Buying a used Chinese electric car: What you should consider

Chinese car brands have increasingly gained a foothold in Germany in recent years, and not just in the new car segment. The used car market for Chinese electric cars is growing, but presents some challenges for buyers. Anyone interested in a used model from brands like MG, BYD, or Ora should be aware that buying a Chinese electric car comes with some unique considerations.

A key consideration when buying a used car, especially an electric car, is the availability of service and repair options. For Chinese brands that have not been present on the German market for very long, there may not yet be a comprehensive workshop or service infrastructure in certain regions. While brands like MG and BYD have expanded their networks in recent years, they are not yet as widespread as established German brands. Before buying a used Chinese electric car, you should definitely check whether there are workshops in your area that can service the vehicle. It is also worth reading customer reviews and other owners' experiences regarding service.

One of the biggest factors that play a role in used electric cars is depreciation. This is especially an issue with Chinese brands, as models from these brands often experience significantly higher depreciation in the first few years than vehicles from established brands. High depreciation can pose a risk for buyers, especially if they plan to sell the car after a few years.

To better estimate depreciation, you should look into the historical depreciation rates of the models. Models like the MG5, for example, have an annual depreciation of up to 20 percent, which is relatively high compared to German brands like the VW ID.3, which only loses about 13 percent annually. Excessive depreciation can not only be problematic for later resale, but also indicate that demand for certain models is unsustainable.

An important consideration when buying a used car is the remaining warranty period. With Chinese brands often offering comprehensive warranties, it can be advantageous to purchase a car that's still under warranty. However, warranty terms vary by make and model, and not all used car dealers offer the same warranty coverage.

Check carefully whether there is still a valid remaining warranty, and if so, what exactly is covered. The battery warranty is particularly important for an electric car, as the battery is the most expensive component. Many Chinese brands offer a battery warranty for several years, which can give you as a buyer a certain sense of security. If the warranty is no longer valid, ask your dealer if they offer an extended warranty.

The charging infrastructure and range of an electric car are crucial for everyday use. These aspects are particularly important for Chinese electric cars, as in the past they sometimes lagged behind the well-known German electric cars in terms of charging speed and range. However, there are now many models that offer good ranges, but it's important to find out about the actual range of the used vehicle, as this can decrease over time due to battery aging.

An often underestimated factor when buying a used Chinese electric car is the model's history and long-term support from the manufacturer. While established brands regularly offer software updates and continuously improve their models, some Chinese manufacturers struggle to offer the same long-term support for their vehicles.

Check whether the vehicle you're considering purchasing receives regular software updates. Software updates for vehicle control and battery management systems are particularly important for electric vehicles.