For someone looking to get into an EV on a budget would a low km Tesla be the better option over a new Chinese car?
Used Tesla Vs New Chinese EV
figarow on 01/07/2025 - 11:05
Last edited 01/07/2025 - 11:07
Last edited 01/07/2025 - 11:07
Poll Options
- 486New Chinese is better
- 107Used Tesla all day long
- 69ICE FTW
Comments
I can almost guess where you touched the Prius. How was it?
Do you stare at the mirror and say to yourself "I'm a detective!!!?"
But honestly, that’s basically all you comment on. So why don’t you actually share why you think they are a fad?
I ask because you don’t even seem to understand the fundamentals around charging etc. based on your other comments you have no idea how much it costs to charge, how long it takes or where you can charge
How can you have such a negative opinion on something you don’t understand?
Normally if I’m not well versed in a topic I don’t make judgements and comments but it seems you trawl ozbargain for the keyword EV and can’t help but comment every time there’s a post, yet you can’t explain why it’s so triggering for you that other people drive EV’s whilst it doesn’t impact your own life?
i was in similar position a month ago. ended up buying a sep 2022 tesla model Y with 34k kms for $40K. BYD Sealion would have been my other choice but no used options were available or were too expensive. Tesla are the first dedicated manufacturer to get into EVs and have been doing it for over 10yrs now so have much refined software/driving experience compared to other manufacturers.
Good buy at that price, where did you find that deal?
carsales but can find on fb marketplace too if you widen your search radius (example I saw one for same price in a regional town too)
Nice, nothing that good on there atm. I paid 31.5k for a 21 model 3 with 80k a bit over 3 months ago. Wanted a MY but they were $45k+ with 100k on the clock. I guess with the new Y out they might have been dropping last month
You need to test drive them all, as nice as the Teslas are by spec, when you drive them it's a polarising experience due to their design choices (e.g. the aircon, the indicators, burying everything within the screen) and the same can be said of the chinese interior and softare design, and finding out which controls are in software and which ones have actual buttons. e.g. Tesla has no air con vent controls, whereas some chinese EVs will let your close/open/angle aicon vents manually.
As a "life improvement", I liked the MG4's removal of the 'start button' - just get in, select the 'gear' and go. I like it, why do I even need the other step. (sounds minimal, but it's like the convenience of going from plain metal keys to keys you leave in your pocket and press start)
The byd actually just "removed" the start button in the most recent update. It's nice except when I open the car to grab something and close it because the damned thing doesn't have proximity lock!
If it was available and I had the cash, I get a new Xiaomi su7 over a new Tesla
The SU7 is a larger sedan more equivalent to the Model S rather than the Model 3. And as you know, neither are available here.
But I agree that it's a very appealing vehicle.
If you are going to home charge, the looming issue for Tesla is no support for V2L or V2H.
If I was buying again this would steer me toward the Chinese offerings.
I just put a deposit on a BYD Shark 6.
$57k drive away after the $4k cashback.(Cheaper in other states)
I've never even wanted a ute, but the absurd amount of features you get for the low price. 80km EV range is plenty for around town.
Getting it as a big city SUV that I can also chuck the dog and bikes in the back, don't care about towing or offloading but it will do both good enough for my purposes of ever needed.
The way I see it in saving $40k if it stops my partner wanting a Prado and can drive the shark instead.
the only worry I have with a hybrid is that you will be slugged EV road use tax (when that happens) as well as paying excise on your fuel
The rate for PHEV will be lower than full EV.
Its lower but if you go by the Victoria EV tax rates, it wasnt much lower. 2.8c for EV and 2.3c for PHEV per km. It's still another tax to pay
Having test driven old and new Tesla’s M3 and MY and as a BYD Atto 3 owner, I agree with the consensus from drivers around the world that the new teslas are a significant improvement from V1.
Also driven G6, Seal, Sealion 6 and ZeekrX.
Key points
The ride quality is far harder in the gen 1 model y
Atto 3 ride and handling is significantly improved by replacing 2022-2024 model year Bateman tyres with tyres from other brands with stiffer sidewalls. (2024/25 Attos now shipping with Continental tyres.)
Tesla’s do not have power to load
Atto and Geely have a sunblind.
Xpeng and Tesla are “software defined” BYD less so.
Xpeng g6 thus far does not have the powerful new Turin processing chip.
Xpeng have facelifted G6.
Geely is good value has latest tech and trumps the Atto 3 aside from buyer uncertainty of teething problems of established dealerships in Oz.
The new Atto 2 if it makes it to Oz is likely to steal sales from used Atto 3.New prices are likely to fall given over supply in China and the competition to gain market share in Oz.
Really hard to assess the future used values of those new EVs in the $50$60k bracket.
IMHO any new EVs in the low $30k will hold value because lower running costs are favoured by those with a lower capital budget.Currently I’m assisting family members who have $20k. A 4 year old dated stale Honda or for $3k more a new very well equipped Chinese petrol with a 7 year warranty? No question a near new $25k BEV would be a winner due to lower running costs. A used MG4 comes close but atto 2 or Seagull will draw sales from the mg4 imho.
A very thorough and thoughtful response.
One more thing to add with respect to your family members' decision: if novated leases are an option, a new or near-new used EV will easily win the cost comparison.
What year Tesla Model 3 did you test drive and how long was the test drive for? Which Model 3 was it? RWD? LR? P? The 2025 stalkless, USS less etc models are far shittier than a 2022-2024 Model 3 with AMD chip, stalks,USS etc Also the new design of the 3 and Y is so mainstream that it blends in with all that's out there.
During my test drive of the XPeng G6, I found the suspension to be quite firm, which resulted in a ride that felt harder than expected. I also noticed more body roll and rattling noises than I anticipated, which affected the overall comfort and perceived build quality. Additionally, I experienced sudden phantom braking and unexpected deceleration on the freeway, particularly when passing through a school zone at night. It appears the car’s automatic speed limit recognition system misread the speed signs, causing these abrupt changes in speed.
Try a BYD Sealion 7.
My show-off friend recently considered trading in his two-year-old Tesla and was surprised to discover how much value it had lost. He originally purchased the car fully loaded for $74,000, but Tesla is now offering him just $35,000 as a trade-in, while the best offer he’s received on the open market is $40,000. That means his Tesla has depreciated by $34,000 to $39,000 in just two years—nearly half its original value, despite all the bells and whistles he added.
That is not indicative of how future used EV values will be. Prices of new Tesla have dropped to meet competition. The used market is only very new. Tesla popularity has copped a hiding.
People will look at a used tesla and consider a new EV from another brand so you need a lower price to attract buyers to your used tesla. The poll result is a case in point.
True but you should expect considerable depreciation for an new EV at the moment as price wars are still well and truly in motion. So expect depreciation + price drops to be a common problem for at least the next year or so.
that's what i paid for 2.5 yr old model Y. thanks to price drops by Tesla due to competition
yes, great value as a used car. dont buy new.
a used car everyday.
the depreciation on any new car, and particularly EVs, is horrendous.the biggest issue for me with Tesla, new or used, is no support for Apple carplay or Andriod auto
Easy fix. Install an aftermarket heads up display with integrated car play or AA. 5 minute install via plug and play.
to be honest, even if my option was new tesla vs new chinese EV. i'd probably go for the new chinese EV (pending which brand). i.e. i'd prefer a BYD over a similar priced tesla easily. that's not only because of the quality, but also because i don't want to support tesla given recent events.
My BYD Sealion is great. Just get one.
We picked up our Sealion 7 last week and really happy with it!
I would not send my money to China to fund their war efforts.
Which war efforts?
like every other country in the world
@V2L: Not really up on what he's referring but that's what Germany started to do in the lead up to the invasion of Poland and WWII.
And didn't we catch their warships doing super sneaky practise skills just off the coast of Aus not long ago?
@Muppet Detector: again, this is what every country does, you only hear about china's posturing because that's what murdoch media conditions you for. guess who else who have increased their defence spending? the US and NATO, but you don't hear people getting up in arms about their war efforts, especially considering the US is the only country out of above to actually wage war on foreign countries in the last decade
@V2L: Does murdoch control this guy's YouTube channel does it? I wonder why the US and NATO has increase their budget? What is China and Russian been doing?
@MonkEE: so a country increasing their military budget in response to perceived threats in their geopolitical sphere is acceptable? maybe read that again in your head this time louder?
and I love how the only evidence you've provided so far is a youtube video on a clearly china hawk channel. maybe think about who benefits from propping up China as the next WW2 Germany? always follow the money
@V2L: What are you even on about? You have no idea what you are talking about. China is the one who has decided to massively increase their military. So, does the US just sit there and let it happen? Why is China taking over many islands in the China Sea and pissing everyone off?
@MonkEE: What if 'china is massively increasing its military' is just propaganda designed to scare the rest of the world into buying more military hardware? Or just plain scaremongering about what is our biggest trading partner ?
The US already has a stupidly high spend on military and they want everyone else to do the same. Is it becasue china is truly a threat or is it because the lobbyists have been in Donnys ear trying to convince himnto build a stupid golden dome and buy more arms?
How is warranty service with the Chinese EVs? Doesn't matter that they offer X years warranty - in the case you get in an accident, how long is a fix going to take?
I'd lean towards a used Tesla. They are the most established EV brand. They drive very well and the drivetrain is reliable. Parts availability is pretty good due to the limited number of models and long time on the market. The somewhat spartan interior is also pretty robust with not much to break.
If you're considering a Chinese brand definitely take it for a spirited test drive first.
If you want to do longer road trips, Tesla superchargers are still the most reliable and efficient way to charge on the road. I'm leaning towards used Tesla because of this factor.
Chinese EVs are ok, but as long as they don't invest in the infrastructure your road trips will be quite limited and Tesla would never open 100% of their chargers.
Also remember that new cars are never a wise investment value-wise.
Chinese EVs are ok, but as long as they don't invest in the infrastructure your road trips will be quite limited
There are plenty of companies installing chargers. Do you expect Toyota to invest in petrol stations?
you do realise it isn't only Tesla's that can use Tesla Superchargers?
other EVs can only use about 30% of the superchargers in Australia.
and pay more for them
Been pondering something similar and my clever husband pointed out that Teslas more likely to get vandalized too. Which is a shame because they're good cars and I doubt old mate Elon had anything to do with that.
Doesn't seem like a problem in Australia. I wouldn't let that stop me from buying a Tesla, not that I would buy one.
Def a problem in Australia. Likely to be scratches etc and not people setting fire to your car like in America.
If you only go for brand new cars, then either will be good. If you ever consider 2nd hand, just buy ICE.
as a proud owner of BYD Seal for nearly 2 years now - it largely depends on price.
If you can get the used Tesla for say under $30k..
That's going to beat any new car in terms of depreciation.
Good question — but I think it’s a bit Simplistic (even lazy ;-) No Judgement!) to be answered properly as it stands.
I’ve been looking to replace my own pre-COVID Hyundai i40 2017 and have gone through a pretty deep comparison process myself.A simple “Used Tesla vs New Chinese EV” question leaves out a lot of context that can completely change what’s right for someone. Here are the top 10 factors I’ve been considering in my own search:
Budget range:
Between $40K and $60K, there’s a huge range of options, from base MGs to well-specced VW, Geely, Kia, and even some Teslas, used or lightly used. You really need to narrow down what you’re paying monthly and what you really need, vs nice to have, thus an unnecessary spending (in my case, up to $1000/month on a novated lease).Daily driving needs:
I drive mostly within 25 km – childcare drop-offs, CBD trips, errands. If you’re mostly urban, range anxiety isn’t a major issue.Finance model:
Novated lease changes the playing field — for me, it makes more sense to go new and get full warranty and running cost benefits.Infotainment:
This was a dealbreaker. I use Android Auto daily and couldn’t live without it. Tesla’s system is great in other ways, but this ruled it out for me. If there was only Tesla, I would not think of it, but after trying the Xpeng G6 and ID.4 with Android Auto, I think it is a must have feature.Storage and practicality:
I need a solid boot for a child, a dog, and the occasional trip. Roof racks and a tray are non-negotiable — not every EV handles that well.Ride comfort:
I test drove a few options, and the VW ID.4 stood out big time. Amazing build quality and a really smooth drive — much better than I expected. Better than a Tesla and most of Chinese cars. I would go for it if it was 55,000 or so probably. Waiting for a good deal.Service and support:
I feel more comfortable with a brand that has a solid local dealer and parts network. VW, Kia, and Hyundai tick that box. Tesla and BYD are improving, but I’m still cautious. Remember that Kia EV5 and many cars are made in China too (Tesla too). Usually, what you pay is what you get - regardless of the country of build.One car or two?
I thought about keeping the old wagon and getting a smaller EV like a BYD Dolphin. But in the end, it does not make sense - paying rego, insurance etc. With WFH and having an EV, the second car would just sit there and encur extra payments for low usage.Charging setup:
I plan to charge at home 90% of the time. Tesla’s Supercharger network is nice but not essential for how I drive. Fast charging would be nice, but not a deal breaker.Longevity and resale:
EVs make sense long-term. I’m expecting to keep whatever I buy for 10–15 years, and most modern EVs with good build and maintenence should go 300K+ km with little drama.
So yeah, “used Tesla or new Chinese EV” is a good opening line, but the real answer depends on your needs, budget and priorities. For me, comfort, connectivity, and practicality ruled out some big names early — and pointed me toward a different set of options. As every product, compare, do test drives and consider the full cost of ownership and your situation before you buy.
Rav 4 PHEV 2026 is the answer.
Why would someone want a petrol motor in their electric car?
and how much is that going to cost? get an pure EV or stick with a RAV4 hybrid
Yeh 70k + for a Toyota
I have an MG4 and love it. Geely EX5 is good value.
Tesla however is premium, except polestar nothing comes close, it’s why Tesla is still selling big volumes in China.Tesla isn't great for equipment and value, its software is miles ahead of competitors but for creature comfort it's becoming more and more lacking against the premium offerings from the Chinese
Someone raised this earlier but if you're planning to get a new Chinese EV, there is delays due to an increase in demand for them so expect a bit of wait.
I personally would prefer the used Tesla. It's got a better driving experience to me even though its now lagging behind in safety features and build despite the refresh. The only thing that I enjoy more over other EV's is a centralised system for charging. It's one app and you're all good after plugging it in with their infrastructure. No opening apps and fiddling with the settings to get it started.
Which one is safer in a crash test?
Tesla
the BYD Shark Utility is growing on me at the moment.. i keen to test drive
just a headsup that they are absolutely massive. almost as big as the raptor so parking and getting around tight corners are a stretch
The chinese cars offer much better package imo. Do a test drive and check for the ride comfort and tech around. I did with BYD and was very pleasantly surprised. so I'm fully set when atto2 lands here when the time comes
Chinese EV any day of the week now days. they beat tesla hands down in every metric
Chat tell me about the Financial Advantages of Buying a Used ICE Car vs Used or New EV
1. Purchase Price
Used ICE Car:
- Significantly cheaper upfront
- 10–15 year old reliable models: $3,000–$10,000
- Broad price range from budget to premium
Used EV:
- Higher cost for same age/condition due to battery value
- Limited availability and aging batteries
New EV:
- Typically $40,000+, even after incentives
- Long time to recover premium
✅ Advantage: Used ICE car — lower capital outlay, better for limited budget
2. Depreciation
Used ICE Car:
- Most depreciation already occurred
- More predictable value retention
Used EV:
- Higher depreciation risk due to battery degradation and tech shifts
New EV:
- Steep depreciation in first 3 years
- Tech turnover makes newer EVs quickly feel outdated
✅ Advantage: Used ICE car — lower depreciation losses
3. Repair Costs
Used ICE Car:
- Parts and mechanics widely available
- DIY-friendly repairs
- Major failures can be expensive
Used EV:
- Fewer small repairs
- Battery replacement ($8,000–$20,000) can total the car
New EV:
- Warranty covers most repairs early on
✅ Advantage: Used ICE car — cheaper and simpler repair paths
4. Insurance Costs
Used ICE Car:
- Lower premiums, especially for older cars
- Third-party only cover easily available
Used EV:
- Higher premiums due to part costs
New EV:
- 20–50% more expensive to insure than ICE
✅ Advantage: Used ICE car — much cheaper to insure
5. Fuel vs Charging Costs
Used ICE Car:
- At $1.80/L, fuel for 25,000 km = ~$2,800–$3,500/year
Used/New EV:
- Charging at home: $0.15–$0.30/kWh
- For 25,000 km = ~$700–$1,000/year
✅ Advantage: EVs — but only if you keep it long enough to offset higher price
6. Registration, Taxes, and Incentives
Used ICE Car:
- No incentives
- Lower rego for smaller, older vehicles in some states
Used/New EV:
- Incentives mostly for new EVs
- Registration discounts in some states (e.g., QLD, ACT)
⚖️ Mixed advantage — EVs may have annual savings, but used ICE cars are still cheaper overall
7. Range, Infrastructure, Convenience
Used ICE Car:
- Refuel anywhere, anytime
- No range anxiety
Used EV:
- Limited range, especially with battery degradation
- Charging time and access issues
✅ Advantage: Used ICE car — more practical for rural/regional areas and longer trips
Conclusion Summary Table
Factor Used ICE Car ✅ Used EV ❌ New EV ❌ Upfront Cost ✅ Very Low ❌ Moderate❌ HighDepreciation ✅ Stable ❌ Risky❌ HighRepairs & Maintenance ✅ Simple ⚠️ Limited✅ Warranty Insurance ✅ Low ❌ Higher❌ HighestRunning Costs (Fuel) ❌ High✅ Low ✅ Low Rego & Incentives ⚠️ Depends ✅ Some ✅ More Convenience ✅ Easy refuel ❌ Charger issues❌ Same🟩 Best Value If You:
- Drive less than 20,000–25,000 km/year
- Have a modest budget (under $10,000–$15,000)
- Want to avoid battery replacement risk
- Don’t have home charging access
Then a used ICE car is likely the best financial choice.
This summary is so full of generalizations, half-truths, outright falsehoods, missing factors and nonsensical comparisons that it has zero value.
Battery replacement is about as common as engine replacement - unless youre buying an ev that doesnt have good thermal management of the battery.
Sure, if youre budget is only 10-15k you probably wont get a decent EV, but if youre tossing up between a new EV and a used tesla, the budget is a lot more healthy and a lot of the ICE arguments are moot.
FWIW, my 3yo vehicle costs the same as a comparable 18yo vehicle to insure. I susoect its because its got a bunch of active safety stuff built in.
What did I miss why are people then buying EV not used ICE cars ?
That's a great follow-up question. While used ICE cars still offer financial advantages, there are several reasons why more people are choosing to buy EVs over used ICE cars, even if EVs can sometimes be more expensive upfront. Here's why:
1. Environmental Concerns
Climate Change: People are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of driving gasoline-powered vehicles. Even though EVs have an environmental cost related to the manufacturing of their batteries, they produce zero emissions while driving. As climate change concerns rise, consumers are opting for cleaner alternatives.
Sustainability: For many, it's about aligning their values with their purchases. Driving an EV reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which supports the transition to renewable energy sources and lowers the overall carbon footprint of transportation.
2. Long-Term Savings
Lower Operating Costs: While the initial price of an EV might be higher than a used ICE car, the lifetime cost of owning an EV can be much lower. EVs have fewer moving parts, so maintenance costs are typically lower, and their fuel costs are significantly cheaper than gasoline. Over the life of the vehicle, this can lead to significant savings.
Energy Efficiency: EVs are more efficient than ICE cars at converting energy into motion. They use around 85–90% of the energy from the grid to power the wheels, compared to an ICE car, which uses only about 20–30% of the energy in gasoline. This efficiency translates to lower operating costs and reduced fuel consumption.
3. Incentives and Government Support
Tax Credits: Governments in many countries offer incentives for buying new or used EVs. For example, in the U.S., there are federal tax credits of up to \$7,500 for new EVs, and some states offer additional rebates. Many European countries have even more generous incentives, which significantly reduce the overall cost of buying an EV.
Exemption from Fees: Some regions offer exemption from road taxes, toll reductions, or even free parking for EVs. This makes owning an EV not only cheaper in terms of fuel but also with regard to local transportation-related fees.
4. Convenience and Technology
Charging at Home: Many people find it convenient to charge their EVs overnight at home. This eliminates the need to visit gas stations frequently, a task that can become costly and time-consuming. The fact that charging stations are expanding rapidly makes long trips easier, with many car manufacturers offering apps that help drivers plan charging stops.
Technology and Features: EVs come packed with modern tech features that many consumers find appealing, such as:
- Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)
- Over-the-air software updates
- Automated driving features in some models (like Tesla Autopilot)
- Infotainment systems with the latest connectivity options
For tech enthusiasts or those seeking the latest in automotive innovation, the appeal of an EV is clear.
5. Energy Independence
- Lower Dependence on Gasoline: With the global oil market being volatile and subject to geopolitical forces, many people see EVs as a way to reduce their dependence on oil. Charging an EV can be done using renewable energy sources like solar or wind, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to energy independence.
6. Improved EV Technology
Longer Range and Faster Charging: A few years ago, the limited range of EVs was a major deterrent, but today's EVs offer much longer ranges, with many models now exceeding 250-300 miles per charge. Plus, fast-charging stations are expanding globally, reducing the time it takes to recharge an EV to under 30 minutes in many cases.
Battery Improvements: Battery life has improved significantly, and most EVs now come with 8-year warranties on their batteries. Newer EVs also tend to degrade more slowly, making them a better long-term investment.
7. Energy Prices and Availability
- Stable Electricity Prices: While gas prices fluctuate wildly, electricity prices tend to be much more stable and predictable, especially when you consider that you can charge your EV at home with fixed-rate electricity plans. This offers more financial predictability for the car owner.
8. Social Influence and Status
Social Responsibility: In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, driving an EV can signal to others that you care about the environment and are willing to make choices that reflect that. For some people, it's a status symbol.
Peer Pressure/Trends: As more people around us embrace EVs, it creates a social trend. High-profile figures, influencers, and even entire cities (e.g., cities moving to ban gas cars in the next decade) help normalize EV ownership. It becomes a social norm to own an electric vehicle.
9. Regulatory Pressures and Bans on ICE Vehicles
Government Regulations: Many countries have set deadlines to phase out the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles in favor of electric cars. Some cities already restrict or ban the use of older, high-emission ICE cars in certain areas. As these rules and regulations tighten, EVs are becoming the only practical option for new car buyers.
EV-only Zones: Some cities have created low-emission zones or even EV-only zones where gas and diesel vehicles are not allowed to enter, further pushing consumers toward EVs.
10. The "Cool" Factor
- Innovation Appeal: There’s something futuristic and "cool" about driving an electric car. Whether it’s the sleek design, whisper-quiet operation, or high-performance acceleration (think Teslas), there's a certain tech appeal that ICE vehicles can't compete with. For people who want to feel like they’re driving the car of the future, EVs are the obvious choice.
Summary
While used ICE cars are often more affordable initially, the advantages of owning an EV—from lower operating costs, government incentives, improved technology, and environmental benefits—are hard to ignore. Many buyers are making the switch not just because EVs can sometimes be more economical in the long run, but because of the growing environmental urgency and the shift toward a more sustainable and tech-driven future.
If your budget is low, its ICE or huge compromises. If your budget is in new corolla territory thats where EVs really start to make sense.
I honestly dont know why anyone would buy a new ICE car where there is an equivalent size/shape EV available. Either buy an older ICE, or save some more and buy a new EV.
Either buy an older ICE, or save some more and buy a new EV.
Or buy a 1-3 year old EV, and let somebody else wear the early depreciation. You still get many years of warranty, most of the latest advances and features, and you can still take advantage of tax advantages like novated leases etc.
hey admins, is there a way for ozbargain to automatically block morons who just cut & paste ai slop?
Not all Chinese cars are the same.
Also Tesla is the only one with FSD getting launched soon (Australia testing going on)Really? Thwyve been promising FSD for years now and ny the look of the tests for taxis in texas, its not going well at all.
We're still a long way from that - I'd say several years from now because the legislation is lagging and the law actually doesn't allow for level 4 vehicle automation. The National Transport Commission released a consultation paper on this.
America has only just reached level 4 automation and thats with waymo instead of tesla. Not all states have adopted it though
I got a BYD, mainly cause I can semi root the system for installing apps and most importantly a custom 360* continuous recording and sentry cam. People can say it's overkill but you can never put a price on safety.
"Ok BlahBlahBlah, point to where the Prius touched you."