Which EV Should I Buy?

Wife drives ~100KM 5 days a week.
We have got 13.2 solar with battery and a11KW port in the garage for a future charger.

Question is, which EV should I buy.

  • I can not get a Novated lease.
  • Tesla3 has 3.67% interest rate loan offer going on.
  • I have a budget of ~35K but the cars that I can reach with that amount are GWM Ora or MG ZS EV. Wife loves Ora looks but drive was horrible.
  • Wife felt comfortable in Tesla 3 and Y but they are out of my budget and loaning a car feels a dumb decision.
  • We are considering 2 year old model 3 with low KMs on them but quite unsure.

Can someone provide their brain dump for this scenario what should we do?

Comments

  • +2

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/byd/atto-3/?sort=~Price some atto 3 used in that range. Id go for that

    • -4

      Surely this is between OP and his wife to sort out.

      Nothing we say or produce here will change that and OP's wife wont be interested with our opinions unfortunately.

      If she was, the wife would post here directly.

      Bottom line is OPs budget of $35,000 and he has 2 good new car EV choices of which Op is well aware.
      Nothing we say here will change that.
      And as the old saying goes…
      "why buy used when you can buy new with a nice, long warranty"

      ie. 2 year old Tesla with 2 years warranty remaining and uncertain condition or a brand new MG EV with market leading 10 year warranty.
      Surely this is a no brainer decision to most of us clever OBers?

      See here for more info:
      https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/mg-motor-austr…

      But for OPs information the price of EVs is crashing, both new and used.

      They are a really bad investment right now due the huge discounting price wars going on between new EV cars due to all the new entrants/competition coming into our marketplace.
      Particularly with 12 new Cheap Chinese EVs coming into our little market shortly !

      See here:
      https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/12-new-chinese…

      This is affecting used EV resale really badly.
      Particularly Teslas
      Depreciation on used cars has never been worse.
      If you think your 2 year old smartphone loses a lot of its value quickly, you aint seen nothing compared with EV used car values
      And we are talking about BIG DOLLAR LOSES on EV depreciation

      Then you have to accept an EV purchase is just another 'technology" purchase and we all know that technology products depreciate hugely with every new model release which comes with the latest new "ground breaking" technology.
      Old Evs start looking outdated very quickly, let alone the worry about battery issues and the unmeasurable degradation.

      WARNING: Anyone buying an EV right now - new or used - will see enormous depreciation almost immediately and ongoing.

      But with this knowledge at least OP will be the wiser about what will happen with thier EV used car value and its not going to be good news either,.
      Any savings you might make on fuel (maybe) will be overtaken by the rapid decline in use car value.
      And that depends on how much city vs country driving OP and his wife will do in the EV which will huigely affect the "refueling" time and cost.

      I suggest OP reads this article abiut EV prices crashing, which was published in Yahoo Finance this week:
      https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/electric-car-drops-below-3…

      • Thanks for the very detailed post

        Im thinking of getting a used ev but not urgent, just curious when will be the best time to by used?

        Would it be like a year or few years after when those 13 cheap evs enter the market?

        • Your piece of string is this long. All you can do with EVs is base it on long term trends with ICE cars. Its still early adopter phase in Aus. New prices have come down, more vehi les are coming off lease. EVs are still scary for many. Make of that that what you will.

          Personally, i think EVs will last 'long enough' compared to ICE. You wont need to replace a battery every 10 years at $30k. If you do, battery prices will come down as the market demands parts.

          Massive depreciation wont continue in the long term, so itll be more like the depreciation of ICE cars after maybe 5 more years.

          Ultimately, more supply but more demand will be the norm.

          Waiting 'to see what prices do' is a fools errand. Buy when you are ready.

  • +5

    go with what you can afford
    pick the best one
    your over thinking it

    • Well…what's the best one around the $35k mark? Not sure its obvious.

      • Chscl your favourite car advertising website. Filter for EV and price. Go and inspect and drive ones you can afford. Do a little web surfing about thw one you like - but be aware there is a lot of anti EV stuff that may turn you off a bit. Pick one, buy it.

  • -2

    I recommend Tesla3.

    • +2

      I'd wait for the 4 to be released in September.

      • Fanbois are already queueing at the local Tesla genius store.

  • +2

    Kona? And before all the haters "its not a pure EV", it may not be built on an EV specific platform, but if it doesn't have a combustion engine, its an EV.

    Hyundai seem to be doing the right thing with EVs and aside from the mixed use platform, the battery and motor tech are there.

    • -2

      Their Wireless charging pad is illegal to use on VIC.

      • +1

        I would hope so. I'm pretty sure Vic also takes a dim view of people trying to use a charging pad on him/her/them.

      • +1

        Oh no. I could never own a car that has one tiny feature i cant use.

        • Same….

          • @jv: How is illegal to wirelessly charge?

            • -1

              @Euphemistic: It must be done in a legally mounted, commercial phone holder.

              The phone cannot be placed on the console or the seat next to you or anywhere that it can be viewed.

              • +1

                @jv: Yes it can. The laws got amended yonks ago.

                A fully licensed driver can use a phone to make or receive a phone call, to use its audio/music functions or perform a navigational (GPS) or intelligent highway vehicle system (in vehicle warning system) function but only if the phone:
                is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle, or
                can be operated by the driver without touching any part of the phone, and the phone is not resting on any part of the driver's body.

                • @Typical16-bitEnjoyer: Not in VIC. Ask your local police officer…

                  They will more than happy to give you a ticket if it is not secured…

                  Using a phone as a navigational device/GPS while riding is prohibited unless it is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle. All other functions (including video calls, texting and emailing) are prohibited.

                  The penalty is a fine of $545 applies. Demerit points do not apply.

                  • @jv:

                    a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle.

                    I would say that a charging pad IS commercially designed, since it's part of how Hyundai made the car… and the fact that it is built into the car would suggest it was "secured" to the car as well…

                    • @pegaxs:

                      I would say that a charging pad IS commercially designed

                      It's not a phone holder as defined in the law.

                      • @jv:

                        as defined in the law.

                        Ok, point to the law/ADR/Aus. Standard that defines what the holder must look like…

                        Because, at the moment, the charging pad in the vehicle is absolutely designed to "hold" the phone, ergo, it is a "holder", as opposed to a "cup holder" that is NOT designed to hold phones, etc.

                        • -2

                          @pegaxs:

                          is absolutely designed to "hold" the phone,

                          no, it doesn't hold it. you just put the phone on the pad. that is not allowed whilst driving.

                          • +1

                            @jv:

                            no, it doesn't hold it.

                            So, it literally floats around the cabin space?

                            A cup holder doesn't hold cups?

                            Again, you need to supply a source that defines either what "holding" requires OR a link to where the law states the construction of a "phone holder" device must consist of…

                            Side note: The rules pertaining to VDUs (RR 299) and mobile phones (RR 300) have been removed from Victorian road rulesSo I dont know where to finds them now. :/ You seem to know, jv, maybe you can point to where these "mobile phone laws" now reside? Nevermind, it seems to have been moved to "Part 18A, Rule 304A onwards…

                            securely mounted, in relation to a mounted device, means—
                            (a) the mounting is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose; and
                            (b) the device is secured in the mounting; and
                            (c) the mounting is affixed to a vehicle, a wheeled recreational device or an electric personal transporter, in the manner intended by the manufacturer;

                            a: Hyundai designed and made it and it's purpose is to hold a phone (as opposed to a "cup holder")
                            b: Well, I dont know, seems like the Hyundai phone charger would secure the phone from moving around.
                            c: Pretty sure it's permanently affixed to the vehicle

                  • @jv: Not in VIC ey?….yet I quotes from VICRoads

                    https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/driver…

                    • -1

                      @Typical16-bitEnjoyer:

                      yet I quotes from VICRoads
                      ‏‏‎ ‎
                      ‏‏‎ ‎
                      ‏‏‎ ‎
                      Using a phone as a navigational device/GPS while riding is prohibited unless it is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle. All other functions (including video calls, texting and emailing) are prohibited.

                      The penalty is a fine of $545 applies. Demerit points do not apply.

                      • @jv: If the phone is being used via carplay or AA then you arent 'using the phone'. If you need to use the screen of the phone, then it must be inna commercial holder - such as a wireless charging pad where your phone is HELDto charge.

              • +2

                @jv: You cannot use it from that position. If you arent accessing or viewing the screen it can be anywhere except being held by the driver or in their lap.

                If your phone is being controlled by the head unit, you arent 'using the phone'. Basically like you can use it if its in your pocket. Wireless carplay/AA style.

                • -5

                  @Euphemistic:

                  You cannot use it from that position.

                  You can't even store it in that position. Ask your local police officer…

                  • @jv: So is it allowed to be in your pocket? Or the back seat?

                      • +2

                        @jv: But thats not secured in a commerical holder so it cant be legal.

                        Where does it say this:

                        The phone cannot be placed on the console or the seat next to you or anywhere that it can be viewed.

                        • -2

                          @Euphemistic:

                          But thats not secured in a commerical holder so it cant be legal.

                          Go to your local police station, they will explain it to you.

                          • +1

                            @jv: I used to think you were just trolling. Now im not so sure.

      • So you mean all the cars offered with built in wireless charging pad are illegal to use?

        • -1

          Where did I say that?

      • Your an idiot if you believe that

  • +5

    What's wrong with her current car?

    • +2

      Not enough voltage

    • +3

      What's wrong with her current car?

      They are getting a lot of resistance

      • +2

        Perhaps the spark just isnt there.

        • +2

          That is a very negative point of view.

          • -1

            @jv: JV , “you’ve done it again”.

    • -4

      What ev should I buy ? One that runs on petrol !

  • Get the spreadsheet out and work out the real cost of each option.

    You could even try and work out the break even point with "her current car."

    • +2

      "her current car."

      ICE what you did there… 🤣

      • You'll be shocked to hear I just stole that from @Muzeeb's comment.

        • You should be charged if that is true.

          • @jv: I'll lawyer up. Hopefully, that should insulate me from potential charges.

            Besides, spreadsheets are a great way to stay grounded.

          • @jv: Watt?

  • -1

    None

  • Can you stretch the budget a bit more?

    $40k gets BYD dolphin and MG4 as options.

  • +2

    We are considering 2 year old model 3 with low KMs on them but quite unsure.

    Then go direct to Tesla. They seem to have some really sharp pricing on used "certified pre-owned" Model 3 cars. If you try to go private, you will need to pay for the 44 gallon drum of Musk flavoured Kool-Aid hidden in the frunk

    • Don't forget to negotiate before you pay a deposit

      • +5

        I thought you should ask for free stuff after you pay for the car?

        • +3

          Yep, that's right. You should also bring your teenage son to witness how negotiation is done.

  • -8

    wait for hydrogen or get a petrol or if you really need to get hybrid. Not full EV

    • +2

      why?

    • +2

      Hydrogen for passenger cars is never going to take off. The fuel tanks are too big for meaningful range.

  • Used toyota hybrid.

  • +1

    HODL … the rate the prices are droppin they'll be giving them away soon….

  • Pretty sure you get a GST discount with a novated lease - so you might be able to stretch to a tesla? or BYD seal

    • +1

      I can not get a Novated lease.

      FFS

      • Whats FFS?

        • +2

          It's an abbreviation for….

          roby21 did not read your first dot point.

  • -2

    Used Toyota Camry Hybrid

  • Nissan leaf, never pay full price, you won't believe how low the dealer will go when you negotiate the price.

    • +3

      Obsolete charging tech and battery that only uses passive cooling causing it to degrade faster especially in areas with high temperatures.

  • Make sure you get comprehensive insurance.

  • +2

    I thought Tesla's recent loan rate was 1.99%.

    From a recent email:

    $0 Upfront
    Settle into an all-new interior this month. Model 3 features a wraparound cabin, elegant technology, and premium materials – and it’s available at a 1.99% interest rate (3.57% comparison rate).

    Order & apply with Plenti by 31 August 2024 and take delivery of an eligible Model 3 Rear-Wheel-Drive or Long Range by 30 September 2024 to qualify.*

    Link to more info: https://www.tesla.com/en_au/model3/design?redirect=no&utm_lo…

    • +1

      Its funny how theyre advertising 1.99%, and you listed it first, but the comparison rate is clearly NOT 1.99%. I was going to comment about how there is going to be 'fees' or somethingnhidden innthe fine print that make thebinterest rate effctivly higher, but its already there that the rate is 3.57%

  • +1

    I'd suggest a second hand model 3. Just make sure you get a RWD/LFP battery pack which offers a much longer lifespan/cycles than an NMC pack.

  • I’d get a second hand M3. You’re getting free software updates every other week, best drivetrain and great Aussie service, tested and proven.
    Like with every second hand product, before you pay, do your due diligence, tech inspection ideally, check battery SoH in service menu, check undercarriage and suspension for damage.
    The RWD has LFP batt so virtually no degradation even well into 100.000s km. They come with 4 year warranty so I’d look for good deal on 2022 M3. If you get second hand directly from Tesla you get extra perks.

  • +1

    I have a ZSEV and I enjoy it, with my one gripe being a lack of lumbar support, which is only an issue as I have a 1.5-2hr commute and congenital spinal issues.

    She's a solid car- don't knock it til you try it :)

  • +1

    Whats wrong with your current car?

    Regularly breaking down?

    Because if there is nothing wrong with it keep driving it and saving until you can afford the car you want.

    • +2

      100km per day is a lot of petrol. The payback period for an EV is considerably shorter if you do bulk kms.

  • There is so much that depends on you, what are your transport needs and distances, what are your values, what is your ethics etc. If you care about world politics, humanity and war and want to avoid Chinese made things, you don't have much left except the Koreans and the Europeans which are out of your budget. Salary sacrificing an EV is far more beneficial than most people realise as well. My 68k EV is going to cost under 50k in the end through salary sacrificing, and don't forget how much you'll save in running costs and maintenance. The Kona, as previously mentioned, is a great option and very efficient, and from a reputable manufacturer. Tesla are also efficient, just not as much as they claim. Do you like buttons and dials in front of you or happy to go through screen menus? Many things to consider but probably your best two options (one made in Korea and one in China). Sedan or hatch, low to ground or off the ground. So many variances.

  • Out of curiosity, what did you dislike about the way the Ora drives? I think it feels really solid, on the firmer side which I prefer for suburban driving. Really happy with mine for the price so far (30 DA after QLD Rebate), although it's going to depreciate hugely, very quickly.

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