What to buy for €20-€25k?

peposhi

thierry14 wrote: »

Your one is just pure luck unkel over lack of supply

When 60kWh Ioniq/Hyundais come out, depreciation will be severe on your 200km 28kWh EV

You know that as well as anyone

Doesn’t that happen to every car once the new model is out?!?

thierry14

peposhi wrote: »

Doesn’t that happen to every car once the new model is out?!?

Not to the same degree as EV's

Not even new models, just bigger battery

You know that too

thierry14

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I spent probably 16K or more when you include the savings, maintenance, motor tax, and fuel and including electricity costs which are harder to calculate due to all the free work charging and public charging.

The i3 Rex is a far different beast, it's a hell of a lot more fun than a Leaf and more than a lot of ICE cars and far better quality, so much fun and so cheap to run..... and I expect the rex to hold it's value better but even if it doesn't , you won't find another car so cheap to run that's so much fun.

Octavia ? don't make me laugh.......

Octavia maybe not

He made his point though

2017 BMW 330e is faster and bigger than your 2017 i3 and 10k cheaper including vrt

Its a good car

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201708188446466?advertising-location=at_cars&year-from=2017&price-to=30000&postcode=m52ty&model=3%20SERIES&page=1&price-from=10000&make=BMW&year-to=2017&fuel-type=Hybrid&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New

VRT ? U.K car ? wtf . If I wanted to get a U.K car I would have got one. And I don't want a car that uses an ICE to drive the wheels.

And even if it is larger and faster I couldn't care less, the I3 is a lot of fun to drive. I could have got a larger car if I had wanted to.

The 330 E has a pathetic 7.5 Kwh battery, useless to me with a 142 Km commute and it can't be fast charged.

ELM327

thierry14 wrote: »

Octavia maybe not

He made his point though

2017 BMW 330e is faster and bigger than your 2017 i3 and 10k cheaper including vrt

Its a good car

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201708188446466?advertising-location=at_cars&year-from=2017&price-to=30000&postcode=m52ty&model=3%20SERIES&page=1&price-from=10000&make=BMW&year-to=2017&fuel-type=Hybrid&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New

330e is not in the same league as an I3. It's a compliance car with a large ICE and a small afterthought battery.
I3 is an EV with a small Rex. They call them BEVx in the US to differentiate real BEV with a Rex from PHEV/compliance cars like the 330e.

KCross

thierry14 wrote: »

Your one is just pure luck unkel over lack of supply

When 60kWh Ioniq/Hyundais come out, depreciation will be severe on your 200km 28kWh EV

You know that as well as anyone

peposhi wrote: »

Doesn’t that happen to every car once the new model is out?!?

thierry14 wrote: »

Not to the same degree as EV's

Not even new models, just bigger battery

You know that too

Are EV's really depreciating more than ICE? I think there was a time in the first few years where that was the case but I don't think it is anymore.

There is a very finite number of EV's on the secondhand market. The market for EV's is now growing and hence the prices are holding up quite well in the last year or so.... @unkels situation is an extreme example of that but it is happening at the other end of the market too.

I don't buy the argument that the depreciation is horrendous anymore. In any case, put it together with the fuel and maintenance savings and your are quids in.

thierry14

[Deleted User] wrote: »

VRT ? U.K car ? wtf . If I wanted to get a U.K car I would have got one. And I don't want a car that uses an ICE to drive the wheels.

And even if it is larger and faster I couldn't care less, the I3 is a lot of fun to drive. I could have got a larger car if I had wanted to.

The 330 E has a pathetic 7.5 Kwh battery, useless to me with a 142 Km commute and it can't be fast charged.

Point poster was getting at was cost comparison and EV's not being as much value for money as it seems

That 330e landed would be 27k, your i3 is 37k, both 9 months old, even with your crazy commute you would hardly make up that 10k

Both are almost new so maintenance will be tiny

After the milage you will have put on the i3 after 3 years I'd say resale value won't be far off each other

That 330e would do me on electric only daily, as most people

Hybrid pluggins have a place

thierry14

KCross wrote: »

Are EV's really depreciating more than ICE? I think there was a time in the first few years where that was the case but I don't think it is anymore.

There is a very finite number of EV's on the secondhand market. The market for EV's is now growing and hence the prices are holding up quite well in the last year or so.... @unkels situation is an extreme example of that but it is happening at the other end of the market too.

I don't buy the argument that the depreciation is horrendous anymore. In any case, put it together with the fuel and maintenance savings and your are quids in.

It has settled now because the market is so poor for us peasants in the 30k market

10 years to get from a 20kWh Leaf with 120km range to 40kWh Leaf with 240km has been painfully slow

That is about to change over the next 2-3 years with all big manufacturers realising proper 400km EVs, then we will see the depreciation hit hard on the 16/17 reg EV's, anything older than that is a write off anyway depreciation wise.

I hope those guys took pcp and can hand car back, as no one will want to pay good money for a 150km EV when 400km ones are available for price of normal new ICE cars

Be like buying a ps2 when ps3 is out, except ps2 price was lowered over time.

Nissan still selling bloody 30kWh Leafs for over 23k new all year, have some hearts

KCross

thierry14 wrote: »

It has settled now because the market is so poor for us peasants in the 30k market

I hope those guys took pcp and can hand car back, as no one will want to pay good money for a 150km EV when 400km ones are available for price of normal new ICE cars

Be like buying a ps2 when ps3 is out, except ps2 price was lowered over time.

Nissan still selling bloody 30kWh Leafs for over 23k new all year, have some hearts

I don't think it will work as simply as you say. Everyone has their price point and not everyone can afford new. There will of course be depreciation because the new model is out but it has ever been thus in the motor world so nothin new there.... the <30kWh cars will still have decent value as they still run with much less to go wrong and if the car suits your usage profile then you have nothing to lose really..... buying a 10yr old ICE is a much riskier prospect.

Also unlike ICE, EV's have a floor value as the batteries have a life after their car use.... an ICE can go to €50... EV's won't depreciate to that level as the battery would be worth much more.

Its guesswork but I still don't buy into your depreciation arguments. Two very simple things could change it significantly against ICE.... Brexit (which will significantly curtail UK imports, thus hardening values here) and Government policy (increases to diesel). If they come true you could see a mass exodus from diesel in time. Again, guesswork, but not at all unreasonable a view. I'd rather have an EV to be honest!

thierry14 wrote: »

That is about to change over the next 2-3 years with all big manufacturers realising proper 400km EVs, then we will see the depreciation hit hard on the 16/17 reg EV's, anything older than that is a write off anyway depreciation wise.

I wouldn't hold your breath. Most of the EV's committed for production in the next few years are high end cars (Jag iPace, Model 3 etc). They will have zero effect on the secondhand price of a Leaf/Zoe/Ioniq.

I think you also underestimate the fact that EV's are effectively a new market. This isn't just the usual latest VW or Toyota.... this is a whole new market that people are only just waking up to. As the market grows the existing stock of EV's will become "desirable"... not to you obviously!

Think of all the people who buy cheap 1.0L petrol cars for the school and shop runs..... a degraded secondhand EV will more than manage that job.

cros13

This ^^^

thierry14 wrote: »

2017 BMW 330e is faster and bigger than your 2017 i3 and 10k cheaper including vrt

The i3 has a larger passenger volume than the 330e cabin, also more practical for cargo with the 1100L flat load space. Sure at higher speeds the 330e is a little faster (about 0.9 seconds faster 0-100 in real world testing than the i3), but at lower speeds (like 0-60) the i3 has the 330e beat (and the i3S will probably beat the 330e on 0-100).

The i3 also has a nicer interior with better quality materials even in the base spec than the 330e (there's a lot of thin cheap looking plastic in the 3-series these days).

KCross

Soarer wrote: »

The thing is though, my yoke suits 90% of my driving. The odd time I have to take the Prius due to range.
So is there much point in dropping ~€20k to make up that 10%? Would I be as well off spending €12k and getting up to 95%. But then, if I'm going that far, I may as well go balls out and get something that'll suit near on 100%.

So I suppose to cover my range...
100% - i3 REx DC
99% - Ioniq
98% - 30kWh Leaf

But then running costs from high-low...
i3 REx DC
Ioniq/Leaf

Factoring availability from high-low...
Leaf
i3 REx DC
Ioniq

Back to the Op.... how about the i3 BEV (i.e. no Rex). Presumably thats much cheaper and will also cover the most of your range requirements while retaining the toys?

Buying an i3 Rex with DC is going to be an awful lot of moola to cover a small amount of range improvement. Only you can determine whether thats worth it or not. If you still have a second car in the house for the one off longer journey then I'd ditch the Rex idea.

If the i3 is beyond budget the 30kWh Leaf SVE seems the obvious choice or an eGolf.

ELM327

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I have no problem with that, I am fully aware a Leaf driver saves more.....you seem to have a problem with it?

Where do I have a problem?

Just saying... You can either have a white goods EV to save money or you can have a nice car like a Tesla.

If you're trying to save money why spend more for the same spec.

thierry14

ELM327 wrote: »

Where do I have a problem?

Just saying... You can either have a white goods EV to save money or you can have a nice car like a Tesla.

If you're trying to save money why spend more for the same spec.

True

e-Golf is so bland and expensive even VW dont want to sell it

They are doing people a favour not releasing more of them, even they feel guilty selling them for those prices and steer people away from them

Fair play in fairness

Shefwedfan

ELM327 wrote: »

Where do I have a problem?

Just saying... You can either have a white goods EV to save money or you can have a nice car like a Tesla.

If you're trying to save money why spend more for the same spec.

Sorry that statement makes no sense.....can you please explain?

Are you trying to say only people driving low end electric cars see saving?

If I take this example....person is replacing current BMW M5...fuel/service/tax costs are high. They buy Tesla instead but they don't see any saving versus the M5?

Or my example, I have Audi A6, fuel costs over 90 a week, services cost through the roof(1200 off Audi south last time), tax costs are higher. So I sell and buy eGolf....am I not seeing any savings?

Sabre Man

Choosing a car isn't just about money, as can be seen from all the ugly, noisy cars you see on the road everyday.

The eGolf is decent looking and has sold 3582 in Norway so far this year. 16% of all EVs in Norway are Golfs. Only the Leaf is more popular.

Turbohymac

THANKS THIERRY 14. You seemed to have got a good grasp of the points I highlighted.. yes soon it will be self driving teslas. But for right now it's the well proven TDI for me. No car petrol diesel. Hybrid or electric is perfect and when the manufacturer gets it right the very next upgrade model comes along with more New flaws.. Electric has still a long way to go to compare with most good TDI engines.. however with all vehicle's it seems very clear they need 3 vital components.. a well designed &manufactured vehicle. Properly serviced &maintained& probably the most important a good driver..
At the least I would need the electric vehicles to travel much further on single charge than the 130/150 km currently obtainable ..500 would be a start. Also towing capabilities are another issue I had not mentioned which would affect most people as my TDI regularly tows in excess of 2 ton trailer with ease. No doubt my fuel efficiency suffers. But even the manufacturer's of electric cars admit that this is an issue. And for maintenance &repairs most non main dealer garages will be able to service the standard petrol/diesels while electrics will certainly be main dealer only for similar procedures which will naturally be at a premium..
As for anyone simply purchasing electric as zero emissions &being kind &caring to our environment. Well that's a really pointless exercise until the usa./China etc starts to address their pollution issues. Which probably won't be anytime soon
Regards to all

Good TDI ? that's hilarious considering the poison the VW Group allow these cars to spew out that's not even acceptable in the U.S. because the Euro car companies can't influence U.S legislators like the can in their home countries.

But you are taking about range, fill up in 5 mins, then not even tesla is for you mate, you're going to be burning diesel for a long time to come.

unkel

And hopefully pay a very steep price for all that pollution.

Wasn't that to cost them 40 odd Billion USD ?

Meanwhile in the E.U it cost them, what, a re-mod of the Air intake ? laughable when they had to buy back the cars in the U.S. Diesel is such a con and a dangerous one at that.

ELM327

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Sorry that statement makes no sense.....can you please explain?

Are you trying to say only people driving low end electric cars see saving?

If I take this example....person is replacing current BMW M5...fuel/service/tax costs are high. They buy Tesla instead but they don't see any saving versus the M5?

Or my example, I have Audi A6, fuel costs over 90 a week, services cost through the roof(1200 off Audi south last time), tax costs are higher. So I sell and buy eGolf....am I not seeing any savings?

No you are seeing some, but in my opinion you are not seeing additional benefits for the additional outlay involved in buying an e-golf.

Of course the M5 owner saves by moving to an S. That wasnt my point at all.
As thierry says (but I wouldnt be so harsh)

thierry14 wrote: »

True

e-Golf is so bland and expensive even VW dont want to sell it

They are doing people a favour not releasing more of them, even they feel guilty selling them for those prices and steer people away from them

Fair play in fairness

ELM327

Sabre Man wrote: »

Choosing a car isn't just about money, as can be seen from all the ugly, noisy cars you see on the road everyday.

The eGolf is decent looking and has sold 3582 in Norway so far this year. 16% of all EVs in Norway are Golfs. Only the Leaf is more popular.

That's because of the unique situation in Norway.
An e-Golf is cheaper to buy than an ICE golf.

Shefwedfan

ELM327 wrote: »

No you are seeing some, but in my opinion you are not seeing additional benefits for the additional outlay involved in buying an e-golf.

Of course the M5 owner saves by moving to an S. That wasnt my point at all.
As thierry says (but I wouldnt be so harsh)

I still don't get your point.

Maybe take this example

Someone is out buying a Pulsar and goes to test drive a Golf after Pulsar? Would you expect the person buying the Golf to pay more than the Pulsar?

Ok, now that person when in garage looking at oil versions decided to buy eGolf, so do you agree they will see savings by using eGolf versus the oil version Golf?

Do you think the above is reasonable statement and at the end of the day the person who buys the eGolf sees saving?

P.S. Maybe google before quoting about eGolf sales number Worldwide

Soarer

Well that escalated quickly!

So after 5 pages, have we come to any conclusions?

I'm still thinking about that bloody REx. But the one I'd be buying is the 60ah version, and reading on here about the "not great" range, I wonder if I should be looking elsewhere? I know the REx would extend that, but still. Dropping ~€20k on a car that'll have roughly the same range as a €12k Leaf doesn't read great.

And what's the story with the REx anyway as regards servicing, etc. If you never use it, will it kick-in for a few minutes every once in a while to keep itself fresh?
And what's up with the tyres? How much are a set of 19"/20"?
Anything else I should look out for?
Was is Cros said the only issues he's had with his BEV were things that were brought across from BMW's ICE range?

zilog_jones

People on the internet say the REx will do its "maintenance cycle" every 2 months or so. Similar to my Prius Plug-in, which will start the ICE every 200km if not used (think I only saw this happen once).

If I were you, I'd be inclined to maybe wait another year so you can get something that would be a more substantial upgrade from the Leaf in terms of range. As you say, the 60 Ah i3 doesn't sound that great.

Orebro

Soarer wrote: »

And what's up with the tyres? How much are a set of 19"/20"?

Read it and weep Link

I think you're bonkers to be considering that i3 that like you say has around the same battery range as a half the price Leaf.

Hang on for Acenta spec Leaf 2 availability, seems it will be around the 25/26k mark, and you'll have something to trade against it for scrappage.

ELM327

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I still don't get your point.

Maybe take this example

Someone is out buying a Pulsar and goes to test drive a Golf after Pulsar? Would you expect the person buying the Golf to pay more than the Pulsar?

Ok, now that person when in garage looking at oil versions decided to buy eGolf, so do you agree they will see savings by using eGolf versus the oil version Golf?

Do you think the above is reasonable statement and at the end of the day the person who buys the eGolf sees saving?

P.S. Maybe google before quoting about eGolf sales number Worldwide

A pulsar is a different value proposition to an eGolf.
The person will save money buying an egolf versus a fossil golf yes, but comparing a fossil pulsar to an egolf there will not be savings for many years due to the extreme difference in sticker price. No point spending (random number picked from my head) 15k more to save 1k per year in fuel over 3 year PCP cycle.
I don't see your point at all.
I'm not trying to be argumentative but I feel you are perhaps biased as an eGolf owner. Which i can understand.

Shefwedfan

ELM327 wrote: »

A pulsar is a different value proposition to an eGolf.
The person will save money buying an egolf versus a fossil golf yes, but comparing a fossil pulsar to an egolf there will not be savings for many years due to the extreme difference in sticker price. No point spending (random number picked from my head) 15k more to save 1k per year in fuel over 3 year PCP cycle.
I don't see your point at all.
I'm not trying to be argumentative but I feel you are perhaps biased as an eGolf owner. Which i can understand.

Not biased on eGolf at all.....everyone here seems to think I am because I enjoy driving it.....

Not going to ruin the OP thread

The statement you made

Just saying... You can either have a white goods EV to save money or you can have a nice car like a Tesla.

If you're trying to save money why spend more for the same spec.

Do you think this statement is correct? That people buying non leaf electric cars cannot save money?

Soarer

Yera 'tis well ruined at this stage!

ELM327

Just saying... You can either have a white goods EV to save money or you can have a nice car like a Tesla.

If you're trying to save money why spend more for the same spec.

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Do you think this statement is correct? That people buying non leaf electric cars cannot save money?

That is not what I said, not in the slightest.
White goods EV covers all like leaf, golf, ioniq, zoe anything that's not an interesting/fast/drivers car.
You can buy a more expensive white goods ev like the egolf and therefore save less. That was my point.
I've explained it multiple times and to be honest if it's not coming across by now I don't want to derail the OPs thread any further.

unkel

I agree with Shefwedfan here. It doesn't need to be all or nothing here

To save the most money, buy a €5k Leaf. If buying new the Leaf (2) and Ioniq are fine cars, but econoboxes. If you want a better driving car that's a bit more upmarket, buy a second hand eGolf or i3. And for the luxury and performance there is the second hand Tesla Model S

And as Orebro suggested, I would wait until more cars are available next year. Unless you just want a change, then go for it

Shefwedfan

unkel wrote: »

I agree with Shefwedfan here. It doesn't need to be all or nothing here

To save the most money, buy a €5k Leaf. If buying new the Leaf (2) and Ioniq are fine cars, but econoboxes. If you want a better driving car that's a bit more upmarket, buy a second hand eGolf or i3. And for the luxury and performance there is the second hand Tesla Model S

And as Orebro suggested, I would wait until more cars are available next year. Unless you just want a change, then go for it

I want a i3 REX :P ...if the price is right of course

Shefwedfan

Soarer wrote: »

Yera 'tis well ruined at this stage!

What you going to buy? Tesla?

No white good for you!!!

spyderski

Finally getting to the stage where I'm ready to pull the plug on an EV. Wife has moved job so has a 15km commute in heavy traffic, which our 520d is not ideal for. I'd be keeping the 520 so looking at a straight purchase as a 2nd car, aiming around the early-mid €20's. Would like an i3, but would also consider a nicely specced Leaf or something else.

Saw this i3 today. It's POA, was wondering what you guys think it could be bought for on a straight deal?
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/i3/used-2015-151-bmw-i3-bmw-i3-with-rang-dublin-fpa-5171965739390795195

Turbohymac

Yes mad lad I will be happily driving my TDI for a long time yet. There usually good for 3 to 400 thousand k before needing replacing.. And for me with towing etc electrics are a long way off
Being fit for purpose yet.. However best of luck & happy motoring with the 171 main point is that you're happy with the vehicle regardless of any other points made on the posts. Any vehicle beats public transport these days

ELM327

Turbohymac wrote: »

Yes mad lad I will be happily driving my TDI for a long time yet. There usually good for 3 to 400 thousand k before needing replacing.. And for me with towing etc electrics are a long way off
Being fit for purpose yet.. However best of luck & happy motoring with the 171 main point is that you're happy with the vehicle regardless of any other points made on the posts. Any vehicle beats public transport these days

Agree to everything except the point about towing.
Electric motors are great for towing, the inherent torque of the AC motor is arguably better than a diesel. Even a TDI. The problem is the batteries which outside of a model X, are not currently up to the job.

Watch the Tesla Semi!

Shefwedfan

spyderski wrote: »

Finally getting to the stage where I'm ready to pull the plug on an EV. Wife has moved job so has a 15km commute in heavy traffic, which our 520d is not ideal for. I'd be keeping the 520 so looking at a straight purchase as a 2nd car, aiming around the early-mid €20's. Would like an i3, but would also consider a nicely specced Leaf or something else.

Saw this i3 today. It's POA, was wondering what you guys think it could be bought for on a straight deal?
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/i3/used-2015-151-bmw-i3-bmw-i3-with-rang-dublin-fpa-5171965739390795195

Other one for sale in same year is 26k

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/i3/used-2015-151-bmw-i3-range-extender-dublin-fpa-7480809004895799925

So that will give you guideline, you will prob be around 24k......

If only 15km commute why you need range extender?

Soarer

If you've a 15km commute, why aren't you buying a 2014 Tekna Leaf for ~€12k?

ELM327

Soarer wrote: »

If you've a 15km commute, why aren't you buying a 2014 Tekna Leaf for ~€12k?

Or a 2011 for half that?

spyderski

15km commute, but also needed for running around dropping kids to sports etc. I'd just like the option that if I have to go away for a couple of days with the 520d that she can make a few longer trips without range anxiety. I'd probably manage fine on a BEV if I was driving myself tbh...

spyderski

At the moment we're putting €40-50 of diesel per week into the 520. And doing feck all mileage....

Shefwedfan

spyderski wrote: »

15km commute, but also needed for running around dropping kids to sports etc. I'd just like the option that if I have to go away for a couple of days with the 520d that she can make a few longer trips without range anxiety. I'd probably manage fine on a BEV if I was driving myself tbh...

Options are
i3 REV
i3 BEV
eGolf
Leaf
Merc as linked earlier
Zoe

As you currently have a BMW 5 series I doubt you will want to drop down too far the scale so Merc or BMW would look to be good options....

ELM327

The merc has no fast charging (assuming it's the B250e we are talking about) so I'd rule that out, even from a resale perspective if nothing else.

Realistically if you want a premium EV your options are the i3 or a model S.
You seem to like the idea of a BEVx so I'd suggest doing like Mad Lad did and picking up a nearly new BEVx model (from the UK probably).

Shefwedfan

ELM327 wrote: »

The merc has no fast charging (assuming it's the B250e we are talking about) so I'd rule that out, even from a resale perspective if nothing else.

Realistically if you want a premium EV your options are the i3 or a model S.
You seem to like the idea of a BEVx so I'd suggest doing like Mad Lad did and picking up a nearly new BEVx model (from the UK probably).

Seeing as the majority of fast charger never actually work and if he/she is doing all charging at home is fast charging that big of a loss?

Shefwedfan

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Seeing as the majority of fast charger never actually work and if he/she is doing all charging at home is fast charging that big of a loss?

Absolutely yes, a huge loss if you need a top up fast.

Alternatively , I would definitely make sure the EV has a minimum of 6.6 Kw charging that it can throw a decent charge into the car on a public AC point if needed, be it having fast charging or not.

spyderski

Am I correct in thinking a BEV has zero (or minimum) VRT, whereas a REX will attract c.€1,500-2,500 depending on year, spec. etc..?

Shefwedfan

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Options are
i3 REV
i3 BEV
eGolf
Leaf
Merc as linked earlier
Zoe

As you currently have a BMW 5 series I doubt you will want to drop down too far the scale so Merc or BMW would look to be good options....

i3 33 Kwh or 22 Kwh ? I forget what you were looking for, again, the rex means it can cover all your driving, if a charger is down or in use then continue on on the Rex.

Take one for a drive.

eGolf will have a better boot and be slightly wider. I wouldn't really call it a proper 5 seater.

Zoe 40 or 22 Kwh ? that 22-44 Kw AC charger is really fantastic and can get a full charge in 1 hr off an AC public point (22 Kw) or 2 hrs for the 40 Kwh.

But I am really not a fan of Zoe and it's quiet slow.

spyderski

How do I tell whether a car is 33 or 22kwh? I know to look for DC fast charging prep...

spyderski

We'd be keeping the 520 for longer drives, and my daily use, so maybe we'd get away with BEV. Although looking around, the difference will only be €2k or so like with like, so might just spend the money for the peace of mind. I would think REX would help with resale value down the road too...

Soarer

spyderski wrote: »

Am I correct in thinking a BEV has zero (or minimum) VRT, whereas a REX will attract c.€1,500-2,500 depending on year, spec. etc..?

Yes.

The majority of them will be sold in BMW garages and they will tell you, if it's 162 + Reg then there's a good chance it's the 33 Kwh but you can tell from the menu by accessing the hidden menu.

https://bmwi3owner.com/2016/01/secrets/

You're looking for ( Batt. Kapa. Max.) the 33 Kwh will show about 29 Kwh, mine shows 29.5 and the 22 Kwh will show 18-19 ish.