Kia Electric Car Used for Sale Top Picks and Best Deals

Discover the best deals on used Kia electric cars for sale, offering exceptional value, reliability, and eco-friendly performance. From the versatile Kia Niro EV to the stylish Kia EV6, these pre-owned models deliver advanced tech, long battery life, and low ownership costs. Shop smart and save thousands with our top picks for 2023—certified, inspected, and priced to sell fast.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritize certified pre-owned: Ensures warranty and rigorous inspection for reliability.
• Compare battery health: Check degradation reports to avoid costly replacements.
• Test drive thoroughly: Evaluate performance, noise, and charging functionality firsthand.
• Verify tax incentives: Confirm eligibility for used EV rebates or credits.
• Research local inventory: Find best deals by exploring nearby dealerships online.
• Review service history: Look for consistent maintenance to prevent hidden issues.

Why Buy a Used Kia Electric Car?

So, you’re thinking about going electric—great choice! And if you’re eyeing a Kia electric car used for sale, you’re already on the right track. Kia has made some serious waves in the EV world with stylish, tech-savvy, and surprisingly affordable models. But here’s the thing: buying a used electric car can feel a bit like walking a tightrope. You want the savings, but you also don’t want to end up with a lemon (or worse, a battery that’s already on its last legs).

I remember when my cousin, Sarah, was hunting for her first EV. She loved the idea of the Kia Niro EV but was terrified of buying used. “What if the battery dies in two years?” she asked. “What if I get scammed?” Fair questions. But after some research and a few test drives, she landed a 2020 Niro EV with 20,000 miles—and she’s been thrilled. Her story isn’t unique. More people are discovering that a Kia electric car used for sale can be a smart, cost-effective way to join the electric revolution without breaking the bank.

Top Kia Electric Models to Consider (Used)

Not all Kia EVs are created equal—especially when buying used. Some models have proven more reliable, better retained their value, and offer stronger battery life than others. Let’s break down the top used Kia electric cars worth your attention.

Kia Niro EV (2019–2022)

The Niro EV is the OG Kia electric SUV, and it’s still one of the best used options out there. With a 239-mile EPA range (on 2020–2022 models), it’s perfect for daily commutes and weekend road trips. The cabin is roomy, the ride is smooth, and Kia’s UVO infotainment system is intuitive.

One thing I love about the Niro EV? It doesn’t scream “I’m electric.” It looks like a regular crossover, which is great if you prefer subtlety. Plus, early models (2019–2020) often come with DC fast charging, a rare find in this price range. Just watch out for the 2019 model’s slightly lower range (150 miles on older trims)—stick to 2020 and newer if possible.

Pro tip: Check if the car has the optional 10.25-inch touchscreen. It’s worth the upgrade for navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Kia EV6 (2022–2023)

The EV6 is Kia’s game-changer—a sleek, futuristic crossover built on Hyundai-Kia’s E-GMP platform. With up to 310 miles of range (on the Long Range RWD trim) and 800V ultra-fast charging, it’s a beast. Used EV6s are still relatively new (most are 2022–2023 models), but prices have dropped significantly from MSRP, making them a steal.

What stands out? The interior feels premium, with a curved dual-screen setup and a minimalist design. The GT-Line and Wind trims add sporty touches, but even the base Light trim is well-equipped. Just remember: higher trims (like GT-Line AWD) use more power, so range dips to around 274 miles.

Watch for: Battery degradation. While rare in newer models, always ask for the car’s battery health report (more on that later).

Kia Soul EV (2015–2019)

The Soul EV is the quirky, boxy cousin in the lineup. It’s not the most practical (limited cargo space), but it’s fun, affordable, and great for city driving. The 2015–2017 models had a 93-mile range—okay for short commutes—but the 2018–2019 “Soul EV+” bumped that to 111 miles. Not stellar, but enough for most urban drivers.

Why consider it? Used Soul EVs can be found for under $15,000, making them the cheapest entry point into Kia’s electric family. Plus, their compact size makes parking and maneuvering a breeze. Just don’t plan on cross-country road trips.

Fun fact: The Soul EV was Kia’s first mass-produced electric car in the U.S.—so you’re getting a piece of history!

Kia e-Niro (Global Model, Limited U.S. Availability)

Okay, this one’s tricky. The e-Niro (sold as the Niro EV in the U.S.) is a global bestseller, but older models (pre-2019) were never officially sold here. However, some enterprising importers have brought them in—often with better specs than early U.S. models. For example, the 2018 e-Niro had a 280-mile range in Europe (thanks to a larger battery), while the 2019 U.S. Niro EV started at 239 miles.

If you find one, check its import status, warranty, and compatibility with U.S. charging networks. It’s a gamble, but could pay off if the price is right.

How to Evaluate a Used Kia Electric Car’s Battery Health

Here’s the million-dollar question: How do you know if a used EV’s battery is still good? Unlike a gas engine, you can’t just pop the hood and listen to it purr. But don’t worry—there are clear signs to look for.

Check the Battery Health Report

Most modern Kia EVs (especially 2020 and newer) come with a built-in battery health monitoring system. Ask the seller for a Kia UVO or MyKia app login—or better yet, take the car to a Kia dealership for a free battery health check. The report will show:

• State of Health (SOH): A percentage of the battery’s original capacity. 90% or higher? Great. Below 80%? Walk away.
• Charge cycles: How many times the battery has been charged. Fewer cycles = better longevity.
• Error codes: Any past battery or charging system issues.

My friend Mark once skipped this step on a “great deal” EV6. Two weeks later, the battery died mid-commute. The dealership found a hidden error code—the battery had been overcharged during a previous owner’s road trip. Ouch.

Test Drive for Real-World Range

Don’t just rely on EPA ratings. Take the car for a spin—ideally in mixed conditions (city + highway). Use the energy consumption screen to track kWh/mile. Compare it to the original specs:

• Niro EV: ~30 kWh/100 miles
• EV6: ~28 kWh/100 miles (RWD), ~34 kWh/100 miles (AWD)

If the car uses 10–15% more energy than expected, the battery might be degrading. Also, watch for sudden range drops when using climate control—this is normal, but excessive loss (e.g., 50+ miles) could signal a problem.

Ask About Charging Habits

How the previous owner charged the car matters. Batteries last longer when:

• They’re charged to 80% daily (not 100%)
• Fast charging is used sparingly (DC fast charging degrades batteries faster)
• The car wasn’t left fully charged or fully drained for long periods

Ask the seller: “Did you use fast charging often?” or “Do you have a home charger?” A Level 2 charger (240V) is a good sign—it means they cared about battery health.

Where to Find the Best Deals on Used Kia EVs

Finding a Kia electric car used for sale isn’t as simple as scrolling Craigslist. You need to know where to look—and how to avoid scams.

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Programs

Kia’s CPO program is your best friend. Benefits include:

• 125-point inspection (including battery health)
• 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (transfers to you)
• 7-year/100,000-mile limited warranty (for EVs)
• Free 24/7 roadside assistance

CPO EVs cost more than private sales, but the peace of mind is worth it. I’ve seen CPO 2021 Niro EVs for $24,000—a $5,000 savings over new, with full warranty coverage.

Online Marketplaces (With Caution)

Websites like CarGurus, Autotrader, and CarMax let you filter by EV type, price, and location. But watch out for:

• “Too good to be true” prices: If a 2022 EV6 is listed for $20,000, it’s likely a scam.
• VIN checks: Use Carfax or AutoCheck to verify accident history, service records, and battery recalls.
• “No battery health report” red flags: Sellers who refuse to provide one are hiding something.

EV-Focused Dealerships

Some dealers specialize in used EVs (e.g., CarMax, Shift, DriveTime). They often have in-house EV technicians and offer warranties. CarMax, for example, lets you return the car within 7 days if you’re unhappy.

Private Sellers (Pros and Cons)

Private sales can save you money, but they’re riskier. Tips:

• Meet in a public place (police station parking lots are ideal)
• Bring a friend and a portable battery checker (like the OBDeleven or Scan My Tesla app)
• Get a third-party pre-purchase inspection (~$150 at a local mechanic)

Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Pay (And Save)

Let’s talk numbers. A used Kia EV isn’t just cheaper upfront—it saves you money long-term too. Here’s a real-world example:

Model	Avg. Used Price (2024)	New MSRP	Upfront Savings	Annual Fuel/Maintenance Savings*	5-Year Total Savings
2021 Niro EV (EX)	$22,500	$39,090	$16,590	$1,400	$23,590
2022 EV6 (Light RWD)	$28,000	$42,695	$14,695	$1,500	$22,195
2019 Soul EV+	$14,000	$33,950	$19,950	$1,300	$26,450

*Based on 12,000 miles/year, $3.50/gallon gas, $0.14/kWh electricity, and average maintenance costs.

Notice something? Even though the Soul EV has the shortest range, it saves the most money—thanks to its rock-bottom used price. Meanwhile, the EV6 offers premium features at a fraction of the new cost.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

• Home charger installation: $500–$1,200 (unless the seller includes it)
• Insurance: EVs often cost 10–20% more to insure
• Software updates: Some older Kia EVs need dealer visits for updates (free under warranty)

Expert Tips for Negotiating the Best Deal

Negotiating on a used EV isn’t like haggling over a used Civic. You need a strategy.

Use Battery Health as Leverage

Found a car with 85% battery health? Use that to your advantage. Say: “I’d love to buy this, but the battery is already 15% degraded. Can you lower the price by $1,000 to account for future replacement costs?”

Ask for Charging Perks

Many sellers have home chargers they don’t need. Ask: “Would you include the Level 2 charger?” or “Can you throw in a portable charger?” These can save you hundreds.

Time Your Purchase

Dealers and private sellers are more willing to negotiate:

• End of the month: They need to hit sales quotas
• After holidays: Fewer buyers = more flexibility
• When new models arrive: Dealers want to clear inventory

I bought my 2020 Niro EV in January—right after the 2021 models hit lots. The dealer knocked $1,200 off to make room.

Walk Away (Seriously)

If the seller won’t budge, don’t be afraid to walk. There are always more EVs out there. I once passed on a “perfect” EV6 because the seller refused to budge on price. Two weeks later, I found another—same model, better condition, and $800 cheaper.

Final Thoughts: Is a Used Kia EV Right for You?

Let’s be real: a Kia electric car used for sale isn’t for everyone. If you need 400+ miles of range or love the latest tech, a new EV might be better. But if you want:

• Big savings upfront
• Proven reliability (Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty transfers to you)
• Lower depreciation (used EVs lose value slower than new ones)

Then a used Kia EV is a fantastic choice. Just remember the golden rules: check the battery, buy from a reputable source, and negotiate like a pro.

My cousin Sarah still drives her Niro EV daily—three years later, the battery’s at 92% health, and she’s saved over $8,000 in fuel and maintenance. Not bad for a “risky” used car, right? So take a deep breath, do your research, and happy hunting. The perfect used Kia EV is out there—and it might just be the smartest purchase you make all year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best deals on a Kia electric car used for sale?

You can find great deals on certified pre-owned Kia electric cars through dealerships, online marketplaces like CarGurus or Autotrader, and Kia’s official CPO program. Always compare prices and check for remaining warranty coverage.

What are the top used Kia electric car models to consider?

The Kia Niro EV and Kia EV6 are top picks for used electric models, offering strong range, modern tech, and reliability. The Soul EV is another budget-friendly option for city driving.

Is it worth buying a used Kia electric car?

Yes, if you find a well-maintained model with low mileage and a solid battery health report. Used Kia EVs offer significant savings over new models while retaining key features and efficiency.

How do I check the battery life of a used Kia electric car for sale?

Request a battery health report or use diagnostic tools like Kia’s UVO app to check the state of health (SOH). A reputable dealer should provide battery degradation data upfront.

Do used Kia electric cars still qualify for tax credits?

As of 2023, used EVs may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $4,000 if purchased through a dealership and meet income/resale criteria. Check the IRS guidelines for eligibility.

What should I look for when test-driving a Kia electric car used for sale?

Test acceleration, regenerative braking, and charging port functionality. Also, verify infotainment and driver-assist features work properly, and ask about the vehicle’s charging history.