Used-car shoppers are buying these EVs quickly
You don’t even have to hit the “gas,” per se, for these used vehicles to move quickly.
The latest report from iSeeCars.com shows that the three fastest-selling used vehicles in July were all electrics.
Topping the list and taking an average of just 15.7 days to sell last month was the Tesla Model 3, followed by the Chevrolet Bolt EV (20.8 days to sell), according to the study.
The Model 3 has cracked the top 20 five straight times.
“The Tesla Model 3 has remained popular since its high-profile debut, thanks to impressive technology and performance, plus a relatively affordable price compared to Tesla’s earlier vehicles,” iSeeCars executive analyst Karl Brauer said in the analysis. “Used Model 3’s are so popular that consumers are willing to purchase used versions at higher prices than new versions.”
As for the No. 2 vehicle on the list, Brauer said: “Sales of new Chevrolet Bolts grew by 335 percent in Q2 2021 over 2020, and that popularity has extended to the used car marketplace.”
Coming in third was the Tesla Model S (21.3 days). The top 20 list from iSeeCars also included another electric: the Tesla Model X (24.7 days to sell), in the No. 7 spot.
Beyond these electrics, fuel consciousness appears to be a theme among used-car shoppers.
There were also six hybrids included in the top 20 fastest-selling rides (Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, BMW i3 and Honda Insight), meaning used hybrids and electrics made up nearly half of the list.
“The Honda Clarity debuted in 2018, while the Honda Insight debuted in 2019, so used versions are just now becoming available,” said Brauer. “Both new and used hybrid vehicles have been in high demand, and that demand has intensified as gas prices rise.”
The study included an iSeeCars analysis of more than 1 million new and used-car sales (for the 2016-2020 model years) in July.
In a separate but related report from late July, Kelley Blue Book shared what it believes are the 10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $20,000 and the 10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $15,000. Those respective lists can be found below.
“One of the most underrated deals is to buy a used hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric vehicle,” KBB senior managing editor Matt DeLorenzo said in a news release.
“Alternative-power vehicles have been on the market for 20 years now, so these models are well-established and have proven reliability,” DeLorenzo said.
“There also are plenty of choices out there — an attractive option to consider, since currently there is a major shortage on new-car inventory across the board,” he said. “Buyers of a used electrified vehicle certainly will save money at the pump, and some can even skip the gas station entirely.”
Kelley Blue Book's 10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $20,000 for 2021
1. 2017 Toyota Prius
Fuel Economy: 52 mpg combined (54 city/50 highway)
Total Range: 588 miles
2. 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Fuel Economy (LE): 40 mpg combined (42 city/38 highway)
Total Range: 680 miles
3. 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 32 mpg combined (34 city/30 highway)
Total Range: 474 miles
4. 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg combined (28 city/28 highway)
Total Range: 482 miles
5. 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 47 mpg combined (49 city/45 highway)
Total Range: 602 miles
6. 2015 Lexus ES 300h
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg combined (40 city/39 highway)
Total Range: 688 miles
7. 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Fuel Economy: 119 MPGe combined
Total Range: 238 miles
8. 2018 Nissan Leaf
Fuel Economy: 112 MPGe combined
Total Range: 151 miles
9. 2017 Chevrolet Volt
Fuel Economy – first 53 miles: 106 MPGe combined
Fuel Economy – next 367 miles: 42 mpg combined
Total Range: 420 miles
10. 2019 Kia Niro Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 49 mpg combined (51 city/46 highway)
Total Range: 583 miles
Kelley Blue Book's 10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $15,000 for 2021
1. 2015 Toyota Prius
Fuel Economy: 48 mpg combined (50 city/46 highway)
Total Range: 571 miles
2. 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg combined (42 city/38 highway)
Total Range: 680 miles
3. 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 44 mpg combined (43 city/45 highway)
Total Range: 581 miles
4. 2015 Chevrolet Volt
Fuel Economy – first 38 miles: 98 MPGe combined
Fuel Economy – next 342 miles: 37 mpg combined
Total Range: 380 miles
5. 2017 Nissan Leaf
Fuel Economy: 112 MPGe combined (124 city/101 highway)
Total Range: 107 miles
6. 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 37 mpg combined (35 city/38 highway)
Total Range: 636 miles
7. 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 37 mpg combined (35 city/38 highway)
Total Range: 684 miles
8. 2017 Toyota Prius C
Fuel Economy: 46 mpg combined (48 city/43 highway)
Total Range: 437 miles
9. 2015 Ford Fusion
Fuel Economy: 41 mpg combined (43 city/39 highway)
Total Range: 554 miles
10. 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 44 mpg combined (42 city/48 highway)
Total Range: 524 miles