Electric Cars & Trucks

Ask the seller to share a screenshot of the battery health screen from the car's app or onboard display. For Tesla, request a "Service Mode" battery report; most Teslas display available range vs. original rated range. A healthy battery should retain over 80% of original capacity. If the seller refuses or can't provide battery data, treat it as a major red flag for deferred battery replacement costs.

Potential costs include a Level 2 home charger installation ($500–$1,500), any needed 12V battery replacement ($150–$300), tire replacement (EVs wear tires faster due to instant torque), and for older Teslas or Leafs, potential reduced battery range. Confirm the remaining warranty on the battery pack — most manufacturers offer 8 years/100,000 miles on the battery.

Salvage EVs can be good value if the damage was cosmetic and away from the battery pack. However, EV battery repairs are complex and expensive — a damaged pack can cost $10,000–$20,000 to replace on a Model 3. Have any salvage EV inspected by a certified EV technician before bidding. Many insurance companies won't insure a salvage-title EV at replacement value.

A 120V Level 1 charger (included with most EVs) adds 3–5 miles of range per hour — adequate for low-mileage daily drivers. For regular use, a Level 2 (240V) charger adds 25–35 miles per hour and costs $150–$500 plus electrician installation. Most home EV owners install a dedicated 50-amp circuit. Confirm your panel has spare capacity before purchasing.