How to avoid a money pit when buying a cheap used EV

Cheap used EVs can be an amazing deal, but the “money pit” version usually comes from surprise repairs, missing paperwork, or a charging setup that turns into paid public charging every week.

Before you buy, here’s a frugal checklist that catches most expensive mistakes:

• Confirm fast charging support and connector type. Some older EVs are slow-charge only and that can change your entire routine
• Ask for battery health evidence. Any recent report, dealer test printout, warranty status, or service record is better than nothing
• Check tire condition. EV tires are often a hidden $800 to $1,600 hit soon after purchase
• Verify the 12V battery age. Small part, big tow bill when it fails
• Look for title and disclosure red flags. Salvage, rebuilt, buyback, lemon, as-is language, or missing history
• Add up the real out-the-door number. Fees, add-ons, and required packages matter more than the listing price
• Do a routine cost check. If you have no home charging, estimate your weekly paid charging cost and time, not just electricity price

If you want, paste the listing text plus price, mileage, and your charging situation, and I’ll help you turn it into must-ask seller questions and an inspect-first checklist.