A car doesn’t stop being a great car because somebody else owned it first. Sometimes, that first owner has simply made it more affordable.
That’s why we’re introducing WattCar Used Car of the Year.
A used car we’d spend our own money on.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
A convincing buy today. Not the biggest discount from an ambitious original sticker price. Not the car with the longest equipment list. A car that makes sense once price, condition, battery health and everyday ownership are considered together.
We’ll explain which version to look for, what you should expect to pay and what to check before buying.
Good cars. Sensible money. Eyes open.
WHAT QUALIFIES?
If you can’t plug it in, it isn’t a WattCar.
Battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and externally chargeable range-extenders can qualify. Conventional hybrids cannot.
The individual car must be at least two years old when assessed, measured from its first registration. We’ll identify the model, variant and year range being considered, rather than award every version wearing the same badge.
It must have been officially sold new in Australia and have a reasonable choice of comparable used examples available. A one-off bargain is interesting. It is not a dependable buying recommendation.
We’ll assess cars against realistic Australian used prices at the time of judging. Battery evidence, service and repair history, remaining warranty, charging compatibility and access to servicing all matter.
Our inspections will distinguish the condition of the particular test car from what we can reasonably say about the model. Any important gaps will be made clear.
CONTENDERS. SO FAR.
Reference images. Eligible model years and variants will be assessed for the award.
Tesla Model 3.
The obvious question: how much of its original appeal survives the years, kilometres and asking price?
BYD Atto 3.
A practical family electric SUV. Does buying used make the proposition stronger?
MG4.
A small electric hatch with plenty to offer. The used price needs to stack up against current new-car deals.
Hyundai Kona Electric.
An earlier long-range version could be a useful everyday buy. Exact variant, battery history and completed recalls will matter.
Kia Niro EV.
An understated all-rounder worth putting under the microscope.
Polestar 2.
Premium appeal and a distinctive driving character. We’ll weigh the used price against ownership costs and support.
Tesla Model Y.
A family SUV with a strong practical case. The question is whether the right used example offers enough advantage over new.
Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid.
For buyers who want electric daily driving with petrol available for longer trips. Battery condition and the petrol side both need checking.
These are our initial research contenders, not a tested shortlist. Only versions and individual cars meeting the eligibility rules will progress. Others may join them.
ONE SEPARATE AWARD.
WattCar Used Car of the Year will sit alongside our new-car awards, with its own assessment and one overall winner.
A used car has a different job to do. It must earn its recommendation at today’s price, with its own history attached.
We’ll publish the final judging method, assessment price bands and award timetable before testing begins.
The winner will come with a clear explanation of why we would buy it, which version we would choose and what we would check first.
Our money. Our choice.
Image: WattCar, AI-created editorial illustration. The Polestar 2 is an illustrative contender, not an announced winner.