July 2026 Poll of the Month
My backup 2017 BMW i3-REx was going to be a loaner but became a $9,000 sale after my brother drove it for 15 seconds. I like to have two EVs: (1) backup for the other, and; (2) alternate daylight charging.
So I’m looking for an out of warranty traction battery, Model 3 to backup my 182,000 mi, 2019 Model 3. Found one two weeks ago but the seller and I could not come to terms.
I had offered $13,500 when he was asking for $13,950. Later I learned he sold it for $13,250.
Bob Wilson
So I’m looking for an out of warranty traction battery, Model 3 to backup my 182,000 mi, 2019 Model 3. Found one two weeks ago but the seller and I could not come to terms.
I had offered $13,500 when he was asking for $13,950. Later I learned he sold it for $13,250.
Bob Wilson
KellyTheK
Member
We’re moving sometime this year, and since we live on an island, we’ll leave our 2020 Mini Cooper SE behind. It’s extremely expensive to ship and its very short range doesn’t make sense for where we’re moving. The Mini SE is one of the most fun cars for driving on a small island with winding mountain roads… and a house with solar roof panels feeding 3 Tesla PowerWalls certainly helps.
So I’ve been combing the used EV market to get an idea of what to buy once we land back on the US mainland. After my initial euphoria over how cheap the Taycan Cross Turismo seems (in relation to its original cost), I came back down to earth when looking at ownership expense and its software (among other) issues. Then the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N came into view and it seemed perfect—paddle shifters FTW! Yet it isn’t really perfect. Its lesser sibling, the Ioniq 5 Limited AWD in the 2026 trim, checked more boxes and is looking like an excellent fit for me. I’m hoping by near the end of this year we’ll be seeing some used 2026 loaners/press cars/corporate cars hitting the lots.
So I’ve been combing the used EV market to get an idea of what to buy once we land back on the US mainland. After my initial euphoria over how cheap the Taycan Cross Turismo seems (in relation to its original cost), I came back down to earth when looking at ownership expense and its software (among other) issues. Then the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N came into view and it seemed perfect—paddle shifters FTW! Yet it isn’t really perfect. Its lesser sibling, the Ioniq 5 Limited AWD in the 2026 trim, checked more boxes and is looking like an excellent fit for me. I’m hoping by near the end of this year we’ll be seeing some used 2026 loaners/press cars/corporate cars hitting the lots.
The MINI SE is fun everywhere except in bumper-to-bumper traffic (where it still does fine), but if its range won't work in your new location be sure to get a good entertainment system for the hours you'll be spending on the road. My condolences for your loss.
KellyTheK
Member
I appreciate your empathy, however I won’t have a commute in my new location. Retirement has its perks. Having spent most of my life in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego, I’ve definitely faced my share of traffic. So I understand what you’re saying. Believe me though, the difference in frustration/stress level between driving an EV or a six-speed-manual BMW sedan in traffic is night and day. Perspective.
As beautiful and awe inspiring as living on a Caribbean island is, there are certainly downsides to a place that’s basically 3rd-world-esque. One notable point is how bad the roads are here. Frequent potholes and rough surfaces are way of life… as is lack of lane discipline by oncoming drivers. There’s a section on one of the well-traveled narrow, curving roads here where the mountainside fell away and brought half of that lane’s tarmac with it. It’s been ignored and left in that state for almost 3 years now.
The takeaway for the Mini though, is that despite the terrible roads and how hard I’ve driven it here, the car has nary a rattle. It seems to thrive in the rally-roads environment.