Hello All, I am new from Boston, MA, writing to introduce myself to leap into the world of e---wheels (electrical cars) for economical reasons to do less than 60 miles a day. Needless to say, this is a very resourceful site. I have questions about car, car seats, safety etc.,. Can I ask? Thanks a bunch...
Hello All - New Member - Leaf Enthusiast - Need Answers
- Thread starter naturoses
- Start date
Help Support My Nissan Leaf Forum:
ebuonaccor
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2016
- Messages
- 34
Welcome, ask away!!
redLEAF
Well-known member
+1 welcome; there are a number of folks here on MNL from New England so if you have specifics as well from your region to ask about be sure to post it there if needed. Many early adopters have owned their LEAF's for a number of years but Nissan has also introduced some changes to the car so also be sure to mention if you're considering buying a particular year or new one ...
Thanks ebuonaccor and Redleaf!!
I truly prefer a new car but have read that buying a used model is better in terms of value. I went to Nissan Norwood, MA just to see the car. I saw a new car (2016) I asked them about a used model they said No and after that they did not show any interest in me....
Travel Needs: We do short trips mostly to drop kids at school and groceries, BJ's/Costco etc., We may not go on the highway and will probably do on our minivan. If we go it may not be more than 25 miles per side (= 50 miles)
Safety: I saw some back ended cars - scary to look.... Is there a kind of back bumper guard to add to prevent us getting smashed or sandwiched? I have 2 kids, Daughter (5) and Son (8). I also take care of my old parents. (I understand we 6 do not fit but giving a picture about passengers)
Needed Car Components: I read that we should look for leaf containing a efficient heat pump, lizard battery. I learnt that 2011-2012 will need adapters but 2013 - current is plug and play.
Insurance: Will the insurance go up or down or normal? Sure it depends on many other factors about the driver and records...
Heat and Cold: I park my car under the sky (street Parking during day time at schools/office/hospital visits). In Boston, we had record snows last year and summers are hot. I will be really thankful to Bostonians (Massachusetts residents) may be able to share their experiences...
Used Model Search and Scary Dealers: I believe, I saw (2011-2102) 4 leaves (plural of leaf) going for just below 10K online as used cars. I am not sure whether they have heat pumps, speed chargers, new battery replaced under warranty. I also read that batteries meter /guage can be falsified by dealer to show a full charge by doing software tricks and after a week or so they came back to reality meter/guage. To be honest, I really do not believe dealers due to several bad experiences in the past. Hence, writing to seek honest opinions and help.
I am buying this car for economical reasons because my AWD minivan gives 13-14 in the city, and most (99%) of my trips are all in the city.
I am not sure whether I covered everything, If I did not, I hope will be allowed..
Sorry for this long list of questions. My apologies. Thanks for sparing your precious time and brain power to steer me and later on my actions in the right direction for an thrifty living...
Have a great day all of you...
I truly prefer a new car but have read that buying a used model is better in terms of value. I went to Nissan Norwood, MA just to see the car. I saw a new car (2016) I asked them about a used model they said No and after that they did not show any interest in me....
Travel Needs: We do short trips mostly to drop kids at school and groceries, BJ's/Costco etc., We may not go on the highway and will probably do on our minivan. If we go it may not be more than 25 miles per side (= 50 miles)
Safety: I saw some back ended cars - scary to look.... Is there a kind of back bumper guard to add to prevent us getting smashed or sandwiched? I have 2 kids, Daughter (5) and Son (8). I also take care of my old parents. (I understand we 6 do not fit but giving a picture about passengers)
Needed Car Components: I read that we should look for leaf containing a efficient heat pump, lizard battery. I learnt that 2011-2012 will need adapters but 2013 - current is plug and play.
Insurance: Will the insurance go up or down or normal? Sure it depends on many other factors about the driver and records...
Heat and Cold: I park my car under the sky (street Parking during day time at schools/office/hospital visits). In Boston, we had record snows last year and summers are hot. I will be really thankful to Bostonians (Massachusetts residents) may be able to share their experiences...
Used Model Search and Scary Dealers: I believe, I saw (2011-2102) 4 leaves (plural of leaf) going for just below 10K online as used cars. I am not sure whether they have heat pumps, speed chargers, new battery replaced under warranty. I also read that batteries meter /guage can be falsified by dealer to show a full charge by doing software tricks and after a week or so they came back to reality meter/guage. To be honest, I really do not believe dealers due to several bad experiences in the past. Hence, writing to seek honest opinions and help.
I am buying this car for economical reasons because my AWD minivan gives 13-14 in the city, and most (99%) of my trips are all in the city.
I am not sure whether I covered everything, If I did not, I hope will be allowed..
Sorry for this long list of questions. My apologies. Thanks for sparing your precious time and brain power to steer me and later on my actions in the right direction for an thrifty living...
Have a great day all of you...
ebuonaccor
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2016
- Messages
- 34
I haven't had my leaf that long, only a little over month so I'm sure there are others on here that are better equipped to answer most of your questions. I do live in Rhode Island and leased my Leaf from Milford Nissan in Mass. I can tell you they are a great dealership and I would recommend them. They had a few new and used leafs on the lot which is why I passed three other Nissan dealerships on my way to Milford. Their Leaf specialist Guy is great, knows a ton about the Leaf and spent a great deal of time with me.
I have a round trip commute of 46 miles and thankfully was talked out of buying a used Leaf by the very smart people on this site. The cold weather we get here can cause quite a bit of range loss. I bought a 2016 SV with the 30 kWh battery. When the temps are in the 40's I have no problem getting around 100 miles per charge but when the temps drop into the 20's and teens (which happens frequently in the winter) the range drops to about 80 miles per charge. A used Leaf with the 24 kWh battery will start out with less range than my 2016 and will also be affected by the cold.
I have a round trip commute of 46 miles and thankfully was talked out of buying a used Leaf by the very smart people on this site. The cold weather we get here can cause quite a bit of range loss. I bought a 2016 SV with the 30 kWh battery. When the temps are in the 40's I have no problem getting around 100 miles per charge but when the temps drop into the 20's and teens (which happens frequently in the winter) the range drops to about 80 miles per charge. A used Leaf with the 24 kWh battery will start out with less range than my 2016 and will also be affected by the cold.
Bob
Well-known member
Hi,
I live in NH and drive a 2013 Leaf. Our climate (yours and mine) is not bad on the battery. Battery life will be much worse in a hot climate like Phoenix where 115F days are common. In Phoenix, people had bad battery capacity loss after one year! In NH, my battery loss after 3 years is perhaps 15% less than new.
There are some running threads here on used Leaf pricing. In general, it is much more economical to buy a used Leaf. You should be able to get a very good 2013 Leaf for approx. $13K, depending on options. But make sure that it isn't a southern Leaf that someone moved to the north. You can tell by using a cell phone app called Leaf Spy together with a $10 OBD bluetooth device. That's about the cheapest investment you can make in checking out a used car.
The 2013 Leaf has some features not found on earlier Leafs - heat pump for more efficient winter heat, heated seats, and better regen mode.
A new battery is approx. $6K, so even a used leaf for $13K plus a new battery is still cheaper than a new Leaf.
If you are used to 80 MPH highway driving, you will get a lot less range than 30 MPH city driving. I can drive more than 100 miles at 30MPH on one charge, but only ~60 miles at 70 MPH. For more details, see:
http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=4295&p=122482
Running the heat will drop your range by roughly 15%, depending on how cold it is outside. Electric seats, heated steering wheel and headlights may sound significant, but they are not measurable energy consumption by comparison.
The Leaf is fairly heavy, so runs OK in snow. But if you put snow tires on it, you will see a hit in range. Ecopia tires give excellent range, and the range actually gets a bit better after 10K miles of driving because the tires break in.
If you have more questions, please continue to ask.
Bob
I live in NH and drive a 2013 Leaf. Our climate (yours and mine) is not bad on the battery. Battery life will be much worse in a hot climate like Phoenix where 115F days are common. In Phoenix, people had bad battery capacity loss after one year! In NH, my battery loss after 3 years is perhaps 15% less than new.
There are some running threads here on used Leaf pricing. In general, it is much more economical to buy a used Leaf. You should be able to get a very good 2013 Leaf for approx. $13K, depending on options. But make sure that it isn't a southern Leaf that someone moved to the north. You can tell by using a cell phone app called Leaf Spy together with a $10 OBD bluetooth device. That's about the cheapest investment you can make in checking out a used car.
The 2013 Leaf has some features not found on earlier Leafs - heat pump for more efficient winter heat, heated seats, and better regen mode.
A new battery is approx. $6K, so even a used leaf for $13K plus a new battery is still cheaper than a new Leaf.
If you are used to 80 MPH highway driving, you will get a lot less range than 30 MPH city driving. I can drive more than 100 miles at 30MPH on one charge, but only ~60 miles at 70 MPH. For more details, see:
http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=4295&p=122482
Running the heat will drop your range by roughly 15%, depending on how cold it is outside. Electric seats, heated steering wheel and headlights may sound significant, but they are not measurable energy consumption by comparison.
The Leaf is fairly heavy, so runs OK in snow. But if you put snow tires on it, you will see a hit in range. Ecopia tires give excellent range, and the range actually gets a bit better after 10K miles of driving because the tires break in.
If you have more questions, please continue to ask.
Bob
aarond12
Well-known member
When I read you're in Boston and have ~50 mile trips, I stopped right there. The LEAF is not likely the vehicle for you, especially a used one. 50 miles in the winter with the heat to a comfortable level is pushing it. Unless you can charge at the mid-point of your trip, the LEAF won't have enough range for you.
If you're looking for better efficiency, a Mazda 5 might work for you, and it holds 6 adults.
If you're looking for better efficiency, a Mazda 5 might work for you, and it holds 6 adults.
There is no way to add the heat pump unit to a car without one, so you'd need a 2013 or newer SV or SL. You could manage 50 mile trips in Winter with a slightly degraded leaf, but only on secondary roads at about 45MPH. If you are ok with that, look for, preferably, a 2014-2015 Leaf and check the capacity with the Leaf Spy app. If you wait until Labor Day (or possibly Memorial Day) you might be able to lease or buy a 30kwh SV for a decent price. They are too expensive now because of high lease residuals, but this also means that they are affordable to buy when the lease ends. If the terms improve, I suggest a 2016 SV, either purchased or leased with the intent to buy it off lease.
In regards to the OP's question about safety: according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Leaf scored "Good" in all categories EXCEPT the small-overlap frontal crash in which it did poorly. LOTS of cars including some luxury brands also failed the small overlap crash test, so the Leaf is not necessarily more unsafe than other cars. http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/nissan/leaf-4-door-hatchback
NHTSA gives the Leaf 4 out of 5 stars for all of its categories. http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/2011-Newer+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=10194 EuroNCAP gives it all 5 stars: http://www.euroncap.com/en/results/nissan/leaf/10939
Neither NHTSA nor the IIHS have a rating for a rear crash test,. However, since the Leaf does not have a fuel tank, there's no fuel to leak and cause a fire. Of course if another involved vehicle's fuel does leak that can still be a problem. Adding "reinforcements" may make survivability worse as crash forces may be transferred to the occupants rather than be absorbed by the car's structure.
NHTSA gives the Leaf 4 out of 5 stars for all of its categories. http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/2011-Newer+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=10194 EuroNCAP gives it all 5 stars: http://www.euroncap.com/en/results/nissan/leaf/10939
Neither NHTSA nor the IIHS have a rating for a rear crash test,. However, since the Leaf does not have a fuel tank, there's no fuel to leak and cause a fire. Of course if another involved vehicle's fuel does leak that can still be a problem. Adding "reinforcements" may make survivability worse as crash forces may be transferred to the occupants rather than be absorbed by the car's structure.
cwerdna
Well-known member
OP, can you update your location info via your user name in the upper right > User Control Panel > Profile tab? That way, we don't need to ask in future posts/threads or do sleuthing to deduce it.
Also agree w/LeftieBiker's post.
Problem w/EVs is that there's no "free" waste heat from an engine. Heating the cabin takes significant amounts of energy and there's temporarily reduced battery capacity in the cold, as well. There are also other factors that will reduce range in winter (e.g. rain, slush, snow, etc.)
Agree.aarond12 said:
Also agree w/LeftieBiker's post.
Problem w/EVs is that there's no "free" waste heat from an engine. Heating the cabin takes significant amounts of energy and there's temporarily reduced battery capacity in the cold, as well. There are also other factors that will reduce range in winter (e.g. rain, slush, snow, etc.)
joeriv
Well-known member
I am in CT and have a 2013 S with QC port and backup camera. My driving needs are pretty much the same as yours - local, maybe 50 miles/day. The resistance heater will drop your range by about 10 miles, but if you are primarily on local roads, your range should much less of a factor. I routinely see 70 - 80 miles range on the GOM at 80% charge. In addition heated seats and steering wheel go a long way to comfortable winter driving.
How you drive is a big factor - if you are "lead-footed", then your range will decrease dramatically. Coasting to stops, driving in ECO mode and letting regen slow you down rather than using the brake will increase your range with little effort. I rarely brake for a turn as regen will slow me down enough.
PM me if you want to chat.
How you drive is a big factor - if you are "lead-footed", then your range will decrease dramatically. Coasting to stops, driving in ECO mode and letting regen slow you down rather than using the brake will increase your range with little effort. I rarely brake for a turn as regen will slow me down enough.
PM me if you want to chat.
DNAinaGoodWay
Well-known member
Which hospital? A few have stations:
DNAinaGoodWay
Well-known member
Can you charge at home? On 240V?Preheating while plugged in helps a lot.
If your not on the highways, you'll make 50 miles even in winter crawling around Boston, but best to lease. Still some 2015s around and you can hardball for a good lease cause they need to get rid of them.
Milford, and Guy, is a good dealer, also Marlboro, they're owned by the same guy.
Good used ones are hard to find here, many are being trucked in from CA, probably better to lease new. MA rebate requires a 3 year lease.
Insurance and excise tax are higher on a new car though. First year excise is like $750.
If your not on the highways, you'll make 50 miles even in winter crawling around Boston, but best to lease. Still some 2015s around and you can hardball for a good lease cause they need to get rid of them.
Milford, and Guy, is a good dealer, also Marlboro, they're owned by the same guy.
Good used ones are hard to find here, many are being trucked in from CA, probably better to lease new. MA rebate requires a 3 year lease.
Insurance and excise tax are higher on a new car though. First year excise is like $750.
Dear All: Thank you for the excellent support and responses. I also great support and advice from DNAinaGoodWay.
I am very close to purchasing a new 2015 SL.
I was suggested I need OBDII and leafspy to check for the battery. I should admit, I do not know how to use these and where to buy these quickly in Boston/MA stores before I go to see the vehicle/test drive.
Also, we have windows and android phones but IOS.
If online purchase for OBDII is the only option, Could someone kindly stick some links here and I can buy right away...
Is there a place or a person from whom I could rent for a day or two...
On purchase, is there a battery warranty (like replacements)? maintenance warranty etc.,
Is there anything I should ask because as I mentioned I got screwed by dealers many times in the past...I am nervous to be honest...
Thanks
I am very close to purchasing a new 2015 SL.
I was suggested I need OBDII and leafspy to check for the battery. I should admit, I do not know how to use these and where to buy these quickly in Boston/MA stores before I go to see the vehicle/test drive.
Also, we have windows and android phones but IOS.
If online purchase for OBDII is the only option, Could someone kindly stick some links here and I can buy right away...
Is there a place or a person from whom I could rent for a day or two...
On purchase, is there a battery warranty (like replacements)? maintenance warranty etc.,
Is there anything I should ask because as I mentioned I got screwed by dealers many times in the past...I am nervous to be honest...
Thanks
DNAinaGoodWay
Well-known member
Premium gets you Bose sound (but a little less trunk space) and the surround view display.
I can meet you in Marlboro depending on the time, no extra charge. I leased my first one there. They're not half bad for a stealership. Always good snacks. Free tire rotations too, if you trade in the free oil change coupons they send you.
I can meet you in Marlboro depending on the time, no extra charge. I leased my first one there. They're not half bad for a stealership. Always good snacks. Free tire rotations too, if you trade in the free oil change coupons they send you.
DNAinaGoodWay
Well-known member
Good luck. You'll want to get an OBD II anyway, you want the Bluetooth version for Andriod phones. Easy to get online.
Have you considered an eGolf? Comparable deals there too.
Have you considered an eGolf? Comparable deals there too.
