BUY MY LEASED CHEVY BOLT OR A USED TESLA MODEL 3 INSTEAD

EV Channels Review

This episode of Battery Bargains tackles two distinct EV purchase scenarios. The first involves a viewer considering a used 2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range versus a new 2023 model. The consensus leans towards the 2020 model, emphasizing significant cost savings with minimal perceived loss in features or build quality, despite acknowledging potential minor improvements in the newer version like Hardware 4 and mega castings. The second, more complex case, focuses on a college student needing an affordable EV (under $17k USD) with reliability as a priority. While the Hyundai Kona Electric and Chevy Bolt are preferred, they are currently out of budget. The hosts suggest exploring used Hyundai Ioniq (first-gen) as a viable, budget-friendly option, while also debating the merits of the BMW i3 (post-2017) for its driving dynamics and reliability, despite potential repair cost concerns. Finally, a viewer with a leased 2023 Chevy Bolt EV is advised to buy out the lease and immediately flip it to fund a used Tesla Model 3, highlighting the Bolt's current market value and the Model 3's superior performance and desirability.