A year ago, I was confused about buying a Tata Nexon EV. Should I go for a new Nexon EV or save money with a used Nexon EV?
So, I spent hours researching, reading reviews, comparing the Tata Nexon EV price for both new and used models, and speaking with experts.
During this process, I learned a lot about the pros and cons of the old Nexon EV.
In this blog, I’ll share everything I found, including the advantages of buying a used electric car and the drawbacks, like Nexon EV battery life and warranty comparison.
By the end, you’ll get a clearer idea of whether a new or used Nexon EV is the better choice for you.
Advantages of Buying a Used Nexon EV
1. Lower Initial Cost
One of the main reasons people choose a used Nexon EV is the cost. New electric cars are expensive, but buying used ones can save money.
When I was buying, I found that used Nexon EVs were 20-30% cheaper than new ones.
If your budget is tight and you don’t want to pay more tax, a used Nexon EV can be the right choice, but make sure the condition drives the price.
My opinion: I suggest not looking for the price. The battery condition and warranty of the EV matter a lot; otherwise, you’ll pay more maintenance costs in the future, which will be more expensive than a new one.
2. Proven Reliability
The Tata Nexon EV has excellent reviews about reliability by many owners but fewer moving parts can go wrong.
The expert I consulted confirmed that used electric vehicles like the Nexon EV are generally dependable.
It’s easy to know how reliable Nexon EV is because it’s already used by the existing owner, who knows about its reliability.
My opinion: I suggest you avoid dealing with engine issues or frequent oil changes. Also, make sure to check the vehicle’s service history to ensure the used Nexon EV has been well-maintained.
3. Lower Depreciation
We know that cars lose value quickly, especially after 4-5 years. Buying a used Nexon EV means the current owner has already taken the depreciation hit.
If you plan to sell it later, you won’t lose as much money as if you bought a new one.
If you buy an old Nexon EV for 6.8 Lakh, there is a high probability that you’ll get the price of at least 5 Lakh after 3-5 years, but it depends on how you maintain it.
However, if resale value and premium features are a priority, you might consider the MG ZS EV instead of the Nexon EV.
My opinion: As we know, electric car technology upgrades continuously. In a few years, you can upgrade to a new EV car without losing too much money.
4. Immediate Availability
When I was looking at new Nexon EVs, there was a waiting list. But with used Nexon EVs, they were available immediately.
You just have to finalize the deal with the EV owner and transfer the documents yourself. It will take almost two days, and then the EV will be yours.
If you want to start driving an electric car without waiting, buying used is a quicker option.
My opinion: I wasn’t interested in waiting months to get my car. The immediate availability of used models was a huge plus for me. But, I made sure to thoroughly inspect any car I was interested in before making a decision.
5. Premium Variants at Lower Prices
While searching, I noticed that some used Nexon EVs were premium variants.
These came with extras like alloy wheels, premium interiors, and even a sunroof.
Buying a new premium variant would have cost much more, but with used, you’ll get those features at a lower price.
My opinion: I understood that the premium variant requires extra maintenance, so instead of buying the premium variant and paying more for maintenance, I chose the new middle variant so I could pay less during maintenance.
Disadvantages of Buying a Used Nexon EV
1. Battery Degradation
One of the major concerns with buying a used electric vehicle is battery health.
Electric car batteries can degrade over time, meaning they might not hold a charge as well as when new.
The expert I consulted told me this is something to consider carefully because if EV does not give you range, expect it to overheat.
Again, you need to charge your used EV more frequently, ultimately increasing the charging cost.
My opinion: If you’re buying used, always check the battery health report and the number of kilometers the EV has been driven to determine how much capacity has been lost.
2. Outdated Technology
Electric car technology is evolving quickly. A used Nexon EV might not have the latest features or software updates compared to newer models.
For example, newer versions of the Nexon EV come with improved infotainment systems glitches and battery management.
Outdated technology in EVs will indirectly reduce car performance and efficiency and make it less convenient to drive.
My opinion: As someone who likes staying up-to-date with technology, this was a drawback for me. Check whether the EV has been upgraded, with the most recently featured by Nexon EV; if not, consider it before deciding.
3. Limited Warranty Coverage
When you buy a new Nexon EV, you get a full warranty period, including on the battery.
With a used Nexon EV, the warranty might be close to expiring or already finished.
This means you have to pay for repairs out of pocket.
My opinion: I was worried about the minimum warranty period on a used car. You should always check the remaining warranty period to decide between a new or used Nexon EV.
4. Unknown Vehicle History
One of the risks of buying any used car is not knowing its full history. Was it involved in any accidents? Was it properly maintained?
These unknowns can sometimes lead to performance problems, such as the Tata Nexon EV acceleration issue, which may not always show up in a vehicle history report.
My opinion: This made me a bit nervous. Even with a vehicle history report, there are some things you can’t know. If possible, always check accident or criminal records from RTO or police station.
5. Potential for Higher Maintenance Costs
Electric cars generally have lower maintenance costs than petrol vehicles, but a used Nexon EV might require more frequent repairs than a new one.
Components like tires, brakes, and even the battery may need attention sooner rather than later.
Just because a car has already been driven thousands of kilometers, maintenance will likely be required frequently.
My opinion: I knew that with a used car, there’s a higher chance of repairs. While EVs are typically cheaper to maintain, it’s smart to save money for potential electric vehicle maintenance down the road.
Final Thoughts
So, should you buy a new Nexon EV or a used Nexon EV? It depends on your priorities.
As I have learned and experienced if you want to pay less during purchase and more in maintenance later, such as battery degradation or outdated features, a used Nexon EV will be the right option.
On the other hand, you can pay a little more, and if you want to relax for the next 4-5 years and want peace of mind with a full warranty, a new one will be recommended.
In my case, I chose to go with a new Nexon EV because I wanted the latest features and didn’t want to worry about battery issues.
I hope sharing my experience helps you make the best choice for your needs.
