A HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 used for trips around Hornchurch, Upminster and Brentwood can offer more than a lower price than a new EV. Its roomy cabin, rapid-charging capability and potential running-cost savings make it worth a look. But the best-value car is not necessarily the cheapest one advertised: it is the one that fits your charging routine, budget and insurance costs. Here is how to work that out before you buy.
Buying used means someone else has absorbed the car’s initial depreciation. That can put an Ioniq 5 with useful equipment within reach for less than the cost of buying a new example. Prices vary substantially with age, mileage, battery size, specification and condition, so compare like-for-like cars rather than relying on a headline saving.
For a driver replacing a petrol or diesel car, value also depends on the journeys ahead. If most of your mileage is between Romford, Brentwood and home, charging arrangements may matter more than maximum published range. If you regularly head beyond the M25 at Junction 29, motorway efficiency and charging stops deserve closer attention.
The Ioniq 5 supports rapid DC charging, but the fastest advertised charging times depend on suitable equipment, battery temperature and the car’s state of charge. You should not budget as though every public charger will deliver the maximum rate.
Ask for the exact battery specification of any car you shortlist. Different Ioniq 5 versions have different official ranges, and real-world range will vary with speed, temperature, tyres and driving style.
Check the car’s service record, recalls and software updates, and ask what battery-health information is available. Confirm the remaining manufacturer warranty against the vehicle’s first registration date and the applicable terms; do not assume every used example has the same cover. A clear history may be worth more to you than a small saving on the asking price.
Tyres can be a significant replacement expense on a large EV. Check their condition and specification, along with the brakes, charging port and supplied cables. Then try the features you will use: parking cameras, phone connectivity, climate controls and driver-assistance settings can differ between versions.
The Ioniq 5’s cabin is a strong reason to consider it, but test your own routine rather than assuming it fits. Take the pushchair, work bags or sports kit you normally carry. If your week involves a station drop-off in Shenfield and a shopping run to Romford or Lakeside, a familiar test route will tell you more than a specification sheet.
Get an insurance quote for the exact registration before committing. EV premiums vary by driver, location and vehicle, and a lower purchase price does not guarantee cheap cover. If you are using finance, compare the total amount payable as well as the monthly instalment, including the deposit, APR and any final payment or fees.
Check Vehicle Excise Duty for the specific car on GOV.UK. EV tax rules have changed, and some vehicles may also be subject to the expensive car supplement, depending on their original list price and registration details. An Ioniq 5 produces no tailpipe emissions and is not subject to the ULEZ daily charge under current rules, which is useful for Havering drivers heading further into London. Check the vehicle’s status with TfL before purchase.
Finally, compare your likely electricity spend with the petrol or diesel you would otherwise buy. A driver charging mainly at home may reach a different conclusion from someone relying on rapid public chargers. London Motor Company can help you compare an Ioniq 5 with other cars in stock, including the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage, if you are still deciding whether an EV suits your routine.
A HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 used car is best judged from the driver’s seat. On your test drive, check visibility, ride comfort and how easy it feels to park. Try the regenerative-braking settings and make sure you are comfortable with the controls. Before agreeing to buy, confirm the vehicle’s charging specification, service history and what comes with it in writing.
If you live in Hornchurch, Cranham or Hutton, London Motor Company is at White Post Farm, Ockendon Road, Upminster, RM14 3PP. Browse LMC Cars’ current Ioniq 5 availability, check the details of the individual vehicle, and arrange a viewing. The right used Ioniq 5 should make sense for both your weekly journeys and your total budget.
Browse our full range of quality used cars, or talk to our friendly team.