Buying a used electric car is exciting. It’s also a bit like learning a new language. The checklist is different from a gas car—less about exhaust fumes and transmission fluid, more about software and battery health. That said, the core principle remains: trust, but verify.

Let’s dive into model-specific inspection guides for some of the most popular used EVs. This isn’t about scaring you off. It’s about empowering you to spot a gem—or walk away from a potential headache.

The Universal EV Checklist: Start Here

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of specific models, run through these basics. Honestly, they apply to every single used electric vehicle out there.

• Battery Health Report: This is the EV’s equivalent of a compression test. You must see an official state of health (SOH) percentage. Many models show it in the car’s menu; for others, you’ll need a dealer or specialist scan tool.
• Charging Port & Cable: Look for physical damage, burn marks, or melted plastic. Try plugging and unplugging the included charging cable. It should feel smooth, not gritty or forced.
• Thermal Management System: Listen for unusual whirring or grinding from the cooling pumps. Ask if the coolant for the battery pack has been changed per schedule—it’s an often-missed item.
• Regenerative Braking: Take a test drive and ensure regen works at different settings. A failure here can hint at bigger inverter issues.
• Software Updates: Check the update history. Is the car on the latest major firmware? Outdated software can mean missing features or buggy behavior.

Model-by-Model Deep Dive

Used Tesla Model 3 (2018-2020 Early Models)

The Model 3 revolutionized the market. Early build cars, though, can have quirks. Here’s what to eyeball.

Body & Trim: Panel gaps were a thing. Check for consistency, especially around the trunk, headlights, and doors. Inspect the glass roof for any hairline cracks starting from the edges. And those frameless windows? Make sure they auto-retract slightly when opening the door—if not, a costly seal tear is likely.

Interior & Tech: Test every function on the screen. Laggy responses? That could be an aging MCU (Media Control Unit). The scroll wheels on the steering wheel can wear out—click them in all directions. Don’t forget the USB ports in the center console; they stop working surprisingly often.

The Battery Specifics: Go to the car’s display, tap ‘Software’, and hold the model name. It’ll open a diagnostic menu. Look for ‘Battery Health Test’—running it gives you the most accurate degradation read. Also, ask about the 12V battery. The original ones in these cars last about 2-4 years and failing one strands the car completely.

Used Nissan Leaf (2018-2022, 40 & 62 kWh versions)

The Leaf is the affordable EV pioneer. Its main pain point? Battery degradation, largely due to its passive air-cooling system. It’s not a deal-breaker, but you have to go in with eyes wide open.

First, check the “State of Health” (SOH) on the dash. It’s the little “bubble” meter with 12 segments. A 2018 with 11 or 12 bars is fantastic. 9 bars? That’s significant loss. Use an OBD2 scanner with the LeafSpy app for the real percentage—it’s non-negotiable.

Charging: Find a CHAdeMO fast charger and test it. Make sure the car accepts a rapid charge without throwing errors. Also, listen for the cooling fan when fast charging—it should kick in loudly. If it doesn’t, that’s a red flag.

Common Niggles: The “PTC heater” (the cabin heater) is a known failure point. Turn the heat on full blast to confirm it works. Check for rust around the rear wheel arches, a holdover from earlier models.

Used Chevrolet Bolt EV (2017-2021)

The Bolt is a range champion. It also had a massive battery recall. Here’s the deal: ensure the battery recall software update has been applied. Better yet, the dealer should confirm the battery module or full pack has been replaced under the recall program. This essentially gives you a brand-new battery—a huge win.

Post-Recall Checks: Even with a new pack, get the battery diagnostic run. There’s a “Final Configuration” procedure dealers must do after replacement; ask for documentation.

Other Points: The shift knob has a plastic detent that can break, making it feel loose. Try shifting through all positions. The infotainment screen is known for delaminating at the edges—look for rainbow bubbles. And test the regenerative braking paddle on the steering wheel; it should give strong, consistent slowing power.

The Test Drive: What to Feel & Listen For

You’ve checked the specs. Now, drive it like you own it. For 30 minutes at least.

• Creaks & Rattles: EVs are quiet, so any suspension creak or interior rattle is amplified. Drive over different road surfaces.
• One-Pedal Driving: Engage it. The transition from regen to friction brakes should be seamless, not a jerky lurch.
• Alignment & Tires: Uneven tire wear on an EV can be costly. It also might indicate alignment issues from a curb impact.
• AC/Heat: Run both at max for several minutes. A weak output can mean a failing heat pump or compressor—a very expensive fix.

The Paper Trail: Your Final Safeguard

Never, ever skip this. It’s boring but vital. Request all service records. Look for consistency. A car with regular tire rotations and cabin air filter changes likely had an owner who cared about the big stuff, too.

Check the vehicle’s history report for accidents. For EVs, even minor fender-benders can impact sensor calibration for driver-assist features, which is pricey to reset.

Finally, verify any remaining manufacturer warranty and, crucially, the battery warranty transfer process. Get it in writing from the selling dealer.

Parting Thoughts: It’s About Confidence

Inspecting a used electric vehicle isn’t about finding perfection. You’re looking for honesty—in the car’s condition and from the seller. A well-cared-for EV with a documented history and predictable degradation is a smarter buy than a flawless-looking mystery machine.

Take your time. Ask the awkward questions. Bring a checklist, or better yet, a friend. That moment you plug in at home for the first time, knowing exactly what you’ve got? That peace of mind is worth every minute of due diligence.