What's new
By:

First-Time EV Buyer: Looking for a Pre-Owned Air Touring (Tips on Model Years?)

L

lucidfan2026

New Member

Joined
Oct 11, 2026
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Location
Southern California ,Inland Empire
Cars
rx350 2010, LC500,LS 500
Hi everyone,
My wife and I are ready to make the jump to our very first EV. We are not fans of Tesla, but we absolutely fell in love with the Lucid Air. We are currently looking for a pre-owned Lucid Air Touring.
Since this is our first electric vehicle, I want to be smart and cautious about our choice. I would love to get some insights from long-term owners on a few things:
  • Model Year Differences: Are there significant real-world upgrades between the 2023, 2024, and 2025/2026 Touring models that make a newer year worth the extra cost? (e.g., infotainment processors, NVH/motor noise, or the heat pump?)
  • Must-Have Packages: Are there specific options—like the Comfort & Convenience package or Surreal Sound Pro—that you consider absolute dealbreakers?
  • Pre-Purchase Checks: What specific things should I ask a third-party dealer or look out for on a test drive?
I really appreciate any tips or guidance you can share to help us make the right decision!
Thanks,
Ash
Click to expand...
 
Nice thread, is the 2022 much worse than 2023? There is often not much of a difference in price.
 
Every year brought small improvements here and there. Newer cars will have a longer remaining warranty. The big update in 2025 added a great pump for more efficient cold weather driving, a faster infotainment computer which will accept the newest user interface software, and noise dampening front motor mounts for a quieter cabin.
 
Jimster480 said:
Nice thread, is the 2022 much worse than 2023? There is often not much of a difference in price.
Click to expand...
I would expect any early issues would be resolved by now. Early models were more variable than current versions, in a way that’s kind of normal for a radically different auto experience. No matter who built it.
Now if someone here were to try and offload a lemon and you just bought a car with the same description …
Here’s how I approached it, did the car do all the things the car should do? Yes/no
Do I like the car (color, comfort, drive ability, etc)? Yes/no
Go for it if the cost is less than or equals the value you place on it. If you’re looking at multiple cars then which feels like you?
I mean it’s a durable good with a depreciating value (some people seem to be trying to hasten the road to zero) so if you like it then who cares.
🤔
 
Aside from running the VIN for a history check, I'd have an independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection if you're buying used.

The only thing I'd say is a must-have would be the CCCv2 upgrade. Especially now that there are tangible features you're missing out on without it. This comes standard on 2025+ (and some 2024 models I believe), but can also be purchased from Lucid for $1k.

I'd categorize the other packages are purely personal preference. I really like the soft close doors that come with the convenience package but I'm sure others would say it's a waste of money.
 
Jimster480 said:
Nice thread, is the 2022 much worse than 2023? There is often not much of a difference in price.
Click to expand...
I have a 2022 AGT. Had some problems with the passenger door(which was corrected with a new motor several years ago). Otherwise trouble free. In fact I have no plans to upgrade to the newer chip because everything works just fine and I plan to sell it sometime between March-October of 2027 and replace it either with Cosmos Dream or BMW electric M3. I do not feel that 2022 or 2023 makes any difference. Strictly depends on whether that particular car has had a lot of problems or very few problems. Mine falls into the latter category.
 
I also had very few problems with my 2022 AGT.
Really needed the 360 cams, really enjoyed the surround sound pro.
 
At a minimum, I'd look for a 2023 with some significant warranty remaining. Having several months of full warranty coverage is a good safety net, and more is always better. Not to say that 2022 is bad choice, but you will be on your own without a warranty.

The 2024s had some minor improvements, and the 2025s add a heat pump and an updated processor, which could save you the $1,000 upgrade cost. The heat pump only matters for heating in cold climate settings.

I couldn’t live without SSP sound, though that might depend on how much you care about audio quality. I like the features of the convenience group, but worry some about operation of soft close doors after warranty ends... However, you will also get rear sunshades and four zone AC/heat with convenience group,

One other thing I discovered is that the headliner varies by roof and interior. Starting in 2025 the Touring with the solid aluminum roof gives you a light gray woven headliner rather than alcantara. . IMO it looks somewhat bland compared with the alcantara which was standard in the 2023–2024 models. Glass dome roof cars still come with alcantara.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top