I have lurked here awhile and been gathering information, and I finally pulled the trigger and got a Leaf this week. I bought used; there are just a handful of used '11s and '12s in my area (Chicagoland). '13s and newer all are out of my budget, and I was leery of going with an '11 just because it was the first model year. I test drove several, and they all seemed to have issues (8 capacity bars, no SD card, cracked solar panel, etc). I also test drove a Mitsubishi i-Miev; it was surprisingly comfortable, but looks like a golf cart. I had almost given up when an old friend from the area contacted me; his neighbor's wife had traded in her 2012 Leaf SL due to 'range anxiety'. The car had no mechanical issues, I guess she had a new job with an 80-mile commute and didn't want to chance it. Always garaged, never quick-charged, with 20k miles. I found the dealer that was selling it, and once I test drove it, and saw 12 capacity bars, I snapped it up. It's just like a brand new car. I couldn't be happier.
My Leaf also came with the 240v Nissan wall-mounted EVSE that the previous owner uninstalled and included with the car. Until I get that installed I am getting by with the 120v trickle EVSE and the several local free Chargepoint stations. I have not yet fully-charged her (battery was set to take a 100% charge) so I am not sure her 'true range' yet, but as I said, all capacity bars are there. I have been averaging 4.5 mi/kWh; I drive in eco and use the climate control sparingly.
I guess I don't have a specific question, more like a request for any information you think a newbie should know. I do plan to quick-charge a few times a week (it's a necessity for work). I will also be garaging her in the winter months. Any tips/tricks/opinions are appreciated!
My Leaf also came with the 240v Nissan wall-mounted EVSE that the previous owner uninstalled and included with the car. Until I get that installed I am getting by with the 120v trickle EVSE and the several local free Chargepoint stations. I have not yet fully-charged her (battery was set to take a 100% charge) so I am not sure her 'true range' yet, but as I said, all capacity bars are there. I have been averaging 4.5 mi/kWh; I drive in eco and use the climate control sparingly.
I guess I don't have a specific question, more like a request for any information you think a newbie should know. I do plan to quick-charge a few times a week (it's a necessity for work). I will also be garaging her in the winter months. Any tips/tricks/opinions are appreciated!