Used Cars
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So you've always wanted to drive a battery-electric car, but you're a frugal and sensible shopper who's noticed that prices of used electric cars are remarkably low. And you always through the Fiat 500 was kind of interesting; the idea of a tiny three-door all-electric hatchback appealed to you. Even if you don't live in California or Oregon, the only states where the Fiat 500e electric car was sold, it's easy for you to find one online and have it shipped to you. DON'T MISS: Fiat 500e electric cars recalled to fix software glitch (Jun 2016) That's all well and good, and it appears dozens of...
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Buyers still think used electric cars cost more than gas cars; they're wrong
Some of us are perpetually on the hunt for a bargain, yet sometimes our preconceived notions get in the way of saving money on big purchases. Take car buying for instance. Many buyers will opt for a used car because we believe a new car is too expensive, but the truth is many new cars can be had...
Mark Stevenson -
Electric cars are some of fastest-moving used vehicles in the U.S. (updated)
Not every car buyer can afford a brand-new vehicle, which often makes gently used vehicles an appealing alternative. But while cars that plug in take only a small share of new-vehicle purchases today—about 1 percent—they apparently move quite fast off dealer lots once they're used. In...
Sean Szymkowski -
Want to buy a used, updated Volkswagen TDI diesel car? Your VW dealer will get first dibs
Updated Volkswagen diesel vehicles with new engine software will soon be back on the market, but those looking to buy one will have to wait for their local dealership. Volkswagen will offer the hundreds of thousands of modified diesel vehicles to its franchised dealers first, offering them a "right...
Sean Szymkowski -
Used diesel demand drops in Germany over fear of software upgrades
Diesel-powered cars, long a staple on European roads, are starting to lose favor as million of dollars of inventory begins to pile up in used diesel models. The inventory, largely recent models certified under the superseded Euro-5 emission standards, has boomed recently over the possibility the...
Sean Szymkowski -
Life with Tesla Model S: the challenges of selling her at last
It was time to let her go. She is my 2013 Tesla Model S, serial number 003662, in dark green, now with 76,000 memorable miles. The best car I’ve ever owned, by far. She had taken me to 33 states and roughly 100 Superchargers, through deserts, mountains, and tropics, with total reliability...
David Noland -
Tesla has given its used electric-car sales a jolt and sweetened the deals for potential buyers. CEO Elon Musk announced changes to the Tesla Model S sedan's warranty structure and major price cuts on used examples during the annual shareholder meeting held June 6. "Maybe somebody wants to buy a Model S for $35,000, $40,000," he said, "and they can have that today." DON'T MISS: Used Tesla Model S values stay higher than expected "And then when the Model 3 comes in, they can switch out to the Model 3, if they want. Model S is still going to be—because it’s more expensive car...
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California utility SCE offers $450 rebate for new and used electric cars
California already offers generous incentives to get consumers into electric vehicles, but now the electric utility Southern California Edison has joined in. SCE has announced what it calls the Clean Fuel Rewards Program to offer a $450 purchase rebate for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid...
Sean Szymkowski -
Used Tesla Model S values stay higher than expected
A new report from Autolist says the Tesla Model S is faring well as a used car when compared to other luxury models. On average, the electric car sells in around 87 days, which is about 5 percent faster than competitors. The report compared the Model S to the Audi A7, Porsche Panamera, BMW 6...
Zach Bowman -
Asking prices climb for used VW TDI diesels as buybacks proceed
If you have your eyes on a used Volkswagen or Audi TDI turbodiesel, you may wind up having to pay more today for 2009 through 2015 models than you would have when they were new. At least right now, only 2015 model-year versions of VW and Audi vehicles sold with the 2.0-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder...
Andrew Ganz -
Deal of the year? Used Fiat 500e electric cars at $6,500?
It's well known by now that the used-car prices of low-range electric cars are low. Any 2011 through 2016 electric car not made by Tesla is likely to be cheap on a used-car lot due to worries about battery degradation and its effect on range. Used Nissan Leafs, for instance, can often be found for...
John Voelcker -
Tesla Model S depreciates less, holds value better than most cars (not just electric cars)
The Tesla Model S holds its value much better than other electric cars, according to a new survey.
Stephen Edelstein -
Tesla cancelled its guaranteed buyback program effective July 1.
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Used electric cars sell quickly even as new sales remain flat
Used electric cars are selling quickly and at lower prices, a new study says.
Stephen Edelstein -
Colorado simplifies electric-car incentive, but axes used models
Last week, the Colorado State Legislature passed a bill that would simplify the state's electric car incentives. However, it would remove the eligibility of used cars that could qualify for the same credit. The measure, House Bill 16-1332, would make the state's electric and alternative vehicle...
Aaron Cole -
Dealer brings 'forbidden fruit' used electric cars to Boulder, Colorado
Some markets are stronger than others for certain types of cars. Think Subarus in the Northeast or the Rocky Mountains, convertibles in Florida, and pickup trucks in Texas. Used-car dealers carefully watch auctions to find cars in less demand elsewhere that they can sell locally for more money...
Andrew Ganz -
California car incentives may expand to more low-income buyers
California may expand a program that pays low-income drivers to trade older cars for newer, greener ones.
Stephen Edelstein -
Why used small cars may be your best driving bargain these days
Small cars are coming off leases in droves, but consumers don't want them.
Stephen Edelstein -
The 2014 BMW i3 makes Consumer Reports' "Used Cars to Avoid Buying" list.
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How I got a new 2015 Nissan Leaf electric car for $16K net: indecision
Sometimes my liberal environmentalist side fights with my fiscally conservative side, and my decision-making suffers as a result. I’ve wanted an electric car for the past 30 years. But in the 1980s, they were conversions with lead-acid batteries that were both expensive and impractical. Later...
John Briggs -
How Can VW, Audi Dealers Still Sell Used TDI Diesel Vehicles?
Hundreds of thousands of Volkswagen and Audi owners are now in their fifth month of waiting to find out when and how regulators will approve modifications to their diesel cars. But there's another group that's been affected by VW's diesel-emission cheating scandal: Volkswagen and Audi dealerships...
John Voelcker -
Used VW Prices Fall More, With No End To Diesel Scandal In Sight
Volkswagen prices continue to slip as the diesel scandal continues.
Stephen Edelstein -
Should I Buy A Used Chevy Volt Electric Car?
The Chevrolet Volt range-extended electric car scores higher on owner satisfaction than any other vehicle GM has sold since it began surveying its buyers. It has attracted new buyers who'd never otherwise haveconsidered a Chevy. And GM data reveals that 80 percent of all Volt trips, and two-third...
John Voelcker -
Four Electric Cars To Avoid Buying Used (Get A Nissan Leaf!): UPDATE
There are lots of very good plug-in electric cars for sale now, and quite a few of them--especially Nissan Leafs--are starting to show up on used-car lots as three-year leases expire. We recently suggested some used hybrid-electric vehicles to avoid on the used-car lot. Now we turn to electric...
John Voelcker