2018 BMW I3 0.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · YXI 113

The BMW i3 sits in insurance group 21-29 depending on variant, which is moderate for a premium small car. Road tax is currently £0 for fully electric vehicles, though this REX hybrid variant may attract a small standard rate — verify the current VED band with the DVLA. Fuel and electricity costs are typically low: many owners achieve the equivalent of 150+ mpg combined when charging regularly, though REX use on longer journeys pushes consumption towards 40-50 mpg.

Maintenance costs are moderate; the i3 uses conventional tyres (a top MOT failure reason for this model) at premium sizes (155/70 R19 front, 175/60 R19 rear), which can be expensive to replace. Annual maintenance including tyres, brakes and a service is realistically in the £400-£700 range, with major items like air conditioning regas or suspension components adding to costs. Estimated annual running costs land in the £800-£1,200 bracket depending on mileage and charging habits.

Given that this specific vehicle has no recorded MOT advisories across four tests, the MOT history does not flag any recurring concerns. However, the model's top failure reasons — tyres, coil springs, and windscreen washer issues — should still be inspected at the point of purchase. Check all four tyres for even wear, confirming correct sizing and adequate tread depth, as the i3's unusual wheel sizes make replacements more costly. Inspect the suspension for any knocking over bumps, which could indicate coil spring fatigue.

Beyond the model's typical MOT failures, prioritise a battery health diagnostic, visual inspection of the charging port and cables for damage or scorching, and a thorough check of the infotainment and climate control systems, which can be expensive to repair on i3s. Examine the carbon-fibre reinforced plastic body panels for cracks or UV damage, particularly around the lower sills and wheel arches. Finally, confirm that all warning lights clear on startup and that the range extender (if fitted) engages smoothly when the battery drops below the set threshold.