Used Nissan Leaf??

[Knavish]

Any opinions on buying a used Nissan Leaf? I know new Nissan Leafs depreciate rapidly (partially due to the tax incentives) and most everyone just leases them. I've never leased a car, and these used Leaf prices are very tempting.

For example, I found a 2013 Leaf SL (pretty much with every option) with ~25K miles and the extended 7/100K warranty listed at ~$12K. I bet I could negotiate another $1K off that price pretty easily.

Is this a dumb idea?

I've been all over the map looking for cars. I test drove a new Acura TLX (I4, Tech Package) last weekend, and the dealer was willing to take almost $4K off the sticker, but I couldn't really shake the though that an Accord Sport would be more fun for $1000s less. I test drove a loaded 2015 Volt, but I think it's still a bit pricy for what you get now that the HOV stickers are no longer available.

 

[nerp]

If you can live with the rage limitations and have access to a gas powered vehicle, public transit, a friend or a train station/airport, why the heck not? That's an insanely good price.

 

[Knavish]

If you can live with the rage limitations and have access to a gas powered vehicle, public transit, a friend or a train station/airport, why the heck not? That's an insanely good price.

In the Bay Area that price isn't too hard to get AFAIK. It wasn't so hot for the pre-2013 models, but 2013+ has the faster charger and other useful options. I bet a lot of 2013s are coming off lease now.

Even if I hate the car, it seems like I wouldn't lose more than a a couple $Ks if I wanted to get rid of it in a year, which is better than the depreciation on a new car.

 

[bigi]

If you charge at night and drive less than 80 miles a day, the Leaf is a great car. It will costs you pennies to drive in terms of electricity.

New Leaf is due soon.

 

[herm0016]

if you search, you can find a 12 or 13 volt for that much.

 

[Tuanies]

Just make sure to use an OBDII adapter + Leaf Spy to check how much battery capacity is lost.

 

[Ophir]

Posted this in Trident's thread:

You're in CA, right? Then, Chevy Spark EV lease.

I dare you to find a better deal or more fun for $139/mo, less than that if you figure in the 100mpg equivalent to power it. I love mine and pay 50% more than that for the lease.

Then, factor in that CA offers a $2500 rebate for EV leases. That makes it $75/mo.

Do yourself a favor and test drive one.

Also, looks like the green and white HOV stickers are still available: link

 

[Knavish]

Hi guys
I've been meaning to reply to this for a while. Thanks for the info on Leaf Spy -- I hadn't heard about that before. Also, I have thought of he Spark EV, but I'm wondering if it is too small from a safety perspective.

I'm also still on the fence when thinking about battery vs Plug in hybrid (no the green stickers have been renewed). I guess I'm still confused...

 

[NutBucket]

It all depends on your usage.

 

[natto fire]

It all depends on your usage.

Yeah. EVs have a lot more pros than cons, in my book. Lower maintenance, "throttle" response, cheaper fuel, are just some of the pros. The cons include lost energy through HVAC, and driving range.

If you can swing the cons of a lesser EV like the Leaf, and still meet your range criteria, then go for it. Obviously a Tesla would alleviate the problems of the most intense commuter, but they are expensive, and with good reason.