If you’ve been glancing at the Irish second-hand EV market, the number of Volkswagen ID.4s for sale — often at prices that feel too good to be true — is hard to ignore. The ID.4 is a spacious, fully electric SUV that launched to strong reviews, yet its rapid depreciation has turned it into a tempting bargain for used buyers.

4 related posts

Starting price (ID.4 Pure, Ireland): €35,510 ·
ID.4 Pro Plus price (Ireland): €45,040 ·
Official range (Pro model, WLTP): up to 520 km ·
Battery capacity: 77 kWh (Pro) ·
Number of used ID.4 listings on CarsIreland (approx.): 100+

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 2021: Most software recalls and 12V battery issues
  • 2022: Software fixes rolled out, but door handle problems remained
  • 2023+: Hardware updates improved reliability significantly
4What’s next

Five key specs define the ID.4’s practical identity for Irish buyers: body type, drivetrain, battery options, charging speed, and boot space.

Specification Value
Body style Compact SUV (5-door)
Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive (AWD on GTX)
Battery options 52 kWh (Pure) / 77 kWh (Pro)
DC fast charging 135 kW max
Boot capacity 543 litres
Towing capacity Up to 1,000 kg (braked)

Is a used VW ID.4 a good buy?

Cost of ownership: insurance, tax, and charging

  • Insurance group for ID.4 in Ireland typically ranges from 25 to 30 depending on trim (AA Ireland insurance data).
  • Annual motor tax for an EV is €120 (Ireland’s rate for electric vehicles).
  • Home charging at night (night rate about €0.15/kWh) costs roughly €11.55 for a full 77 kWh charge.
  • Public rapid charging can be 3–4 times more expensive.

Depreciation curve of the ID.4

The ID.4 loses value faster than many rival EVs. A 2021 model that originally cost €38,000 new can now be found for €25,000 – a drop of over 34% in three years. That steep curve is both a risk and a reward: you buy cheap, but you’ll sell cheap too. The pattern: early adopters took the biggest hit; later buyers get a near-new car for a song.

Warranty coverage for used ID.4 models

Volkswagen’s manufacturer warranty (3 years/up to 150,000 km) is transferable to subsequent owners, and the battery is covered for 8 years or 160,000 km. Always verify warranty transfer through a Volkswagen dealer before buying.

Bottom line: The used ID.4 is a genuine value play for Irish buyers who plan to keep it for 4-5 years. Budget-conscious shoppers: grab a 2023+ model with warranty intact. Range-focused buyers: splurge on the Pro 77 kWh to avoid range anxiety.

The implication: the ID.4 rewards long-term ownership and penalises quick flips.

Why is the VW ID.4 so cheap?

High depreciation due to EV market shifts

In 2023–2024, the entire EV market repriced. Tesla slashed Model Y prices, and every competitor followed. Volkswagen Ireland had to discount new ID.4s, and the used market cascaded. The average price for a used ID.4 on DoneDeal is now €28,698 across 231 listings (DoneDeal marketplace data).

Initial overpricing and competition

When the ID.4 launched in 2021, it faced little competition in the compact electric SUV segment. Now the market is packed: Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Skoda Enyaq all undercut or match it on tech and range. The ID.4’s weaker infotainment system and polarising software made it the also-ran.

Supply glut from early production

Volkswagen ramped up ID.4 production faster than demand, creating a surplus of 2021 and 2022 models. Those cars now flood the used market, suppressing prices. Coupled with Tesla’s price war, the ID.4 became one of the fastest-depreciating EVs in Ireland.

The trade-off

Cheap upfront price comes with a catch: higher total cost of ownership from insurance and potentially expensive out-of-warranty repairs. For Irish buyers, the financial equation works only if you keep the car past the 5-year mark to spread the depreciation hit.

The catch: low entry price does not guarantee low total cost.

What are the common ID.4 problems?

Software and infotainment glitches

  • Frequent over-the-air (OTA) update failures – many owners report updates that get stuck or never arrive (What Car? reliability survey).
  • Infotainment screen freezes and slow response, especially in 2021 models.
  • Connectivity issues with the Volkswagen We Connect app.

HVAC and door handle issues

  • Door handles have been known to freeze shut in cold weather – a known design flaw on early cars.
  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system sometimes fails to maintain temperature, particularly in models with the optional heat pump.

Battery and charging concerns

  • 12V battery drain is a recurring complaint: the auxiliary battery can go flat overnight in some 2021 models (HonestJohn owner reports).
  • Charging speeds can be inconsistent – the ID.4 advertises 135 kW, but real-world peak often sits around 100 kW on many public chargers.

“The software lag and door handle issues are the two biggest pain points I hear from ID.4 buyers. Once you get past those, the underlying car is solid.”

— CarsIreland editorial, ID.4 review video

Which year VW ID.4 to avoid?

2021 model year: early teething problems

  • Most software recalls – nearly every 2021 ID.4 received at least one major software update campaign (Which? reliability data).
  • Door handle freezing reports widespread.
  • 12V battery failures more common in early production.

2022 improvements, still problematic

  • Volkswagen rolled out software version 3.0 which fixed many glitches, but some OTA issues persisted.
  • Door handle design was revised but not completely resolved.
  • Still suffers from slower-than-average DC charging curve compared to newer rivals.

2023+ models: most refined

  • Hardware updates to the infotainment unit improved responsiveness.
  • Better thermal management for battery and heat pump.
  • Door handle mechanism changed – fewer freezing reports.
  • Improved build quality overall; fewer owner complaints on forums.
The upshot

If you can stretch your budget, a 2023 ID.4 is the sweet spot. It costs about €5,000 more than a 2021 example but saves you dozens of trips to the dealer for software updates and warranty claims.

The pattern: spending more upfront on a newer model cuts long-term hassle significantly.

Why is the ID.4 not selling?

Competition from cheaper Chinese and Tesla models

The Tesla Model Y outsold the ID.4 in Europe by roughly 3:1 in 2024 (Wikipedia sales data). Chinese brands like MG and BYD have also entered the Irish market with price tags that undercut the ID.4 by €5,000 or more even after the SEAI grant.

Consumer perception of VW EV quality

The early software troubles damaged Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability. A survey from What Car? ranked the ID.4 below average in its class for dependability. Negative word-of-mouth spread faster than the OTA updates ever did.

Incentives and tax changes

Ireland’s SEAI grant (€3,500 for private buyers) and VRT relief (up to €5,000) have been slowly reduced. For 2025, the VRT relief on EVs above €40,000 list price is partially phased, reducing the effective discount for higher-spec ID.4s like the Pro S and GTX (odo.ie policy analysis).

“The ID.4 is a genuinely good car underneath, but Volkswagen’s slow response to software issues has cost it dearly in the court of public opinion.”

— What Car? reviewer, reliability assessment

Upsides

  • Spacious interior and large boot (543 litres)
  • Low running costs (€120 annual tax, cheap home charging)
  • Transferable warranty and long battery cover (8 years/160,000 km)
  • Good real-world range – Pro 77 kWh delivers ~445 km in mixed driving

Downsides

  • Steep depreciation – value drops faster than Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5
  • Software glitches and infotainment lag, especially on pre-2023 models
  • Door handles can freeze in cold weather
  • Charging speed often below advertised peak
  • Weaker resale desirability compared to key rivals

The verdict for Irish buyers is pragmatic. Used ID.4s are cheap for a reason: early build issues and a hit reputation. But if you choose wisely – 2023+, Pro trim, with warranty verified – you get a comfortable, spacious, efficient EV that costs thousands less than a new Model Y or Enyaq. The catch is that you must accept the quirks and plan to hold it for at least five years to spread the depreciation. For the budget-conscious EV buyer in Ireland who values space over prestige, the ID.4 works. For short-term owners, the math doesn’t add up.

Additional sources

volkswagen.ie, blackwatermotors.ie

Before committing to a purchase, it’s wise to compare listings from multiple sources such as this comprehensive guide to Volkswagen ID.4 for sale in Ireland, which includes prices and deals from Irish sellers.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

Is the Volkswagen ID.4 reliable?

Reliability has improved significantly with 2023+ models. Early 2021 cars suffered software issues and door handle problems. According to Which? reliability data, later models score average or above for dependability.

How much does it cost to insure a VW ID.4 in Ireland?

Insurance groups range from 25 to 30 depending on trim and battery size. Expect annual premiums similar to a mid-range SUV – roughly €500–€850 based on typical Irish insurance quotes. Compare with AA Ireland for exact figures.

What is the real-world range of the ID.4?

The official WLTP range for the Pro 77 kWh is up to 520 km. In real-world Irish driving, expect about 445 km in mixed conditions, and around 370 km on motorways in winter. The Pure 52 kWh offers roughly 125 km less (odo.ie real-world testing).

Does the ID.4 qualify for SEAI grants?

Yes – the ID.4 Pure and Pro models are below the €40,000 OMV threshold for full VRT relief and SEAI grant (€3,500 private). Higher trims like the Pro S and GTX exceed the threshold and receive reduced relief. Check the latest SEAI guidelines for up-to-date amounts.

How does the ID.4 compare to the Tesla Model Y?

The Model Y offers a quicker charging network (Tesla Superchargers), better software, and higher resale value. The ID.4 is cheaper used, more spacious inside, and has a more traditional SUV driving position. Irish buyers on a budget often prefer the ID.4; tech enthusiasts lean Tesla.

What is the battery warranty for a used ID.4?

The high-voltage battery is warrantied for 8 years or 160,000 km (whichever comes first). This warranty is transferable to subsequent owners. Always obtain official documentation from a Volkswagen dealer to confirm coverage (Volkswagen Ireland warranty terms).

Is it cheaper to charge the ID.4 at home or on public chargers?

At home, a full charge (77 kWh) costs about €11.55 at the night rate (€0.15/kWh). Public rapid charging costs €0.45–€0.65/kWh, making a full charge €35–€50. Home charging is roughly 3–4 times cheaper per kilometre.

For Irish buyers weighing a used electric SUV, the Volkswagen ID.4 offers undeniable value if you can work around its quirks. The decision is clear: shop for a 2023 Pro model, verify that warranty, and plan to keep it long enough to let the depreciation curve work in your favour. Otherwise, a newer Tesla Model Y or Skoda Enyaq may be a safer bet.

Related reading