Advice needed for first car on EVs, hybrids and PHEVs

Lorgaire · 05-03-2026 12:40AM #1

Hey, everyone!

I'm looking to buy my first car and I feel overwhelmed. I'm in my 30s, 6ft4in and should do up to about 100km mixed roads any given day. Budget would be from €1k to about €5k if it's worth it, especially including insurance and taxes. I'd like to be able to load a bench and some adjustable weights into the car. Ideally a bike too, but that's not a necessity. It could even be a van of some sort, but I definitely don't want to get a diesel, since they're worse for the environment and are prone to have issues with DPF etc. I could be swayed to get a cheap manual petrol, still, if that makes most sense.

At first I was thinking of buying some kind of a manual petrol car, but when I started looking at the prices, they seemed to be quite high even for old models.

Then I was looking at EVs and Nissan Leafs seemed like a possibility, especially 132 models and newer because of better batteries and preferrably with cold pack and heat pump. But the range might be a constant worry, especially in winter and uncertainty of battery health of such old models. I came across this car on donedeal, and was wondering if you think it's a good deal. If not, how much should it cost, and finally, would it suit my use case?
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2017-nissan-leaf-30kwh-highest-specs-tekna/41237499

I also found this van, that could potentially be an option, but probably only if it's closer to €6k or even €5k.
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/nissan-e-nv200-fully-electric-van-24kwh-aut/39257172

Finally, I'm now thinking if I should be looking at Hybrids or Plug-in Hybrids and which one of them would suit my needs more? Which models should I be looking at, if so?

I look forward to hearing everyone's opinions.

Flinty997 · 05-03-2026 01:00AM

An older EV is going to have worse range with a load of weight in it. E-200 is a old leaf. I wouldn't buy a leaf as a main car. Not an older one.

Do you have a home charger? In your budget? Charging on a 3 pin for 100k daily is too much hassle.

I would buy a petrol if I was you. You could make an new leaf EV work but not really seeing good reason to do that.

mr chips · 05-03-2026 01:39AM

You'll get very little in terms of used EVs for €1k, maybe nothing at all that's immediately usable. Even €5k is very close to the bottom of the market. A 13 year old Leaf will have very limited range (quite possibly less than your 100km on a single charge) and the potential to experience sudden battery degradation, essentially leaving you with a set of wheels you can't use. Rather than putting all your spare cash into something like that, keep an eye out for an ex-taxi MG5 with very high mileage - one of those may possibly have depreciated enough by now to start approaching the upper end of your budget. The shorter range variants should still be able to cover 230+ km on a charge, will rapid charge faster than a Leaf and have a battery less prone to failure, plus have a much bigger loading area. More powerful too for lugging your weights around. Anything you can afford on your budget will be out of warranty due to age/mileage, but these came with one of the better warranties out there anyway (7 years IIRC), so should be reasonably free of major faults other than wear & tear stuff that would be the same for any car.

Lorgaire · 05-03-2026 01:50AM

Thank you for your replies!

I don't have a home charger, and I'm not sure how long I will stay in the current rented house, so would only have the option to trickle charge with the 3 pin or use public charging stations which are expensive. I thought 3pin charging overnight wouldn't be that inconvenient, as long as I can make it home. Also, just to note, 100km wouldn't be an everyday thing, just the expected maximum. The weights with a bench should total 100kg or less.

I think 230+km range would be way more than needed, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to only charge every other night.

How about the petrol hybrids and/or plug-in petrol hybrids? Anything I should look out for around my budget?

Flinty997 · 05-03-2026 02:45AM

In my opinion a Phev is only worth it if you get most of your daily driving done in the range of the battery. Theres nothing in budget that does that for you. An early Phev will charge very slowly much slower than a BEV of that era.

Hybrid potentially needs a new battery at this budget. Maybe not. Others might say otherwise.

I would still go non hybrid petrol wait until you have a bigger budget to go EV. If you were really determined to go EV and had a home charger maybe that would be different.

But renting low budget is time to play it safe. Go around some dealers and try sitting in a few cars. Your size is where I'd focus on. Something you're comfy in.

User1998 · 05-03-2026 07:43AM

With a €5k budget:

The only hybrid you can afford is a Prius

You can't afford any PHEV

An EV will be extremely limited (and risky)

My advice: Just get a reliable petrol car

Wanderer78 · 05-03-2026 08:08AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124286507#Comment_124286507

unfortunately i think this is the most likely real option for many, particularly at this budget, and could be for many years to come, at the moment, ev's are currently only a real option for certain sections of society

bazz26 · 05-03-2026 01:09PM

I think you need to revisit your strategy or budget here.

Having only a max budget of only 5k to include the purchase of an EV, insurance and tax won't get something suitable for your usage in today's world. Doing 100km a day (presuming 5 days a week) and not having a home charger just makes no sense for any EV unworkable in your budget. They just won't have the range and if you are relying on the public charging network all the time then it will end up becoming as expensive as fueling a petrol or diesel car.

As said the only hybrids in your price range will be a self charging Toyota Prius or a Honda Insight.

Lorgaire · 05-03-2026 02:48PM

Thanks to everyone for your input!

Just to note, the up to €5k budget is excluding insurance and tax, but obviously the lower the better.

And great point about EVs being only for a specific section of society. I definitely wouldn't consider it if I lived in an apartment, for example.

As previously mentioned, I could use the trickle charger at home which would be quite a bit cheaper than public chargers. I would only use the latter in emergencies or longer journeys out of necessity. Regardless, everyone here seems to think EV is not the way to go for me.

I understand that Honda Insight and Toyota Prius seem to be my main options. Are they worth it over a petrol car in terms of environment and fuel economics?

User1998 · 05-03-2026 03:08PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124287575#Comment_124287575

A Prius will save you about €200 a year on tax and will have similar fuel consumption as a 1L petrol. Co2 emissions will be a bit lower too I suppose but you really need to forget about the environment with such a small budget. A sub €5k hybrid can be risky.

Flinty997 · 05-03-2026 05:37PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124286524#Comment_124286524

Its an option if the person is willing to accept the limitations of older EVs. If their journeys suit an older EV. If they have home charging.

Not everyone is buying a new EV. But there's no point buying something that's simply unsuitable simply because its cheap and ignoring that it financially doesn't make sense when you look at the bigger picture.

A non EV non hybrid is still going to be better option for a lot of people for a very long time yet.

...Ghost... · 06-03-2026 08:26PM

Not only is your budget small for your requirements, but you're expecting insurance to be covered in it too.

Let's be realistic. Your insurance is going to be around €2000. That leaves €3000 max. You won't get an EV with a guaranteed 100km range with your budget. Best you will get is this one. Good battery SOH. Model with heat pump and better battery chemistry. You might get some money off…it should be easy to achieve €3k on the car if that's what you want.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/nissan-leaf-2014/41639014

And yes, you'll be fine using the granny charger. 0-100% will take about 9 hours.

Lorgaire · 06-03-2026 10:01PM

Thanks everyone for chiming in!

I mentioned already, but I will reiterate, the €5k doesn't include insurance. I was just saying it to mean I would pay more for a car that has cheaper insurance/road tax.

Noted the opinions about hybrids being risky and EVs potentially not having enough range, but as I mentioned before, 100km would be the maximum I would need it to go, and I'm flexible with charging with a public charging point if needed. Not having a home charger is not ideal, I know, but granny charger might do the trick for the time being.

Ghost, how do you know that the car you linked has good battery SOH? I couldn't see any proof of that in the ad.

I'm still torn between a simple petrol car or something like like the Nissan Leaf linked above.

Cheers everyone!

...Ghost... · 06-03-2026 10:21PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124291946#Comment_124291946

Your first paragraph in the OP looked like the 5k max included insurance. Thanks for clarifying that it doesn't.

The car I listed is also listed on FB Marketplace and has a photo of the SOH bars, which has 11 bars. I was actually considering putting in an offer. You'll easily get it for €3k. Here's the FB pic of the dash.

Low mileage too, so it stacks up. 100km of range most of the year, if not the whole year if you took it easy and drove slow.

I recommend using Leaf Spy if looking at that car.

joe1303l · 07-03-2026 10:10AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124291946#Comment_124291946

Considering your €5K budget, you could also consider a Renault Zoe but it might be a bit cramped.
A Kangoo van might be another budget option. Something like this below. Most of these available are ex An-Post with small mileage. As a cheap runaround it’s a better bet than an old Leaf if you can manage with 2 seats. Be aware they are pretty basic and don’t have fast charging capability.

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/41513999

https://ev-database.org/car/1101/Renault-Kangoo-Maxi-ZE-33

...Ghost... · 07-03-2026 12:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124293061#Comment_124293061

I have to strongly disagree with your suggestions and assertion that they are a better bet than a Leaf.

Zoe won't do what the OP has asked, as it's too small and wont fit much of any cargo.

Kangoo has the loading room, but can't leave the range.

As a cheap runaround it’s a better bet than an old Leaf if you can manage with 2 seats.

You're referring to the Kangoo above. You'll have to validate that statement. The OP stated he wants room to load a workbench and/or bike, which can be done is a Leaf with rear seats down. Why is the Kangoo better apart from cargo space?

Be aware they are pretty basic and don’t have fast charging capability.

Very basic, as in you can't realistically leave the range allowance of the van without some serious delay time. The fast charging capability of the Leaf might come in very handy for the times the OP goes outside the range of the Leaf.

joe1303l · 07-03-2026 01:16PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124293357#Comment_124293357

Yes, I mentioned clearly the Zoe was cramped but with a €5K budget cap, it’s probably the only alternative EV passenger car to a Leaf.

It’s far easier to load a workbench and/or a bike into a Kangoo van than a Leaf. I’m not going to explain why. Just have a look into the back of a Kangoo sometime and you’ll figure it out.

The Kangoo linked is a 2020 for €2400 asking. It’s 6 years newer than the €3250 Leaf on FB. I mentioned the lack of fast charging but for local journeys it’s not relevant. Chademo fast charging is also becoming irrelevant anyway as it’s actively being phased out. A Leaf 24 has less range than a Kangoo even before the battery degrades; https://ev-database.org/car/1019/Nissan-LEAF-24-kWh

unkel · 07-03-2026 05:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124293441#Comment_124293441

Agreed and you have very little to lose on a tested €2k Kangoo van. And early Kangoos and Zoes suffer very little from battery degradation, unlike same age Leafs

...Ghost... · 07-03-2026 08:17PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124293441#Comment_124293441

Yes, I mentioned clearly the Zoe was cramped but with a €5K budget cap, it’s probably the only alternative EV passenger car to a Leaf.

It's not an alternative if it can't do what the OP needs….fit a workbench or bike in.

It’s far easier to load a workbench and/or a bike into a Kangoo van than a Leaf. I’m not going to explain why. Just have a look into the back of a Kangoo sometime and you’ll figure it out.

Sounds a bit condescending, considering it's obviously a van and i'm not thick and I had already posted "Kangoo has the loading room, but can't leave the range."

The Kangoo linked is a 2020 for €2400 asking. It’s 6 years newer than the €3250 Leaf on FB.

The one you listed was marked as sold before I even clicked on it. The link brings you to a generic info page for Kangoos.

I mentioned the lack of fast charging but for local journeys it’s not relevant.

True. Only relevant if going outside the range of the vehicle unless you have nothing but time on your hands.

Chademo fast charging is also becoming irrelevant anyway as it’s actively being phased out.

There are still plenty of CHAdeMO chargers and more going in, so it's still there, relevant and useful. Unlikely to be gone anytime soon for the sake of an extra plug type on a piece of equipment already costing €100k and higher.

A Leaf 24 has less range than a Kangoo even before the battery degrades

That surprised me. I expected similar range on the kangoo, so that makes it a viable option, even without fast charging. Good choice.

joe1303l · 07-03-2026 09:00PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124294550#Comment_124294550

It’s okay to be wrong now and again. 🤣
Anyway the €2400 Kangoo is still on DD https://www.donedeal.ie/view/41513999 or type “renault kangoo ez” into the search function on DD and you’ll find it.

User1998 · 07-03-2026 09:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124294654#Comment_124294654

I wonder why they're selling it so soon after buying. They didn't even bother removing the auction stickers from the window.

...Ghost... · 07-03-2026 09:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124294654#Comment_124294654

Bit of a red flag as to why it's selling a week after buying. I wonder if it comes with the red cushions.

Mad that you can buy an EV for such little money all the same.

I remember 10-15 years ago, I was into Mitsi FTOs and you could buy them for a few hundred euro. Cheapest I bought was €400 for a 1.8L version. Now if you can find one and it's driving, you're north of €5k. Same thing will happen with all these cheap EVs. Range will be lower, but price will be higher. Best time to buy used cheap EVs imo.

joe1303l · 07-03-2026 09:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124294683#Comment_124294683

Who knows. Maybe hadn’t done any research and only realised afterwards that they’re not suitable for long journeys (AC charging only).

Lorgaire · 07-03-2026 11:06PM

Hey, everyone, thank you all for the interesting points made!

Zoe does seem too small for me indeed. The Renault Kangoo, however, seems like a good option as an alternative to the Leaf. Having the ability to fast charge with a public charger would be great to have. I wonder now if I should just get a Kangoo and rent another car when travelling further. I messaged the Kangoo seller on DoneDeal and asked when I could have a look at it. What are the worst things I should watch out for and how would I check them?

I also got in touch with the Leaf seller on Facebook and will go to see the car at the start of the week. He agreed to sell it for just under €3k. What should I look out for in this one?

Interesting point about the Kangoo being resold after a week. Hopefully it's just because of a quick profit or because of the lack of fast charger.

User1998 · 07-03-2026 11:51PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124294967#Comment_124294967

He said insurance is too high. Doesn't have an Irish license

Lorgaire · 07-03-2026 11:55PM

Oh, that's a very relevant piece of information! Thank you! Hopefully that's the only reason :)

He told me he's waiting for the logbook which should arrive next week and asked if I wanted to buy the Kangoo even without it, but I told him that I'll wait for him to receive it and that we'll stay in touch.

joe1303l · 08-03-2026 12:57AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124295120#Comment_124295120

Probably best to pay a small deposit to secure it. Similar ones on DD are asking nearer €4K.

User1998 · 08-03-2026 02:40AM

I'd just buy it without the logbook tbh. The seller has clear proof of purchase and you can track the change of ownership online

...Ghost... · 08-03-2026 07:02PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124295120#Comment_124295120

If buying the Kangoo and it's nearby, just pay a deposit and wait for the logbook. @User1998 is right that you can track ownership online, but I personally wouldn't buy without the logbook.

Lorgaire · 13-03-2026 02:25PM

Hey, everyone! Thanks for the input! I was about to go see the van and probably buy it, but then the seller changed his mind about selling without the logbook, as it could mean fines, parking tickets etc. being sent to him… So I'm waiting for him to get the logbook and hopefully buy it then.

Around the same time, I realized I didn't ask about that charging cables. Turns out he has neither of the two that come with the van. I'm thinking of ordering one from somewhere so that I can test if the van is charging properly. Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions as to which charger I should buy? I found some offbrand that are abou 130 euros, like this one:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CNBINGO-Charger-Adjustable-Charging-Suitable/dp/B0G8WY66SG?th=1

Do you think it would be okay to use this? I could return it in case I don't buy the van in the end.

User1998 · 13-03-2026 02:30PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124309305#Comment_124309305

Just drive the van to the nearest charge point as part of your test drive

Also, you did notice that the seller increased their price by €600?

Advice needed for first car on EVs, hybrids and PHEVs

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