lencap
Member
I originally bought a 2007 Prius Touring edition - loved the combination of features, especially the brighter headlights and modestly improve handling. I drove it for nearly 25K miles over two years, not a single problem. Wonderful car, met my expectations fully. Sold it in 2009 when gas prices spiked and hybrids were in short supply. Couldn't turn down the price I was offered, which allowed me to swap into a 2009 Mini Cooper and put money in the bank on the deal.
Moved into a 2011 Prius after tiring of the Mini Cooper. It was a fun ride, but after the ride became challenging over time - short wheelbase, I felt every pebble on the road and the noise became tiresome. The 2011 Prius surprised me greatly. All of the little things that bothered me in the 2007 version were fixed in the 2011 model. Better range, stronger battery allowing for more extended runs on battery power only (nearly 2 uninterrupted battery miles on my ride to work), better power up the hills (ICE didn't turn on nearly as often). The interior was a bit better, but I wasn't a big fan of the "floating" shelf console design. After 2 years and 26K miles of driving, again nothing at all to complain about. Avg. MPG during my ownership was a real 48.8, up over 2 MPG from the 2007 version. No repairs, just routine service. Fabulous car in every way.
But, and there is always a but, I became interested in a true EV and the Nissan Leaf was on my radar for 2 years. I even had a deposit placed shortly after it was announced. I drove it a few times, but each ride was limited to 5 miles or so - not enough to get the feel for the car (it was in short supply and dealers were not offering rides - I got my ride from the Nissan Leaf demo rides that were company sponsored). I liked the idea of it, but the 3.3KW charger was a VERY slow system that limited the car's flexibility for my needs. The heater was also an issue. Those two issues were killers for me, not to mention the price, at least versus the Prius (the 2011 was $24K out the door).
Imagine my surprise when I tried out the 2013 Leaf model two weeks ago. The charger was upgraded to a 6.6KW version, cutting the charging time in half. The EV management system was updated as well, extending the range and improving efficiency. The stock range rose to over 80 miles, and that was real range, not wishful thinking, at least on my commute in my climate. The car's electric heater was completely redesigned to a heat pump! The battery drain is far lower than the original, adding to the effective range. A/C is also worlds better and also far more efficient. All in all, the problems that kept me from the Leaf were no longer there. My daily commute is under 20 miles and my city is "green" with lots of free/low cost charging stations available 24/7. Add to all of that the price drop made available by shifting production to the US instead of Japan. I didn't want to buy the car, fearing resale value and battery depletion, and apparently Nissan realizes that. The lease I got was just over half of the initial lease prices offered in 2011.
The Leaf rides very well, batteries are low to the ground, and the ride is "firm" without being boring. The SV model, the middle level, offers all that I want and puts a smile on my face. That doesn't mean I don't like the Prius, nor does it mean that I won't buy another one at some point. The Leaf is still distance challenged, but the 2013 is FAR better than the car that was released in 2011, at least for my needs. Like the Prius the updates and changes are significant and makes the car a better vehicle. After considering everything I leased the Leaf and sold the Prius. In fact I was so impressed I traded the Prius to the dealer - I didn't want to wait to enjoy the Leaf!
Incidentally, I tried to buy a Prius Plug in, but they are still very limited and prices are typically inflexible. Add to that the rebates and other Leaf discounts and the Leaf winds up with a far lower monthly payment versus the plug in Prius, even though the cars are not all that far apart similarly equipped. I considered the RAV4 EV, but I can't justify the steep price difference between it and the Leaf. The RAV batteries may last longer (in duration, not necessarily daily distance) with a lower depletion rating, but going from 85 miles to 100 miles of distance isn't worth the price difference. Besides, I really like the Leaf and want to encourage Nissan to keep improving it.
Thanks to this forum for your help and comments - they helped "push" me into the car I now have.
Again, not bashing the Prius -- I loved both of mine, but the Leaf is something different. And for me the difference is entertaining, and fully matches my driving needs.
Moved into a 2011 Prius after tiring of the Mini Cooper. It was a fun ride, but after the ride became challenging over time - short wheelbase, I felt every pebble on the road and the noise became tiresome. The 2011 Prius surprised me greatly. All of the little things that bothered me in the 2007 version were fixed in the 2011 model. Better range, stronger battery allowing for more extended runs on battery power only (nearly 2 uninterrupted battery miles on my ride to work), better power up the hills (ICE didn't turn on nearly as often). The interior was a bit better, but I wasn't a big fan of the "floating" shelf console design. After 2 years and 26K miles of driving, again nothing at all to complain about. Avg. MPG during my ownership was a real 48.8, up over 2 MPG from the 2007 version. No repairs, just routine service. Fabulous car in every way.
But, and there is always a but, I became interested in a true EV and the Nissan Leaf was on my radar for 2 years. I even had a deposit placed shortly after it was announced. I drove it a few times, but each ride was limited to 5 miles or so - not enough to get the feel for the car (it was in short supply and dealers were not offering rides - I got my ride from the Nissan Leaf demo rides that were company sponsored). I liked the idea of it, but the 3.3KW charger was a VERY slow system that limited the car's flexibility for my needs. The heater was also an issue. Those two issues were killers for me, not to mention the price, at least versus the Prius (the 2011 was $24K out the door).
Imagine my surprise when I tried out the 2013 Leaf model two weeks ago. The charger was upgraded to a 6.6KW version, cutting the charging time in half. The EV management system was updated as well, extending the range and improving efficiency. The stock range rose to over 80 miles, and that was real range, not wishful thinking, at least on my commute in my climate. The car's electric heater was completely redesigned to a heat pump! The battery drain is far lower than the original, adding to the effective range. A/C is also worlds better and also far more efficient. All in all, the problems that kept me from the Leaf were no longer there. My daily commute is under 20 miles and my city is "green" with lots of free/low cost charging stations available 24/7. Add to all of that the price drop made available by shifting production to the US instead of Japan. I didn't want to buy the car, fearing resale value and battery depletion, and apparently Nissan realizes that. The lease I got was just over half of the initial lease prices offered in 2011.
The Leaf rides very well, batteries are low to the ground, and the ride is "firm" without being boring. The SV model, the middle level, offers all that I want and puts a smile on my face. That doesn't mean I don't like the Prius, nor does it mean that I won't buy another one at some point. The Leaf is still distance challenged, but the 2013 is FAR better than the car that was released in 2011, at least for my needs. Like the Prius the updates and changes are significant and makes the car a better vehicle. After considering everything I leased the Leaf and sold the Prius. In fact I was so impressed I traded the Prius to the dealer - I didn't want to wait to enjoy the Leaf!
Incidentally, I tried to buy a Prius Plug in, but they are still very limited and prices are typically inflexible. Add to that the rebates and other Leaf discounts and the Leaf winds up with a far lower monthly payment versus the plug in Prius, even though the cars are not all that far apart similarly equipped. I considered the RAV4 EV, but I can't justify the steep price difference between it and the Leaf. The RAV batteries may last longer (in duration, not necessarily daily distance) with a lower depletion rating, but going from 85 miles to 100 miles of distance isn't worth the price difference. Besides, I really like the Leaf and want to encourage Nissan to keep improving it.
Thanks to this forum for your help and comments - they helped "push" me into the car I now have.
Again, not bashing the Prius -- I loved both of mine, but the Leaf is something different. And for me the difference is entertaining, and fully matches my driving needs.
