EV Conundrum - Tesla or VW?

[Wolfsbait]

Morning all

Have a potentially simple question to get an opinion on if I may...

In 2022 I got a Nissan Ariya through a salary sacrifice scheme as the family car, but I'm now leaving that role and the car is going back.

Wife is a 100% EV convert as it totally works for her.

So... I'm going to replace the Nissan, but as she's not at all interested in what with, beyond the electric propulsion and 5 seats I have the following theory.

Second hand EV's continue to lose money, so I'd like to set a low(er) purchase limit of around £15k and then assume it'll be worth nothing in 3-4 years time... if it is, then bonus.

Current contenders are a relatively low mileage VW ID3 or a higher mileage Tesla 3 / possibly Tesla S.

Have I missed any other worthy buys and indeed what is the consensus on the Tesla -v- VW question?

Personally I dislike them both equally, rather like buying a fridge...

Thanks in advance!

[bennno]

Hyundai kona.

[CLK-GTR]

I liked the ID3. I would have bought one had the sales person been a bit better and my Mrs didn't like the front.

Tesla don't seem to do approved used cars and at that budget you're going to be looking at ropey examples.


I ended up with a BMW i3. I don't need much range as I have another car and it's brilliant at everything else.

[LordGrover]

The new model 3 has probably put a spanner in the works for a used model 3’s value in the future, but they’re still great cars.
Between the two I’d still go for the Tesla, but as above i3 120 Ah would be my choice (def not Rex).

[Wolfsbait]

Considered the i3 but it's just a bit small and only 4 seats...

The Kona and a higher mileage e Nero were also on the early shortlist, but the interiors felt a bit too last gen...

I guess on the Tesla, or indeed any higher mileage EV what are the main risks? Not like an ICE with many many parts to go pop? (Beyond the battery obvs)

[samoht]

OP says 5 seats, is the i3 perhaps a bit tight in the back?

The Tesla Model 3 is a four-door saloon, not a hatch like the S, the ID3 or the Ariya - is that ok?

What range is desired? Some of the Stellantis EVs, the Citroen e-C4 or Peugeot e-2008, might suit, motorway range can be ~120 miles in winter on those though.

[_Hoppers]

Do a bit of research on the ID3. The per-facelift version have a really bad infotainment system, very laggy. IIRC there's also charging issues too. I think this explains why they appear to be good value?!

Edited by _Hoppers on Thursday 15th August 09:23

I'm not keen on the Kona but it does have a very good range for that type of car

Edited by _Hoppers on Thursday 15th August 09:25

[Fastlane]

CLK-GTR said:

Tesla don't seem to do approved used cars and at that budget you're going to be looking at ropey examples.

Tesla do have approved used cars. They call them certified pre-owned.

Their Model 3s start at just under £21k for a 2020 Standard Range Plus with 40k miles.

[Fastlane]

Fastlane said:

Tesla do have approved used cars. They call them certified pre-owned.

Their Model 3s start at just under £21k for a 2020 Standard Range Plus with 40k miles.

To the OP, we had a 2020 Kona which was great and very efficient but quite small inside. The eNiro is a better bet as it is essentially the same drivetrain, just as efficient but quite a bit bigger inside, and they have a 7 year (not just battery) warranty. For £15k you will get a good one.

[Wolfsbait]

_Hoppers said:

Do a bit of research on the ID3. The per-facelift version have a really bad infotainment system, very laggy. IIRC there's also charging issues too. I think this explains why they appear to be good value?!

Edited by _Hoppers on Thursday 15th August 09:23

I'm not keen on the Kona but it does have a very good range for that type of car

Edited by _Hoppers on Thursday 15th August 09:25

I did see the infotainment issues, but to be honest it's more of an A-B device for the wife and so long as it has DAB she's happy. Wasn't aware of charging issues however so worth looking into. The Ariya is always plugged into a wallbox at home overnight so never charge away from home or very rarely... Not concerned by the saloon nature of the Tesla either. Guess the question on them is more on longevity of battery etc.

[gmaz]

I would avoid a Model S, simply because of the physical size of the car. It is awkward in UK car parks, width restrictions, single track roads etc.

A facelift model 3 (late 2020 onwards / China built) would be ideal but you would need to up your budget a bit to 17-18K

[SWoll]

Had a 2019 Model 3 for 2 years and currently running an ID3 Family Pro as a short term solution until our new car arrives later this year.

Go for the Tesla 3, a better car and EV by any measure IME.

[CLK-GTR]

Fastlane said:

Tesla do have approved used cars. They call them certified pre-owned.

Their Model 3s start at just under £21k for a 2020 Standard Range Plus with 40k miles.

So they do. When i was looking they had about 3 cars available nationwide for some reason.

[LordGrover]

One of the better ways to find used Teslas for sale is searching here: tesla-info (including CPO Certified Pre-Owned).

[Gone fishing]

Model S could be a money pit at the age you're talking and various aspects are making it show its age

Early Model 3 weren't well built, the one I had was the shortest I've ever owned a car (and I've had 4 Teslas in total over 9 years). If you go for the china built ones with a heatpump at 15-16k you'd be getting a pretty sorted car, but it will be a stella mile car (and the battery warranty about to disappear) or pay a couple of grand more

It might be a money pit too, but you cna pick up an ipace SE from 2020 for around 15k although ideally you'd need to spend a little more. At least you won't look the same as everybody else

A Skoda enyaq from 2021 will be a bit more to ad 16-17k

I know that for a couple of grand more there's always something better, but there genuinely seems to be a lot more choice across the board if you can up the budget to say 17k.

[Wolfsbait]

Thanks for responses.

Seems like the Tesla 3 is the smarter (if common) choice.

I'm naturally attracted to something a bit more punchy like this https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407292...

BUT I assume this comes with red flags from those in the know?

Million dollar question, but what is the worst that can go wrong and can you warrant the battery beyond manufacturer?

[SWoll]

Don't bother with the P would be my advice. Had one for 2 years and whilst very quick the ride is dreadful and the wheels are made of chocolate. The LR a better option if you need the range, almost as quick and rides better. Even the SR+/RWD is still plenty quick.

[off_again]

A second hand Tesla makes an awful amount of sense. As Swoll says, dont go for the P but get the best battery / range one you can and it should be good. Best charging network, best availability and an overall package that is good - safety, range, spec etc.

And since a second hand one will have the indicator stalks, it would be good for me. The only drawbacks are the older ones might not be built as well and that fit / finish might be starting to show (paint can be thin etc). But buy on condition and you should be good.

We dont have the ID3 here, but the ID4 makes a lot of sense at the right price. Good ride, plenty of space and a good price. In comparison to the Model Y, it does make a reasonable comparison. Though the Model Y is still technically the better car.

[modeller]

We've just leased a Megan e-tech. Pretty cheap. 5 seats. Nice interior and fully loaded in iconic form. Android based infotainment system - so much better than VW. Pretty too.

[mdk1]

Have you considered an MG5, plenty around and with balance of warranty?
Skoda Enyaq can be had for around 20k.