Rising gas prices have had some consumers giving EVs a closer look in recent months, and the used market has never looked more attractive. There are some great deals to be had, especially as more EVs come off leases and arrive on dealer lots. There’s some clear winners when it comes to affordability, range, practicality, and features. Tesla and Hyundai Motor Group are some of the more notable manufacturers, but in my own search for an EV, one German model in particular managed to stand out.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a bargain
EVs face a steep decline in value when they transition from new to used. As a result, they’re often much more affordable for the average consumer. Used examples of the Volkswagen ID.4 aren’t just affordable, though. They can be had for near-dirt cheap, especially when compared to more popular models.
John Beltz Snyder
The Volkswagen ID.4 has often been considered overpriced compared to what it brought to the market. The base 2023 model, with a 209-mile range, started at $37,495, while the mid-range Pro S was priced from $47,495. The top-spec model with all-wheel drive rang in at a rather steep $53,745. Notably, the 2023 model was eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit that ended last year. That discount, whether priced in or not, has had a dramatic effect on the EV’s value on the used market.
According to Kelley Blue Book, in my region, the fair purchase price of a 2023 ID.4 ranges from $19,700 to $24,300, with all but the top model sitting pretty at under $23,000. For true budget-conscious drivers, the 2021 ID.4, the model’s first year on the market, can be had for under $20,000. For comparison, a 2023 Tesla Model Y ranges from $32,600 to $34,200, while the 2021 model sees its fair purchase price drop to $25,700 to $29,100.
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offers a closer comparison, with a fair purchase price ranging from $24,200 to $32,100. While not as well equipped and smaller than the ID.4, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is arguably one of the closest comparisons in price, ranging from $18,850 to $22,100.
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The ID.4 prioritizes practicality
Ignoring the new vehicle price, the Volkswagen ID.4 prioritizes practicality over class-leading specifications. With seating up to five passengers and a spacious cabin, it’s a solid model for families. A faulty infotainment system and touch controls have been a sticking point for some consumers, but newer models, namely 2024 and onward, seem to have addressed some of those complaints.
Except for the entry-level Standard model, all 2023 ID.4 models came equipped with an 82-kWh battery that offered up to 275 miles of range when paired with rear-wheel drive. Opting for all-wheel drive reduced the total range to 255 miles. While RWD models get a single motor that generates 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, dual-motor AWD increases performance to 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The 2023 ID.4 can tow up to 2,700 lbs. when properly equipped. The all-electric crossover charges from 10% to 80% in around 36 minutes.
For the 2023 model year, all VW ID.4 models got upgraded to a 12-inch touchscreen display. For better or worse, touch controls take the place of physical buttons and switches. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across the range, as does Volkswagen’s suite of advanced safety systems. As for comfort, all models come with heated seats, and higher trims get a suite of upscale amenities, like front massage seats, as well.
John Beltz Snyder
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I bought a 2023 VW ID.4 Pro S AWD
I’ve been on the fence about buying an EV for a while now. Even when gas prices were lower, it would have saved us money on fuel costs, and rising prices only further cemented that factor. In our search, we were looking for a three-year-old crossover with sufficient range and all-wheel drive. Since it would be a daily driver, a mid-range model with a handful of comfort features would suffice.
Naturally, I looked into the models that first caught my eye, namely the Tesla Model 3 and Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Unfortunately, I quickly found that the Tesla duo were on the higher end of our budget, and the Ioniq 5’s potential ICCU issue seemed to be too prevalent for it to be a reliable daily driver. The Mustang Mach-E Premium would fit our needs, but it landed on the upper end of our budget as well.
After that, I expanded my search and ultimately landed on a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD that had come off lease about a month prior. The ID.4 lands in the middle of the segment in nearly every metric. The all-wheel-drive model we ended up buying has a 255-mile range, 295 horsepower, and 339 lb-ft of torque, making it plenty practical for our needs. As for price, save for one or two outliers, every 2023 ID.4 Pro S in a 100-mile radius was priced under $24,000, with a couple high-mileage models listed at under $20,000.
Joseph Pudlewski
I’m not trying to sell you on an ID.4, because there are better all-electric crossovers out there. Rather, I’d encourage anyone searching for an affordable EV to give the VW ID.4 a closer look. At its used price point, the German EV offers a solid combination of range, comfort, and practicality. Despite the criticism surrounding the infotainment system and touch controls, they haven’t bothered us much at all. That said, the ID.4 is no stranger to recalls, and while our particular vehicle hasn’t been affected, it’s worth keeping recall potential in mind when looking at used EVs in general.
Final thoughts
VW
Overall, the Volkswagen ID.4 is a solid contender for the best value EV on the used market thanks to its combination of substantial depreciation, sufficient range, and spacious interior. Notably, the fact that the ID.4 doesn’t lead in any category benefits the electric crossover. Other EVs may be quicker, offer a longer driving range, or charge faster on road trips, but that comes at a premium, even in used models. Put simply, I found that the used Volkswagen ID.4 proved to be a well-rounded EV at a price that undercuts most competitors.
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About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog