Best Used Chinese and Korean Electric Cars to Buy in 2025: A Mechanic’s Checklist for Battery Health, Service & Value
A Mechanic’s Checklist That Won’t Let You Down
Let’s be honest.
Used electric cars are popping up faster than potholes after a cold snap.
And in 2025?
You’ve got Chinese and Korean EVs everywhere.
Some are bargains.
Some are nightmares in disguise.
So here’s the deal.
I’ve spent 20 years covered in grease, fault-finding weird EV issues, and arguing with diagnostic software that thinks it’s clever.
This is the guide I’d give my own mum if she asked which used EV not to buy.
Grab a brew.
Here’s what you really need to know.
1. BYD Dolphin
Tiny car. Big brains. Built like a cockroach in a tux.
Why it’s a used gem:
- Blade Battery.
- LFP chemistry.
- Translation: it lasts forever and doesn’t go kaboom when you sneeze near it.
It’s got simple systems, which means no faffing around with weird sensors or tech tantrums.
What to check:
- Battery SOH (State of Health) using the car’s onboard menu or scan tools
- Rear suspension bushings – early models got wobbly quicker than they should
- Infotainment motor – the screen does gymnastics, sometimes gets stuck
Mechanic’s tip:
Snag a 2023 or 2024 model with under 30K miles.
Battery usually still holds over 95 percent juice.
Basically the electric version of a Toyota Corolla.
2. Hyundai Kona Electric
The boring one that never lets you down.
Why it’s solid:
Hyundai’s been doing this long enough to know what works.
The Kona’s got decent range, ageing better than most, and bonus points for dealer support actually being helpful.
What to eyeball:
- Charging history – too many fast charges at 100 percent? Not ideal
- Rear brakes – regen doesn’t save them from wearing out eventually
- High-voltage warnings – use an OBD2 scanner, or sweet-talk your mechanic
Mechanic’s tip:
Ask for the EV battery certificate.
Hyundai gives them out with pre-owned models now.
You’ll thank yourself later.
3. MG4 EV
Spicy little hatch with more features than your nan’s remote control.
Why it’s interesting:
MG4 comes in hot with rear wheel drive, punchy looks, and all the gadgets.
It’s cheap.
It’s quick.
But it’s a bit… unpredictable.
What to watch:
- Door seals – early trims let more water in than your dodgy tent at Glasto
- Infotainment lag – some updates fix it, others make it worse
- Battery type – check if it’s LFP. If so, it should still hold 90 percent+
Mechanic’s tip:
Don’t skip the underbody inspection.
Some came out the factory with underseal about as thick as cling film.
4. Kia Soul EV (Gen 2)
It’s a box. But it’s a reliable box.
Why it deserves more love:
It shares guts with the Kona, but stands taller.
Easy to work on.
Weirdly satisfying to drive.
What to poke at:
- Cabin wear – steering wheel and armrests go shiny fast
- Charge port cover – hinge snaps like it’s made of crisps
- Battery recall work – double check the service history
Mechanic’s tip:
Loads of these were dealer-serviced.
Find one with a thick folder of receipts and you’re laughing.
5. Zeekr 001
Luxury fleet beast that’s finally cheap enough to touch.
Why it’s tasty:
Built on the same platform as Volvo and Polestar.
Drives like a spaceship.
Quiet, fast, and comfy.
And now?
Fleet units across Europe are being offloaded at silly prices.
What to check with both eyes open:
- Battery coolant system – must be clean, not bubbly like a jacuzzi
- Air suspension – if it sinks overnight, your wallet might too
- Software logs – old firmware can make the tech buggy
Mechanic’s tip:
Ask for a full diagnostic readout.
Especially if it came from a fleet.
Fleet cars look pretty, but they’ve seen things.
🔧 Mechanic’s Checklist – Don’t Buy Without Checking These
| Area | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Battery Health | SOH, charging patterns, cell temps |
| Tires & Brakes | Uneven wear, regen impact, pad thickness |
| Suspension | Bushings, mounts, rear-end knocks |
| Infotainment | Software version, touch lag, frozen apps |
| Charge Port | Hinge damage, pin condition, overheating marks |
| Service History | Battery coolant swaps, BMS resets, warranty notes |
Bonus Tip:
Get tools like EVNotify, Torque Pro, or the brand’s own diagnostics app.
You’ll see hidden data that could save you a grand or three.
⚖️ Quick Look: Best Used EVs Under $30K (2025)
| Model | Price Range | Real-World Range | Battery | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Dolphin | $18K–$23K | ~220 miles | LFP Blade | Urban runs and low cost |
| Hyundai Kona | $22K–$28K | ~240 miles | NMC | Solid all-rounder |
| MG4 EV | $21K–$26K | ~230 miles | LFP/NMC | Style and spec on a budget |
| Kia Soul EV | $17K–$22K | ~210 miles | NMC | Space + reliability |
| Zeekr 001 | $29K–$34K | ~300 miles | CATL Ternary | Luxury without the pain |
✅ Final Verdict from Your Friendly Neighbourhood Mechanic
Buying used doesn’t mean buying trouble.
If you pick the right one?
You’re laughing.
BYD Dolphin’s battery will outlast your patience.
Kona’s boring but brilliant.
MG4 gives you toys, just check under the hood.
Kia Soul is underrated.
Zeekr 001 is what you buy when you want luxury but still check your bank balance.
Just do your checks.
Scan the codes.
Look under the car.
And if something smells like dodgy curry? Walk away.
Used EVs in 2025 are finally worth the hunt.
Happy motoring.
