Buying a used EV is different from buying a used petrol or diesel. The engine is simpler, the running costs are lower, but the battery, worth 30–50% of the car's value, is invisible. Without the right checks, you're spending thousands on faith.
Before the Viewing
1. Run a Free DVLA Check
Enter the reg at pontypridddiagnostics.co.uk/reg-check for instant make, model, fuel type, MOT status, and tax status. Free, no sign-up.
2. Check MOT History and Mileage
The MOT history shows every test result, advisory, and recorded mileage. Look for consistent mileage increases, a sudden drop suggests a clocks issue.
3. Run a Vehicle History Check (£6)
Reveals outstanding finance, write-off status, stolen markers, and plate transfers. PAD offers vehicle history checks for £6 via the reg check page.
4. Check Aviloo Coverage
Confirm the vehicle is supported at pontypridddiagnostics.co.uk/ev-coverage-check, over 500 EV and 73+ PHEV variants.
At the Viewing
5. Cold Start Check
Arrive before the seller starts the car. A cold start reveals the true resting state of charge and any warning lights that disappear once warm.
6. Check the Charging Port and Cable
Inspect Type 2 and CCS ports for damage or corrosion. A missing cable is £200–£400 to replace.
7. Inspect the Underside
EVs sit low, kerb damage and speed bump scrapes on the battery tray are common. A torch and 60 seconds under the car can reveal impact damage.
8. Test the Range Estimate
Compare the dashboard range at a known charge level to the manufacturer's WLTP figure. A big discrepancy is a red flag, but not proof. Only an independent test gives you proof.
The Critical Checks
9. Check the 12V Battery
Every EV has a small 12V battery that powers lights, locks, and computers. They fail more often in EVs because there's no alternator. A professional load test (included in every PAD check) takes 5 minutes.
10. Get an Independent Battery Health Certificate
This is the check that separates informed buyers from hopeful ones. An Aviloo test gives you a precise SOH percentage from professional equipment, not the car's own estimate. £95 through PAD, certificate emailed on site.
11. Read the OBD Fault Codes
A full scan reveals stored and clearedfault codes, warnings the seller may have reset before the viewing. The code history is still in the system.
12. Get Everything in Writing
Before you transfer money, you should have: Aviloo certificate, OBD report, history check, MOT history, and your viewing notes. Transfer money only after reviewing all results.
Full PAD pre-purchase EV check with Aviloo: £95. History check add-on: £6. Total: £101.
Average used EV: £12,000–£18,000. Undetected battery at 75% SOH vs 90%: £1,500–£3,000 hidden value loss.