Mat’s Car of the Day: a used Polestar 2 is a stylish electric car at a bargain price
Car changing is a big deal
Mat Watson explains why you should be considering a used Polestar 2 as your next car; a good-looking, well-equipped EV with prices starting at under £15,000.
It’s hard to believe that the Polestar 2 is six years old, because it still looks properly modern both inside and out. I was really impressed with this car when I first reviewed it back in 2020, and now there are plenty of examples on the used market at great prices.
I’m going to give you three reasons to buy a used Polestar 2, as well as three annoying features which may put you off.
Three cool things about the Polestar 2
1. It gets better with age
Unlike a lot of cars, the Polestar 2 actually improves as it gets older using over-the-air updates. It’s constantly getting new features, better software and smarter driving aids so that you feel like you’re driving the latest model, just at a much lower price.
The infotainment system is also excellent, because it uses Google-based software. It’s as easy to use as your smartphone, and has things like Google Maps and Spotify built in so you don’t have to rely on your phone.
2. It looks fabulous, inside and out
Compared to something like a Tesla Model 3, the Polestar 2 really stands out. The chic Scandinavian styling has aged pretty well in my opinion, with the C-shaped taillights and clean lines making it look really cool.
The interior is just as nice. Like the Model 3, it’s pretty minimalist and has very few physical buttons. However, whereas the Tesla looks like an unfurnished flat, the Polestar has loads of funky textures and nice materials to make it look more like a trendy Swedish condo.
3. It’s great to drive with long range
You can get the Polestar 2 with up to 409 miles of range, beating alternatives like the BMW i4 and BYD Seal by quite some margin. It may be around 55 miles short of the Tesla Model 3, but it’s impressive nonetheless.
Out on the road, the Polestar is smooth and refined. It’s relaxing on long motorway journeys, quick enough to put a smile on your face and easy to slot through gaps in town. The suspension may be a tad firm, but it’s still a comfy cruiser.
Used Polestar 2 prices
A new Polestar 2 starts from just under £42,000, which is around £5,000 more than a Tesla Model 3. However, used examples can be yours for less than £15,000 if you don’t mind something with a few miles on the clock. I found a 2023 car with 84,000 miles on it for £13,000.
But let’s say you want something with more sensible mileage. This is a 2022 Long Range Dual-Motor Performance model which has covered 22,560 miles, and it’s up for just £23,495. When it was new, this car cost almost £60,000, but now you can get it for just over a third of that.
Being the Performance version, it trades range for power. You get a respectable 303 miles on a charge, but it also has a whopping 476hp and will do 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds. It’s a bit of a rocket ship.
Three annoying things about the Polestar 2
It may be a great car, but the Polestar 2 isn’t perfect. Here are three annoying things to consider before parting with your cash.
1. The rear view isn’t great
That sporty styling comes at a price, and that’s rear visibility. The sloping roofline gives the Polestar 2 quite a narrow rear window, which makes the view over your shoulder pretty limited. Some cars also only come with a standard rear-view camera, so it’s worth looking for one with a surround-view system.
2. The rear seats are a squeeze
Space in the back of the Polestar 2 isn’t as generous as it is in the Tesla Model 3. Headroom is pretty tight, and there’s not a huge amount of kneeroom either. It’s fine for average-sized adults like me, but anyone over six feet may struggle.
3. Lack of physical buttons
The Google-based infotainment system may be great, but I’d still like to see more proper knobs and switches for things like the climate control. They’re just easier to use on the move than prodding around on a screen.
Small niggles aside, the Polestar 2 is still a great electric car and a bargain on the second hand market. It’s well worth considering.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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