Six Used EVs Under £6,000 That Are Worth Considering

The used electric car market has changed rapidly, with growing choice and falling prices making electric motoring more accessible than ever. For many households, an affordable used EV is now more than capable of handling daily commuting, school runs and weekly shopping trips, all while keeping running costs impressively low.

The BMW i3 was one of the cars that helped redefine both BMW's future and the wider electric car market. Its lightweight carbon-fibre construction and distinctive design made it unlike anything else on sale, while its compact battery delivered around 100 miles of real-world range when new - likely a little less on many examples today.

However, the i3 has a unique advantage. Buyers can opt for the clever Range Extender (REx) version, which uses a 647CC two-cylinder petrol engine purely as a generator to recharge the battery, never directly driving the wheels. It remains one of the most efficient range-extending systems fitted to an EV.

Around £6,000 is enough to buy a 2015 example with approximately 65,000 miles. (Image credits: BMW Press)

The Hyundai Ioniq Electric has quietly earned a reputation as one of the smartest used EV buys on the market. Its aerodynamic, Prius-like shape divided opinion when it first arrived almost a decade ago, but that slippery design helps maximise efficiency. The 38.3kWh version offered up to 193 miles of WLTP range when new, although many examples will now achieve slightly less depending on battery condition and the weather.

Hyundai's strong reputation for build quality also makes the Ioniq an appealing long-term ownership prospect. A budget of around £6,000 is enough to secure a 2020 model, typically with just over 100,000 miles on the clock. (Image credits: Hyundai Media)

The MG ZS EV was one of the first electric SUVs to prove that family-friendly EVs didn't have to come with a premium price tag. Offering up to 163 miles of WLTP range when new, it should still comfortably cope with most people's daily driving needs.

While it may not be the most exciting EV to drive, its SUV body provides more practicality than many other electric cars available at this price point, with generous passenger space and a useful boot.

As values continue to fall, the ZS EV is becoming an increasingly attractive used buy. Around £6,000 is enough to secure a 2020 example, typically with between 90,000 and 120,000 miles on the clock. (Image credits: MG Motor UK)

The Nissan Leaf was the car that brought electric motoring to the masses, becoming one of the world's first truly practical family EVs. This later 62kWh version remains one of the strongest used buys, offering up to 239 miles of WLTP range when new - the longest of the six cars featured here.

Nissan's reputation for reliability and the Leaf's spacious five-door hatchback layout make it an excellent everyday family car.

Buyers looking to maximise value can also find lower-mileage examples of the smaller battery model within the same budget. Around £6,000 is enough to secure a 2020 Leaf with the larger 62kWh battery, typically showing between 100,000 and 130,000 miles. (Image credits: Nissan newsroom)

The Peugeot e-208 combines distinctive French styling with an impressive blend of efficiency and everyday usability. While its compact size may not suit larger families, it is perfectly at home in towns and cities, yet still capable of longer journeys thanks to its 50kWh battery, which offered up to 219 miles of WLTP range when new.

Inside, the e-208 features one of the most stylish interiors in its class, helping it feel more premium than many rivals. Buyers also benefit from a model range that includes petrol, diesel and mild-hybrid versions, making ownership familiar for many Peugeot customers.

A budget of around £6,000 is enough to secure an early 2021 e-208, typically with between 80,000 and 120,000 miles on the clock. (Image credits: Peugeot Media)

Another French contender completes our list, and the Renault Zoe remains one of the most sensible used electric cars available. The later 52kWh version offered up to 238 miles of WLTP range when new—just one mile shy of the larger-battery Nissan Leaf - making it more than capable of handling everyday commuting as well as longer journeys.

One important point to check is whether the battery is owned rather than leased. Most examples on the market now include the battery as part of the sale, but it's still worth confirming before buying.

With its compact dimensions, low running costs and proven electric drivetrain, the Zoe continues to represent excellent value. Around £6,000 should secure a 2020 example with fewer than 100,000 miles on the clock. (Image credits: Renault Media)

As used EV prices continue to fall, buyers have more choice than ever before, proving that electric motoring no longer has to come with a premium price tag. Whether you're looking for a compact city car, a practical family hatchback or an affordable SUV, there is now a used EV to suit almost every lifestyle.

For many households, one of these six cars could comfortably replace a petrol or diesel model while significantly reducing day-to-day running costs.

(Hero image: The New Yardstick Design Studio)