for a replacement. There might be other problems that you need to check while buying from a private seller, since further repairs or battery replacement might cost you more money in the end.

If you’re buying an EV from a friend or through an individual seller is the way you want to go, try to learn as much as you can about the EV’s history. Ask questions to learn more about the EV’s condition. Was it charged on a daily basis, placing strain on the battery? Or was it only charged once a week? Was the EV park outdoor or indoor? Was the battery was exposed to extreme temperatures? You’ll want to know everything if you buy a used electric vehicle from a private seller, so ask questions even if they seem trivial. It will help you to get a whole picture of the EV’s battery health and overall condition.

Check the warranty

Most EVs come with a battery guarantee that lasts at least eight years or 160,000 kilometers. If you find an EV that is still under warranty, you may potentially get a replacement battery for your used vehicle without paying extras. However, the battery would have to be sufficiently damaged to roughly 70% of its previous range to qualify for a replacement. With the warranty you will be reassure in the case of battery damage.

Price negotiation

Even if you’re purchasing a used electric car, you may always negotiate a lower price if you do your research online and have an idea of the price range for similar used electric cars in your area. Alternatively, you may wait for older model of the EV you want to emerge on the used electric vehicle market and benefit even more from the depreciation.

Finally, when buying a used electric car in Canada, make sure you understand your real needs and keep a price range in mind for your budget. You will not overpay for a pre-owned electric car in Canada if you conduct thorough research and due diligence. Most importantly, you will find the perfect EV that will satisfy all of your needs while staying reliable for years to come.

Carnex is your online EV expert that can find the best electric vehicle for you. 

Every Carnex electric car is inspected by our experienced EV technician. Our EV expert team is ready to assist you with finding the best EV!


Learn more about the benefits of buying from Carnex. We believe that all clients deserve to know the good and bad of what they’re buying. Because we wanted to know these when we bought cars. That’s why at Carnex.ca, we will proudly display every detail every step of the way. Browse all the best cars, automobile buying tips, auto insurance, young drivers, driving techniques, auto industry trends from Carnex Blog.

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Who is Carnex?

Carnex is an online EV dealer built for Canadians to buy and sell electric vehicles. Our mission is to provide Canadians with an alternative and transparent way to buy and sell used electric vehicles and to accelerate the transition to a sustainable green future.

Carnex.ca is Canada’s first e-commerce platform for used Electric Vehicles. Carnex is the leading Online Car Dealership in Ontario, with the company’s headquarters located in Toronto, Ontario.
Carnex is the fastest and cheapest way to buy a car online. We deliver to your door and collect your old car without extra charges. Buy Now-Pay Later Financing is available.

Why buy from Carnex?

Carnex is trusted by over 18 million buyers to find amazing discounts on used EVs and new EVs in their neighbourhood. Carnex specializes in electric vehicles, and we make the effort to make sure your EV purchase from us will be worry-free. Our skilled EV technicians perform a comprehensive diagnostic on all of our electric vehicles at Carnex because your satisfaction is very important to us. Carnex.ca will help you find the best EV bargains among the listings across Canada, and we’ll provide you with the vehicle history and comprehensive reviews for each EV.

Why Choose Us

We choose to only sale quality and zero-accident used vehicles. We are so confident in our cars that we will shamelessly show you all the perfections and imperfections of the vehicle – from the Chasis pictures to chipped paint spots.

We also offer a 9-day no question asked return policy and an 100-day in house mechanical warranty to make your purchase risk-free.

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