Massachusetts man buys $140,000 Lucid Air EV for just $4,100 after bankruptcy concerns but immediately finds he's got himself into something tricky

Difficult situations can sometimes lead to incredible bargains, and that’s exactly what this man was expecting when he bought a $140,000 Lucid Air EV for just $4,100 after bankruptcy concerns sent used values tumbling.

But what looked like the deal of a lifetime quickly turned into a serious challenge.

Instead of driving home in one of America’s most advanced electric vehicles, he found himself taking on a project much more complicated than he bargained for.

Even getting the luxury electric vehicle off the transport truck proved to be a major ordeal.

He bought a $140,000 Lucid Air EV for just $4,100

YouTuber Rich Benoit, better known as Rich Rebuilds, snapped up a heavily discounted Lucid Air after rumors surrounding the EV maker’s future sent used auction prices crashing.

Although Lucid has denied bankruptcy rumors and even pursued legal action over false claims, uncertainty surrounding the company has had a dramatic impact on resale values.

Benoit showed examples of recent auction sales where 2024 Lucid Air models with only a few thousand miles sold for around $8,000, while another 2023 example changed hands for $6,500.

His own purchase was even cheaper.

The damaged Lucid Air, which originally carried a price tag of around $140,000, cost him just $4,100, but there was one catch: the car didn’t run or drive.

As soon as it arrived from Florida, Rich realized just how difficult the project was going to be.

Because the EV had no power, its electronic systems wouldn’t boot up, meaning it couldn’t be shifted into neutral.

After locating the external power terminals, he briefly managed to wake the vehicle enough to unlock the doors, but the main touchscreen never came to life.

He tried jump packs, an external power supply, and even a diesel generator in an effort to charge the vehicle, but nothing worked.

With the rear wheels locked solid, there was only one option left.

Using winches, plastic trays lubricated with baby oil and Crisco, ratchet straps, and plenty of patience.

Eventually, Rich and his team slowly dragged the 5,000-pound EV off the transporter in what became an hours-long operation.

Was it still worth saving?

Once the Lucid was finally inside the workshop, the inspection revealed plenty of cosmetic damage.

Multiple body panels were dented, every wheel had scuffs, suspension components had been damaged, and there were signs the car had previously been lifted by forklifts.

There was also an unexpected discovery inside the cabin.

The steering wheel and driver’s area still contained what appeared to be dried blood from the original accident.

Thankfully, the biggest concern appeared to have been avoided.

Rich inspected the underside of the car and found no obvious punctures or catastrophic damage to the expensive battery pack, despite visible marks where the forklift had made contact with the bottom of the car.

There was evidence of coolant leaking somewhere around the battery system, along with a broken axle and suspension damage, but he believed those issues were repairable.

“The car is definitely worth a shot,” the YouTuber concluded after inspecting the underside.

His next challenge would be to get the Lucid’s software to boot properly, manually release the electronic parking brake, and source replacement parts.

Only then would he find out whether his $4,100 investment could return to the road.

While it already proved far more difficult than expected, he had high hopes.

If the battery survived intact, Rich Rebuilds may have gotten one of the most remarkable electric vehicle bargains in recent memory.