I have been interested in the Leaf for about 2 years now. I now have the opportunity to get a "In stock" discounted 2011 one at my local dealer. I am not on any waiting list. I am on the fence about being an "early adopter" since I anticipate the cost of these to come down, but at the same time the federal tax credit would be reduced, so I don't see the net price of these falling within the next 3 years. I did the math and at current gas prices, it will cost more to own the leaf (even with tax credit) than my current 2011 scion xb (25mpg).
I already worked a deal with the dealer and they are giving me a pretty good amount on my trade, so I am not taking a bath on that.
Options:
1) Keep my Xb (currently $166 month and only owe $5500 and will be paid off in 2014) and give it to my daughter in 2014 and THEN buy an electric in 2014. Hopes: is longer range more choice vehicles with lower price, Fears: extreme high gas prices, putting high demand on EV driving prices up, federal tax credits being discontinued or reduced.
2) buy leaf now (after trade $357mo, 60 months after tax credit) and then buy something used around $10k in 2014 for daughter. Hopes: buying leaf now will secure my interest in EV, positive savings when gas goes above $5 per gallon. Fears: more EV choice, better technology, longer range, and cheaper prices in 2014., at todays fuel prices, does not make sense. I will have dual car payments in 2014, going this route, since I will have to buy my daughter a used car.
Any suggestions? Anyone have a crystal ball?
I already worked a deal with the dealer and they are giving me a pretty good amount on my trade, so I am not taking a bath on that.
Options:
1) Keep my Xb (currently $166 month and only owe $5500 and will be paid off in 2014) and give it to my daughter in 2014 and THEN buy an electric in 2014. Hopes: is longer range more choice vehicles with lower price, Fears: extreme high gas prices, putting high demand on EV driving prices up, federal tax credits being discontinued or reduced.
2) buy leaf now (after trade $357mo, 60 months after tax credit) and then buy something used around $10k in 2014 for daughter. Hopes: buying leaf now will secure my interest in EV, positive savings when gas goes above $5 per gallon. Fears: more EV choice, better technology, longer range, and cheaper prices in 2014., at todays fuel prices, does not make sense. I will have dual car payments in 2014, going this route, since I will have to buy my daughter a used car.
Any suggestions? Anyone have a crystal ball?