Mach E 2023, Brand New - any risk?

[ElviBel]

Hello; sorry it's me again; visited my local Ford yesterday and it's tempting to buy 2023 Mach E (brand new, 70km only; thus a decent discount). So apparently it's been sitting on their lot for 1-1.5 years, thru the winter in Calgary; not clear if the car has been ever (or regularly) charged during this period.

I hope there are experts here who can help understand if makes sense to buy this car or never touch (for example the battery was impacted severely; or some glitches etc). I will insure the software will be up to date; but anything else?

Thanks in advance for your help.

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[smoke20]

Blues fan, here....heheh.....this is an opinion based question, and if me....get a 2024!

 

[Sikkun]

Big battery is probably fine.

The 12v battery on the other hand is likely to be dead. Deff needs reconditioned or replaced.

I’d also check if it was built before July or not, give you a better idea of how long it’s been there.

 

[burritoman]

I bought my new 2023 a couple of months ago. it was built before July. I should have asked if it was being charged regularly but didn't think about it. The battery seems to be in good shape, at least I'm getting the range I'm expecting.

There were flat spots on the tires because it was sitting in the showroom, so I expect it wasn't even being test driven at all. But those ironed out after driving 20-30 miles, the dealership assured me that would be the case and if not they would perform a wheel balancing.

I guess the only thing about it is the software is still out of date. I received a couple of updates since purchase but it's way behind. I'm not too worried about it though, it'll come when it comes.

I was a bit nervous about this purchase (coming from a Tesla Model 3.) But the 0% financing and over $5k in rebates convinced me to do it. I'm quite happy with it, it rides nicer than the Model 3 and definitely feels more upscale in the interior.

 

[Sikkun]

Sadly even if the dealer fully updates it in FDRS (they probably won’t) it might still be slightly behind on sync versions. But not really anything major if it’s a 2023.5.

Two specific thing I would check that would force the dealer to update…make sure it stops charging when it’s done (blue charge light turns off), there is a TSB and updates for that issue. Make sure the trunk fully opens when the vehicle is locked and you hit the button in the back.

Both of those have TSB and updates are covered by warranty so a dealership shouldn’t have issues doing them.

 

[ElviBel]

I bought my new 2023 a couple of months ago. it was built before July. I should have asked if it was being charged regularly but didn't think about it. The battery seems to be in good shape, at least I'm getting the range I'm expecting.

There were flat spots on the tires because it was sitting in the showroom, so I expect it wasn't even being test driven at all. But those ironed out after driving 20-30 miles, the dealership assured me that would be the case and if not they would perform a wheel balancing.

I guess the only thing about it is the software is still out of date. I received a couple of updates since purchase but it's way behind. I'm not too worried about it though, it'll come when it comes.

I was a bit nervous about this purchase (coming from a Tesla Model 3.) But the 0% financing and over $5k in rebates convinced me to do it. I'm quite happy with it, it rides nicer than the Model 3 and definitely feels more upscale in the interior.

This is exactly what worries me. BTW, how to verify if the battery is still in decent range, should it show for example 350km range at 95-100%? What test/measurement (by dealer to prove this is perfect car) can be used to ensure it's still in a good share/range?

 

[thekat03]

This is exactly what worries me. BTW, how to verify if the battery is still in decent range, should it show for example 350km range at 95-100%? What test/measurement (by dealer to prove this is perfect car) can be used to ensure it's still in a good share/range?

No, the estimated miles of range or guessometer is not a reliable way to assess the health of the high voltage battery. Honestly, it should be fine. The low voltage battery might not be, so ask them to check it.

 

[garyd9]

I bought my 2023 (build date of June 28th 2023) on June 1st of this year. So far, I haven’t had problems. My high voltage battery shows a SOH of 99.5 in car scanner and the 12v battery charges up to 90% every time I drive it.

The software is very out of date (it updated to 5.1.1 on the 6th and that was it) but that might be an advantage in itself (as long as I don’t care about Tesla plug and charge). If it works, don’t fix it.

 

[ipca204]

Any car sitting that long would be cause for concern for me.

- Specifically I would check the tires for signs of rot or flat spots.

- I would also use an OBD2 scanner and search for the “Battery Health” pid. Should be 98% minimum.

Omg.... "check the tires for rot?" On a 1.5 year old car???? C'mon.....

 

[CarlSagan82]

A second half of the year build 23.5 (also MY24) would have an upgraded heater. Might be nice in Canada.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Hello; sorry it's me again; visited my local Ford yesterday and it's tempting to buy 2023 Mach E (brand new, 70km only; thus a decent discount). So apparently it's been sitting on their lot for 1-1.5 years, thru the winter in Calgary; not clear if the car has been ever (or regularly) charged during this period.

I hope there are experts here who can help understand if makes sense to buy this car or never touch (for example the battery was impacted severely; or some glitches etc). I will insure the software will be up to date; but anything else?

Thanks in advance for your help.

I think you should try to establish the build date with the VIN so you know exactly how old it is. We can help you with that if the dealer won't.

The battery should be okay as long as it was kept above 15% and below 90% while it was stored. Worst thing that can happen is if it was allowed to run completely dead. If it was stored at 100% for a long period (months) you may be facing some extra degradation. Unfortunately there's not a way to know at what % the battery was stored.

 

[DesignMatters]

Lots of ill-informed nervous Nelly’s and hand wringers on this forum. It’s got a full warranty, take the great deal and enjoy the heck out of it. Most are trouble free and a joy to drive.

 

[garyd9]

A second half of the year build 23.5 (also MY24) would have an upgraded heater. Might be nice in Canada.

I thought only the ones that changed battery chemistry got the larger heater. That would only apply to standard range batteries.

 

[Sikkun]

Lots of ill-informed nervous Nelly’s and hand wringers on this forum. It’s got a full warranty, take the great deal and enjoy the heck out of it. Most are trouble free and a joy to drive.

Full warranty isn’t going to stop you from being annoyed if you drive it home and have to have it towed the next day because the 12v battery is shot.

I literally couldn’t even test drive the one I bought because they let the 12v die.

 

[ElviBel]

I think you should try to establish the build date with the VIN so you know exactly how old it is. We can help you with that if the dealer won't.

The battery should be okay as long as it was kept above 15% and below 90% while it was stored. Worst thing that can happen is if it was allowed to run completely dead. If it was stored at 100% for a long period (months) you may be facing some extra degradation. Unfortunately there's not a way to know at what % the battery was stored.

That's said, can i guess what is battery degradation by knowing the range if charged to 100%. I can ask the dealer to fully charge to see the charge, if this is within 90% of the original range - would it mean it's sort of ok? Or i am misunderstanding some part of the fully charged battery? Thanks

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