Ask an expert

I am a retired woman, who needs a new car urgently, as my current vehicle failed its WOF, and I have been advised not to waste more money on it. I am very interested in electric vehicles, from an environmental, maintenance and running cost point of view. What is your opinion on these, and which do you think is the best, bearing in mind I do not want to spend more than $25,000 if I can help it.

Hi there,
On a whole, solely electric vehicles are fairly new on the market in NZ, with only a few available to choose from at a price well over your 25k budget range.
You may be able to obtain a used imported Nissan Leaf, which has a 3 year battery warranty. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/nissan/auction-1206774384.htm
Otherwise you may want a Hybrid like a used Toyota Prius, these are a mix of petrol and electric and are more for saving fuel costs, but replacement batteries can be very expensive should one fail.