If you have been sitting on the fence about electric car ownership, here is an idea. Buy used, not too old, a reliable brand, with a strong after sales and warranty program.
We suggest buying a used BYD Dolphin. The Dolphin is a good choice for budget conscious buyers seeking modern EV tech and high efficiency. Used models (approx. 1 to 2.5 years old) offer significant savings due to high initial depreciation.
Launched in July 2023 it came with a 6-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year or 160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty and an 8-year or 150,000 km drive unit warranty.
The Dolphin features a reliable Blade Battery with fast charging and it delivers spacious, well-equipped interior.
Did you know that just 6 months ago, a similar model was selling in the used car market for RM72k and today its RM65k before negotiations. We have been told a sensible RM59k has been transacted recently.
Therefore a used Dolphin is seeing 40-45% depreciation and there is still another. Part of the reason why it has lost its value is because the BYD Atto2 was launched at RM100k only and had almost RM13,500 worth of freebies included bringing its price down to just RM86,500.
The Dolphin is highly rated for urban driving, featuring a compact size with a surprisingly spacious cabin.
Features include useful tech like a rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen (with CarPlay/Android Auto), adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera.
When checking on a used unit, request complete maintenance records. While EVs have lower maintenance needs, adherence to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule (typically every two years or 20,000 miles) is important for maintaining the warranty and ensuring long-term battery and motor health.
Some users note the lack of a powered tailgate and automatic rain-sensing wipers but we think this should not be an issue as both are very minor extras.
Some users find the suspension firm, and it may not be ideal for long-distance highway driving, but then all EV’s have stiff suspension due to its battery weight.
Ensure that the original manufacturer’s warranty is transferable, especially for the battery, to cover potential issues.
Always check the battery health and range. Pay attention to the ride quality over uneven surfaces and test all the electronic features, including the infotainment system and advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), to ensure they function to your satisfaction.
Decide between the Standard Range (smaller battery and best for just city commuting) and Extended Range (larger battery and best to buy this variant) based on your daily commuting needs.
Overall, the BYD Dolphin is a great, affordable used EV, particularly if you are looking for a reliable city commuter, provided you are aware of the future depreciation which might leave you with very little in your pocket for another new car.
BYD Dolphin Extended Range Specifications
Range: 427km (WLTP)
Battery: 60.48kWh
Max DC Charging: 80kW
Motor: 150kW (201hp), 310Nm
0-100km/h: 7.0s
Wheels: 205/50 R17
Rear suspension: Multi-Link
OTR price w/o insurance when brand new: RM125,530
