Except for the three Nissan Leaf years to avoid, we can pretty much recommend every model year if you’re searching for a Nissan Leaf that’s a decent option as a secondhand car. Having said that, we’d especially suggest the models from 2017 through 2020.
Of course, it might be difficult to find a secondhand 2019 or 2020 model in that case. Since most owners are still keeping their cars, the most recent models aren’t appearing on the used market very often.
It’s also important to keep in mind that compared to other models, you might have to pay a bit more for a used Nissan Leaf automobile. This is due to the fact that models with a lengthy history of dependability and efficiency tend to hold their value better than cars with more widespread problems.
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Which should I purchase?
This mostly relies on your budget and how you want to use the vehicle. The 2013 model’s range is 124 miles, compared to the 2011 model’s 109 miles. Most consumers won’t require much more, and if you fall into that category, you’re in luck because they’re also the most affordable to purchase.
You’re better off saving your money unless you really require the 30kWh version with its 155-mile official range. Finding a model with the 6.6kW on-board charger, which was an option for older cars, is worthwhile because it cuts the charging time in half to four hours.
In terms of trim levels, we would steer clear of the earlier models because of how quickly their light-colored interiors become soiled. Nevertheless, they have the majority of amenities you may fairly expect, such as climate control, sat-nav, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Make sure the sat-nav is up to date if you intend to rely on it because most Leafs do not come equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as standard. Both metallic paint and a solar panel mounted on the rear spoiler were options. The majority of owners concur that its main function is to maintain the car’s 12v battery’s charge.
Models made after 2013 began with Visia trim, which we advise avoiding because it doesn’t have alloy wheels or an infotainment screen, making it more difficult to use some of the car’s functions. More importantly, the heater isn’t very efficient and there isn’t rapid charging.
Alloy wheels, a satellite navigation system, an energy-efficient heater, and a CHAdeMO socket—which enables the use of numerous public rapid chargers—were added to Acenta versions. Leather upholstery, LED headlights, a Bose audio upgrade, and bigger alloy wheels are added to Tekna variants.
Is Buying a Used Nissan Leaf a Good Idea?
A used Nissan Leaf can be purchased for as little as 50% off, and many are offered for as little as 70% off. If you do your research and confirm the battery is in good shape, the car has not been involved in an accident, and you only plan to use the Nissan Leaf for quick errands around town and not for any sort of lengthy journey or road trip, buying a used Nissan Leaf may not be a bad choice. Otherwise, having a limited EV range would be extremely annoying or would render the Leaf useless. Although keep in mind that buying a secondhand Nissan Leaf won’t qualify you for any government subsidies.
The Nissan Leaf has so far received fairly average reliability evaluations in terms of overall performance and safety. It all depends on whatever model year you choose to invest in because some model years are more dependable than others.
The 2019 Nissan Leaf receives a 5-star dependability rating from Consumer Reports, making it the most reliable model. The 2018 model, which is likewise quite dependable, comes next. The greatest models to choose from when buying used are unquestionably those from 2019 and after. If you’re considering the 2019 model year, many people would like to purchase a brand-new 2021. For those on a tight budget, buying nearly-new vehicles rather than completely new vehicles will be advantageous.
Without including battery replacement, the 2019 and subsequent models also offer lower yearly maintenance costs. The most frequent repair for a 2019 Leaf is $950 to replace the refrigerant line in the air conditioner. The average yearly maintenance cost for a 2019 Leaf is $748, whereas it is $998 for a 2016 model. The 2018 Leaf is generally dependable, but customers claim that it has a serious AC compressor problem that may necessitate a total replacement, which would cost about $1,450.
Concerning the finest deal, which year
Recently, I paid roughly $10,000 for a 2013 SV with all the extras I desired. Any Leaf model made after April 2013 should function well, but the older the model year, the less expensive. A 2015 has the lizzard battery, which is said to be more robust than earlier models, so if you can find one used, do so. Right now, the 13s are probably still the most accessible.
What Nissan Leaf model is the best to buy?
The Nissan Leaf has established itself as one of the top new electric vehicles available. It has shown to be a fantastic used EV as well. What Nissan Leaf trim should you choose?
At $32,400, the Nissan Leaf S Plus is affordable. After tax breaks from the federal and municipal governments, this cost might be reduced to $25,400. Amazing value for a brand-new electric vehicle. Compared to the original model’s 147 horsepower, the Leaf S Plus has 214 horsepower.
On a single charge, the Nissan Leaf S Plus model’s range is 226 miles. Only 149 miles may be covered by the base model on a single charge. The finest Nissan Leaf trim is the S Plus because it offers more range and power than any other trim. It still cannot compete with more well-known new EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, while being far more affordable to buy.
Why is the Nissan Leaf so affordable?
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 it expensive to maintain a Nissan LEAF?
The annual auto maintenance costs for the Nissan Leaf come to $748. The table that follows provides a detailed ranking of each car in this overall scheme for comparison’s sake. The Nissan Leaf is significantly less expensive to maintain when compared to the average vehicle ($651 annually vs. $748 for the Nissan 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.
What distinguishes the various Nissan LEAF models?
Only two types of the Leaf are currently available: the Leaf SV Plus, which has a larger battery pack and a longer driving range, and the base Leaf S, which has a smaller battery pack and a shorter driving range.
Are Nissan Leaf vehicles dependable?
This generation of Leaf received a high score of 98.6% in the reliability survey. Unfortunately, Nissan as a brand no longer enjoys the best reputation for dependability as it lags in 27th place out of 30 manufacturers, despite the fact that this is largely because of its conventional petrol and diesel vehicles.
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%
Can you go by car with a Nissan LEAF?
It was a long trip—600 miles—with a combination of largely high-speed highway travel, slow work zones, and some city driving.
We tried to extend our range for some of the journey. We chose comfort and speed for the other sections of the trip—the hot, rainy parts. This, in our opinion, represents the effectiveness of a road trip fairly well.
We ended up using 3.4 miles per kilowatt-hour on average. The Nissan Leaf Plus’s effective range after a full charge is 211 miles, with a battery size of 62 kWh. That’s a respectable efficiency that is on par with some of the more efficient EVs now available. Battery capacity dictates range.
The Leaf is a capable vehicle for long trips. It’s relaxing. It moves fairly quickly. Excellent safety technology. It works well. The charge rate on numerous fast chargers is the only thing preventing it from doing really extended road trips.
Although the majority of individuals won’t drive their cars in that manner, that is also not how Americans believe. The Ariya, Nissan’s upcoming fully electric vehicle, is expected to address all of these issues with CCS high-speed charging and smart temperature control. Heck, it might end up being the finest road trip EV if it charges quickly enough — like over 200 kW.
Nissan Ariya’s real-world range may already be known to us, or it may not.
How many miles can a Nissan LEAF travel?
The tremendous power of the 2022 Nissan Leaf(r) translates into an impressive range. Two batteries are included to provide you with immediate acceleration and ecstasy. The typical 40kWh battery can travel up to 149 kilometers on a single charge and generates 147 horsepower. On the other side, the 62kWh battery that is readily available increases power. It has a 160kW motor that can produce 214 horsepower and propel the vehicle up to 226 kilometers on a single charge.