Looking to Buy a Used Nissan LEAF? Here Are Some Factors To Think About When Making Decisions
I’m searching for a used Leaf. Having rented a 2011 and currently operating a 2013, I consider myself to be an authority on the Leaf. A different vehicle that is going to be returned at the end of its lease needs to be replaced. Used Leafs are widely available and are offered both locally and online. Many of them are being offered for sale at absurdly low costs. There are lots of listings in the $12,000 bracket.
Trying to determine which crucial characteristics a used Leaf has or doesn’t have is one of the most annoying aspects of looking at a used Leaf. For instance, they seldom ever mention whether or not it has a DC rapid charge port. It’s crucial to be aware of it. Do you want to know if the wheels are alloy? No issue. Navigating is simple. But what about a heat-pump or a DC quick charging port? Ignore it. And you’d imagine it would be as easy as taking a look at a picture of the charge ports. But what’s this? They seldom ever display it.
The salespeople’s lack of familiarity with the vehicle and ignorance of the significance of a DC fast charge port are most likely to blame for this. And I suppose that for them, photographing the charge port would seem approximately as strange as photographing the gasoline inlet for a typical car. Even though I’ve tried phoning and contacting folks, it virtually never works. Even if you explain it to them, they typically won’t go look at the automobile and get back to you since they don’t know how to tell. In reality, the responses I’ve received the majority of the time have been boilerplate lists of the car’s basic features. Usually, it repeats verbatim what was written in the original advertising. One even went so far as to reply with the typical characteristics and then provide the following tidbit as a hook to pique my curiosity:
“We have completed the North Carolina Safety/Emissions Inspection, New Oil and Filter, New Windshield Wiper Blades, and New Air Filter as an additional value of $243.90 to this vehicle.”
Say what? inspection of emissions? Filter and oil? air purifier It becomes clear that they have no knowledge of the car and that they are attempting to defraud customers by billing for services that have not been rendered. Most people would believe them if they made such a promise about a gasoline vehicle. With an EV, we can detect deception.
As a result, I’ve put together this list of helpful facts in case you’re looking to buy a secondhand Leaf. I’ll go over some information that used car sellers either can’t or won’t tell you.
In This Article...
What to watch out for
Battery: It’s safe to assume that Leaf batteries are adequate to the task as we haven’t heard many stories of their failing. The tools show you the battery’s condition and whether its maximum capacity (and thus driving range) has decreased over time. On the original Leaf’s battery, Nissan provided a five-year/60,000-mile warranty, and on the 30kWh model, an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.
The Leaf is just as simple to operate as any other automated vehicle. When you slow down, the regenerative braking mechanism charges the battery; there is a mode to strengthen this. Later cars used a foot pedal, while earlier cars had an electronic handbrake. Personal preference will determine which you prefer, although neither is challenging to use.
Most Leafs have two sockets hidden by a flap behind the Nissan logo on the nose for charging. The chargers you’ll typically find at service stations have two types of connectors: a Type 1 connector for slow and fast charging and a CHAdeMO connector for even faster rapid charging.
Early automobiles have a smaller boot than later ones. Later models’ high-spec Tekna versions have audio equipment put in the boot, taking up some of the available luggage space.
Interior: British-built cars are more desired and have a darker interior than the very first Japanese-built cars, which have a cream interior that isn’t that fantastic and reveals dirt quite easily.
Infotainment: An SD card is mostly used to power the infotainment system. Make sure the vehicle you are purchasing has one because they are expensive to replace.
Batteries degrading
Battery deterioration has already been briefly discussed, but we thought we would go into more detail here. It’s vital to keep in mind that the batteries in all Nissan Leafs from the first generation will degrade to some extent. Obviously, degradation will be less in newer Leafs or those with new battery packs, but it is still present.
Most first-generation Nissan Leafs lose about one bar of capacity after about three years (down to 11 from 12). This first bar shows a 15% reduction in capacity. After the first bar, every additional bar signifies a loss of about 6% of the battery’s capacity, and after five years of driving, a Leaf should have about 10 bars remaining. The battery capacity bars are located on the dashboard display’s far right, next to the battery state, with the numbers 1 and 0 at the top and bottom, respectively. Better bars will be the bottom two.
The best case scenario for deterioration is around 3% annually, but some of the more delicate battery packs (like the early Leaf ones) can lose as much as 15% in a year.
It’s vital to remember that Nissan’s guarantee does not cover battery deterioration over time, and that the majority of warranties have already expired or will do so shortly. This implies that you will almost probably have to pay for the replacement cost yourself if you are considering an old Leaf with a faulty battery pack.
Since you would be significantly constrained in range if you don’t buy a first-generation Nissan Leaf with at least 10 bars left, we personally advise against doing so. If you don’t mind the shorter range, you may frequently find first-generation Leafs with less battery capacity for a significantly lower price.
What Qualifies as a Used Electric Car, and What Should I Look For?
Give any used vehicle a careful inspection before purchasing. Even though a used electric automobile has a different form of propulsion than a used gas-powered car, many of its other characteristics and functions are the same and should also be carefully examined.
Additionally, you must always examine a car in person. While strolling around and driving, you’ll notice some problems that don’t appear in photographs. When you see an automobile in person, it might not be in as good of shape as it appears in photographs.
Additionally, it’s crucial to do a test drive to ensure that it runs well and that you enjoy driving it. Observe how electric vehicles provide rapid power off the line when you press the accelerator during the test drive.
Here is a quick list of what to look for when purchasing a used electric vehicle:
- Has it been verified that the batteries are in good working order? Ask to have them tested if not.
- To be sure you’ll feel secure behind the wheel, it’s also a good idea to check the safety ratings of the vehicles.
- Does the heating and cooling system work properly?
- Are the tires in decent shape?
- Does the interior’s general state appear to be consistent with the vehicle’s mileage?
- Do the windows open and close and seal properly?
- Work all of the gauges?
- Are the infotainment system’s audio and other features functional?
- Are the steering and brakes responsive? Are there any unpleasant noises or squeaking coming from the brakes?
- Do the suspension’s sounds bother you in any way?
- Does the car have a clear vehicle history report free of any accidents or damage that has been reported?
- Has the vehicle undergone the recommended maintenance and service? Request the maintenance records for the vehicles from the seller.
- Is the title for the used electric car clear?
You now know what to look for when purchasing a used electric vehicle. The Toyota Prius and other hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles from Cadillac, Hyundai, Kia, Audi, Volvo, Chrysler, and Honda are also covered by this checklist.
Ask yourself if the seller feels trustworthy if you’re purchasing for a used automobile from a smaller dealer or private party rather than a Certified Pre-Owned Electric Vehicle. Even if you enjoy the car, trust your gut if anything doesn’t feel right. Always keep in mind that you have the option to leave.
What issues does the Nissan LEAF have?
The Nissan Leaf can only be used with specific charging stations because of its design.
Additionally, there have been numerous reports of charging incompatibility problems with Eaton chargers, particularly for the 2018 Leaf.
Is it expensive to repair the Nissan LEAF?
With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the Nissan LEAF is ranked third among all alternative fuel vehicles. It has typical ownership costs with an average annual repair cost of $748.
Why is the Nissan LEAF pricey?
I therefore need a new automobile and would prefer an electric model, but I have limited funds. I was considering the Nissan Leaf and was taken aback by the price. Why are Nissan Leafs so reasonably priced?
In less than two minutes, find out if your auto insurance is being overcharged.
You’re right that making the switch to an electric vehicle is exciting.
Compared to other electric vehicles, the Nissan Leaf is significantly less expensive. Why, you inquire? Even though they are generally good automobiles, the Nissan Leaf doesn’t have the best reputation. Low battery range, depreciation, government subsidies, old technology, and a plain design are a few of the elements that contribute to the Leaf’s low pricing.
- Low battery range: The battery range on a new Leaf is just 80 to 100 miles per charge, and on a used Leaf, this decreases to about 50 miles per charge. Although the Leafas battery is less expensive to produce, its compact size means that it has significantly less power than other electric cars.
- Depreciation: The Leaf depreciates less frequently than the majority of other electric vehicles, which means it does so more slowly than more expensive vehicles. For instance, a Tesla typically depreciates by 20% over the first year of ownership.
- Government subsidies: Depending on the state you live in, there are a number of government subsidies and incentives available when buying a Leaf. These benefits lower the cost of purchasing the Leaf and enable quicker loan repayment.
- The Leaf may be inexpensive to purchase, but its technology hasn’t advanced much since it initially rolled off the assembly line in 2010, especially in comparison to the technological arms race being fought by other electric car manufacturers.
- Design: The Leaf isn’t a bad-looking car, but it isn’t sweeping up design accolades either. This may have contributed to the model’s poor sales and the subsequent price reductions.
Depending on your financial situation, a Nissan Leaf can be the ideal vehicle for you. Whatever you decide, make sure to use Jerry to find a strong auto insurance policy to cover your car.
This excellent vehicle insurance app can enable you sign up for your new policy and cancel your old one after just 45 seconds of registration!
Is insurance for a Nissan LEAF expensive?
In total, drivers will shell out roughly $128 per month or $1534 annually for Nissan Leaf insurance. The average annual cost climbs to $3568 for drivers over 30.
According to Expert Insurance Reviews, the average cost of insurance for a Nissan Leaf compares to the costs for its rivals as follows:
- a Buick LaCrosse costs $1360 annually
- Hybrid Ford C-Max: $1404 annually
- Ford Fusion Energi yearly cost: $1492
- Hybrid Chrysler Pacifica: $1500 annually
- A Ford Fusion Hybrid costs $1644 annually.
- Chevy Volt: $1700 annually
The likelihood of filing a claim regarding a Nissan Leaf is often ranked by insurance providers as follows:
- 55 percent of people are fully covered.
- Medical insurance coverage: 36%
- Coverage for physical injuries: 24 percent
- Protection against personal injury: 17%
- 16% of damages were to property.
- Collision protection: 11%