Model Year Breakdown: 2014-2015: These early models of the i3 REx are often cited for having higher rates of battery degradation, as the technology was newer. If you're looking at one of these models, make sure the battery is in good condition and that the car has received any necessary software updates. 2016-2017: These years addressed some of the issues from the early models, including improvements in battery longevity. However, there are still occasional reports of electronics glitches, especially regarding the iDrive system and range extender. 2018-2019: The final years of the i3 REx were more refined in terms of both performance and reliability. The battery issues were more controlled, and BMW made several updates to the vehicle's software and hardware to improve efficiency and reliability. These are the best model years to buy if you're looking for an i3 REx with fewer potential issues.
I own number 1 and 3, you are spot on. I used LEAF for 50 mile work commute and charge at work. I use I3 for everything else and we have two car seats for young kids. Bought 2014 LEAF for $4K and 2018 i3 REX for $20K about a year ago. Best combo ever.
I say skip the range extender so, as the car ages, you don't have to deal with the ic engine maintenance and issues....not to mention bmw prices for parts
Thanks for the video. I may look fot used i3. I've seen another viseo with a guy who shoehorned a fuel cell (bigger gasoline tank) into the back to extend the range. But even with the stock tank it is an interesting option. How is body holding uo Michigan ? Dies it look like it will survive road salt for another decade or two ?
So far it's fantastic. Zero body issues. 3rd winter coming up! We made a video showing the traction in deep snow it's impressive! It's somewhere on our channel.
U gotta unrestrict your bmw i3 gas tank is 2.5 gallons and for highway use you can turn Rex on at 75% or lower it’s all software locked in U S easy to unlock
I have seen some Model 3s and ID.4s for less than $20K in my state. Both are more substantial vehicles than the Leaf or Bolt. And I would say the i3 is not really in the same class. If I were to consider an i3, I'd probably want one without the range extender just for the additional reliability of not having a gas powerplant onboard.
Thanks for sharing Chad! None of those ranges work for us. I.e., Besides living in the desert it is a EVSE desert too! But surely would be great for many ! I like the quirky BMW I3 REX. I am sure my wife would love that of the three you mentioned. All three are nice smaller vehicles. The Bolt seems like a good value. Since they got through their original battery issue. I like the look of the latest model. Not sure if any one has a better crash test… Hey…Where’s Sarah… You have been running “off leash” for a while😉You can’t be “fully charged” without your other half! Safe EVentures!
Sarah is always a room away! She started a new gig as an administrative assistant for the intermediate school system. Once she gets settled in she will be back @dtl
💚And when the school system finds out you reserved an Aptera…You’re Golden !😉 🤔 I thought I might consider using my Aptera… With a bullied child’s parent permission ( blessing )… to transport that child to a school event and maybe tie that onto a school teaching event.. E.g., help that child be a junior Ambassador and “talk together “ about Aptera and what it offers the world. I.e., Make that kids day ! Flip the Script for that kid! I have done Table Top events at an AZ town’s Community College with enjoyable conversations with students. I have a EV chapter friend who is a retired teacher who could give me tips ! I even impressed a teacher their at the Automotive Technology and Innovation Center who was “ lukewarm about EVs but when he heard about the sEV Aptera he said “I am interested ! Keep me updated “ I was touched…as I have seen this teacher given one on one training ( tutoring) to an international student there, during a few of my events there…and he was talented! Engaging that student and I learned sonething too as a by-stander!
If you're going to include range extended cars, I'll also plug the Chevy Volt. They were made up until 2019 so you can still get a relatively modern one with good safety features. The pre-refresh Bolt EV has been on the market for years and years now, so there are a ton of them at very low prices. They're not the most premium, but it's the best bang for buck in terms of pure EV range at the low end. If you keep an eye out, you can also find some nicer, more modern EVs starting to creep below 25k, which may be huge if you qualify for the tax credit. Model 3s, Niro EVs, Kona EVs are dropping below 25k. You can also find some low-end Id.4 and Solterras. Imo, the sweetspot right now is the Bolt EUV. You can get a fully loaded Bolt EUV and it comes with pretty much everything you could need aside from fast charging, power liftgate, and AWD.
Nice ⅔ first-hand overview. Thanks. We have three Bolts in the family now - the 2022 Bolt EUV we bought in Dec 2022 that you know about, a 2019 Bolt EV (bought used) for our grandson. He liked it so much (and so did his mom) that she got one a few months later (also used, a 2022 Bolt EUV, very similar to ours). We’re a happy three Bolt family!
The 2018 leaf and newer is now comparable to the bolt. It has a much better range in the 2nd generation and you can now get an adapter for ccs to chatamo so it can use DC fast charging. Despite that I am currently in the market for a BMW i3 Rex with my last car being made from the same era of BMW (2016 mini cooper). The electric components of the i3 are so good that the new electric mini cooper shares the components of the i3 and every single long term review I see of the i3 says that it's a wonderful used car. The i3 also has standard features that were not standard features on my base mini cooper so I didn't get those features. My mini is currently broken with high mileage and for the cost of fixing it I could replace it with this wonderful reliable car.
Thank you for the comment. Well said on all points!! The Chaddemo to CCS adapter is very expensive and complicated. I'm not ready to trust it yet. Hopefully a more streamline option comes soon.
I actually was thinking of buying something to hold me over. I used to have a Chevy volt but sold it... Instead, I went with a fairly efficient Ford fiesta until I get my Aptera 😅
We had to replace the tires, 12 volt battery and a windshield washer pump so far. Still haven't seen the inside of a BMW dealership. The pump was $12 the battery under $300 installed (its complicated) at an authorized repair shop. Not too bad so far!
Model Year Breakdown:
2014-2015: These early models of the i3 REx are often cited for having higher rates of battery degradation, as the technology was newer. If you're looking at one of these models, make sure the battery is in good condition and that the car has received any necessary software updates.
2016-2017: These years addressed some of the issues from the early models, including improvements in battery longevity. However, there are still occasional reports of electronics glitches, especially regarding the iDrive system and range extender.
2018-2019: The final years of the i3 REx were more refined in terms of both performance and reliability. The battery issues were more controlled, and BMW made several updates to the vehicle's software and hardware to improve efficiency and reliability. These are the best model years to buy if you're looking for an i3 REx with fewer potential issues.
Thank you for this! Sharing your research will help others. We really appreciate you!
I own number 1 and 3, you are spot on. I used LEAF for 50 mile work commute and charge at work. I use I3 for everything else and we have two car seats for young kids. Bought 2014 LEAF for $4K and 2018 i3 REX for $20K about a year ago. Best combo ever.
We are twins! Cool comment! Thank you!!!
I own the 2015 leaf 🍃 great for going work and around town , sucks on the highway 🛣️ thinking up getting that bmw i3 rex ❤
Awesome around town vehicle the Leaf. We love ours for that. The i3 is great for the rest!
Have you tried the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EVs?
We have not but we did an owner review with a KIA EV 6 owner and another with an Ioniq 5 owner. Both incredible EVs!
If you have one of those and are willing to talk to us about it email me. Chad@drivethelightning.com
I say skip the range extender so, as the car ages, you don't have to deal with the ic engine maintenance and issues....not to mention bmw prices for parts
I like that idea for a local around town car for sure!! Thank you for the comment!
Thanks for the video. I may look fot used i3. I've seen another viseo with a guy who shoehorned a fuel cell (bigger gasoline tank) into the back to extend the range. But even with the stock tank it is an interesting option. How is body holding uo Michigan ? Dies it look like it will survive road salt for another decade or two ?
So far it's fantastic. Zero body issues. 3rd winter coming up! We made a video showing the traction in deep snow it's impressive! It's somewhere on our channel.
@dtl Nice and thank you, I will look for it.
@@garywozniak7742 it really is a crazy fun car! We also made a video showing the REX sounds and a few reviews.
U gotta unrestrict your bmw i3 gas tank is 2.5 gallons and for highway use you can turn Rex on at 75% or lower it’s all software locked in U S easy to unlock
Totally agree. We haven't unlocked it yet but we will!
I have seen some Model 3s and ID.4s for less than $20K in my state. Both are more substantial vehicles than the Leaf or Bolt. And I would say the i3 is not really in the same class. If I were to consider an i3, I'd probably want one without the range extender just for the additional reliability of not having a gas powerplant onboard.
Great options!!!
Good overview of the top 3 👍
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing Chad!
None of those ranges work for us. I.e., Besides living in the desert it is a EVSE desert too!
But surely would be great for many !
I like the quirky BMW I3 REX. I am sure my wife would love that of the three you mentioned. All three are nice smaller vehicles. The Bolt seems like a good value. Since they got through their original battery issue. I like the look of the latest model.
Not sure if any one has a better crash test…
Hey…Where’s Sarah… You have been running “off leash” for a while😉You can’t be “fully charged” without your other half!
Safe EVentures!
Sarah is always a room away! She started a new gig as an administrative assistant for the intermediate school system. Once she gets settled in she will be back @dtl
@@dtl The school system is lucky to link up with Sarah… All the best !
@@elertus she said aww. Then thank you!!
💚And when the school system finds out you reserved an Aptera…You’re Golden !😉
🤔 I thought I might consider using my Aptera… With a bullied child’s parent permission ( blessing )… to transport that child to a school event and maybe tie that onto a school teaching event.. E.g., help that child be a junior Ambassador and “talk together “ about Aptera and what it offers the world. I.e., Make that kids day !
Flip the Script for that kid!
I have done Table Top events at an AZ town’s Community College with enjoyable conversations with students.
I have a EV chapter friend who is a retired teacher who could give me tips ! I even impressed a teacher their at the Automotive Technology and Innovation Center who was “ lukewarm about EVs but when he heard about the sEV Aptera he said “I am interested ! Keep me updated “ I was touched…as I have seen this teacher given one on one training ( tutoring) to an international student there, during a few of my events there…and he was talented! Engaging that student and I learned sonething too as a by-stander!
If you're going to include range extended cars, I'll also plug the Chevy Volt. They were made up until 2019 so you can still get a relatively modern one with good safety features. The pre-refresh Bolt EV has been on the market for years and years now, so there are a ton of them at very low prices. They're not the most premium, but it's the best bang for buck in terms of pure EV range at the low end. If you keep an eye out, you can also find some nicer, more modern EVs starting to creep below 25k, which may be huge if you qualify for the tax credit. Model 3s, Niro EVs, Kona EVs are dropping below 25k. You can also find some low-end Id.4 and Solterras. Imo, the sweetspot right now is the Bolt EUV. You can get a fully loaded Bolt EUV and it comes with pretty much everything you could need aside from fast charging, power liftgate, and AWD.
We totally agree.
Nice ⅔ first-hand overview. Thanks.
We have three Bolts in the family now - the 2022 Bolt EUV we bought in Dec 2022 that you know about, a 2019 Bolt EV (bought used) for our grandson. He liked it so much (and so did his mom) that she got one a few months later (also used, a 2022 Bolt EUV, very similar to ours). We’re a happy three Bolt family!
WOW!! You are the Bolt King!!
The 2018 leaf and newer is now comparable to the bolt. It has a much better range in the 2nd generation and you can now get an adapter for ccs to chatamo so it can use DC fast charging. Despite that I am currently in the market for a BMW i3 Rex with my last car being made from the same era of BMW (2016 mini cooper). The electric components of the i3 are so good that the new electric mini cooper shares the components of the i3 and every single long term review I see of the i3 says that it's a wonderful used car. The i3 also has standard features that were not standard features on my base mini cooper so I didn't get those features. My mini is currently broken with high mileage and for the cost of fixing it I could replace it with this wonderful reliable car.
Thank you for the comment. Well said on all points!! The Chaddemo to CCS adapter is very expensive and complicated. I'm not ready to trust it yet. Hopefully a more streamline option comes soon.
I actually was thinking of buying something to hold me over. I used to have a Chevy volt but sold it... Instead, I went with a fairly efficient Ford fiesta until I get my Aptera 😅
Not a terrible choice!
@@dtl although sometimes it feels like it haha 😂 that thing is tiny!
This writer would add, from long experience, a used Kia Niro BEV
Thank you Charles! Great pick!!
1... Chad, You talking to me? I'd go with a Bolt EUV. Aptera!!!
Good call! We are fans. Tom Bushaw likes his! David Huerta had one as well and really liked it.
@@youdontknowme2915 that's awesome! Great combo!!
I am concerned about the cost of anything at a bmw dealer.
We had to replace the tires, 12 volt battery and a windshield washer pump so far. Still haven't seen the inside of a BMW dealership. The pump was $12 the battery under $300 installed (its complicated) at an authorized repair shop. Not too bad so far!