The Future of Used EVs | The AutoGuide Show Ep. 111

Thousands of new EVs are sold every year, but what happens to the used ones? EVs have been commonplace for more than a decade, and you can get a good deal on an older one. Is that a good idea? Host Greg Migliore interviews catch up with analyst Stephanie Valdez Streaty of Cox Automotive to break it down.

Then Mike Schlee joins for his latest gear test, the Thinkware Q200 Dash Cam.

In the AutoGuide Garage, Greg drove the Nissan Qashqai to preview Nissan’s new hybrid technology and Mike reviews the Subaru Uncharted and Trailseeker EVs.

We close things out with the mailbag, where we ponder the future of Lincoln as an off-road brand.

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SHOW NOTES

• Introduction to Used EVs (00:08)
• The rise of EVs and getting a good deal on an older one.
• Guests and Segments Preview (00:20)
• Interview with Stephanie Valdez Streaty of Cox Automotive about used EV pricing.
• Mike Schlay's gear test of the Thinkware Q200 dash cam.
• Auto Guide Garage: Driving the Nissan Qashqai and reviewing the Subaru Uncharted and Trail Seeker EVs.
• Mailbag: Pondering the future of Lincoln as an off-road brand.
• Sponsor Message: eBay (00:52)
• Used EV Market Discussion with Stephanie Valdez Strey (01:31)
• Overview of used EV pricing, sharing only a small market share (about 2% in 2025) but showing significant growth.
• Average price of a used EV ($35,000) is about $1,700 less than a used gas vehicle, approaching price parity.
• Predictions for 2026, including price stabilization and off-lease vehicles entering the market.
• Discussion of used EV affordability and value proposition, noting approximately 40% of used EVs sold in 2025 were under $25,000.
• Advice for used EV buyers, focusing on battery health and warranty awareness (only 29% of survey respondents were aware of the battery warranty).
• Addressing consumer concerns about fire risk (EV fires are not more common than ICE vehicle fires) and charging availability.
• Discussing state and utility incentives to stack on top of good used EV prices.
• Charging advice, emphasizing the value of home charging and knowing local charging availability (Level 2 or fast charging).
• Discussion on buying a used Tesla, citing confidence in their charging network and access to good software and infrastructure.
• Advice for confused EV shoppers: check online resources like Kelly Blue Book, visit local dealerships, and look for vehicles with a battery health score.
• Break/Sponsor Message: eBay (07:17)
• Gear Test: Thinkware Q200 Dash Cam with Mike Schlay (21:21)
• Review of the Thinkware Q200 combo, including the front-facing and accessory rear cameras.
• The system is hardwired to ensure a constant connection.
• It offers good image quality and an intuitive app for downloading forward-facing, rear-facing, or split-screen images.
• The safety features (lane departure, crash alerts) were found to be too sensitive.
• The camera records on a loop in short clips (minute or couple-minute length), which can make finding a specific moment difficult.
• The unit has a separate, more powerful USB GPS module.
• Auto Guide Garage: First Drives (25:25)
• Subaru Uncharted and Trail Seeker EV Review (25:45)
• These are the next two entries in Subaru's all-electric SUV family after the Solterra (Forester-sized).
• The Uncharted is Crosstrek-sized, with an SUV coupe look, less practical space, and 338 horsepower in the all-wheel-drive version.
• The Trail Seeker is Outback-sized, with a wagon look, 375 horsepower, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds (the quickest Subaru ever sold).
• The Trail Seeker's US pricing is nearly identical to the gas Outback, making it a compelling electric option.
• Nissan Qashqai (e-Power Hybrid) Drive (38:21)
• This is a preview of the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid's e-Power system, which is a series hybrid/extended-range electric vehicle.
• The gas engine powers a generator but does not directly drive the wheels.
• The European-spec Qashqai has a 1.5L 3-cylinder engine, generating 202 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque.
• This is considered a smart move for Nissan's best-selling model, the Rogue, appealing to EV-hesitant consumers.
• Mailbag: Lincoln Bronco Variant (45:25)
• Discussion on the rumored Lincoln version of the Ford Bronco.
• One perspective suggests it could work if it targets luxury off-roaders like the Lexus GX or Land Rover Defender.
• The other perspective notes Ford's corporate focus on off-roading, making a luxury variant likely, although difficult to execute authentically.
• Outro and Final Sponsor Message: eBay (51:16)