So Which Leaf to Get?

I've been eyeing an electric car for a minute. Now, I've narrowed it to the Leaf...but I'm confused by all the options. For the past week, I've been recording how much I really drive daily. I'll be lucky if I get to 25 miles on any given day. I work from home and I only go out to check the mail, pick up the kids, the usual and hardly ever past 10 miles from the house. On top of that...when the weather warms up, I'm on the Harley. I've been known to not drive my car for a week.

So, theres a 2012 SL QC....for sale $6995, but then there are these '13 SL and SV Premiums with QC $9000 max. The only difference I see is the mileage on the cars. More miles cheaper. It seems like a no brainer to get the one with the most options and highest miles, since I'm not going to put very many more miles on it.

So what am I missing? What should I be checking for? Do I need to download this android mobile app and attempt to get the battery information before hand or while I'm at the dealer? Should I go for ones with some factory warranty left?

Is Premium really worth it (surround view and Bose). All my reading on this forum leads me to believe a leaf is a leaf, except for the creature comforts. Since an electric vehicle will be a novelty in itself...I can't miss what I never had, can I?

What say the forum?

Sounds like you aren't too fussy about comfort features, so I'll focus on battery and charging...

Given the limited miles you'll be driving, you might be happy with a 2011/2012 Leaf. However, realize that most of the public charging stations are level 2 and the 2013+ SV and SL models will charge almost twice as fast as 2011/2012 models or 2013 S models.

Also, if you get a Leaf with a quick charge port (CHADEMO), then you'll be able to charge even quicker (0 to 80% in about 1/2 an hour) using level 3 charging stations.

Expected range depends mostly on battery pack condition and your regional climate. Hotter climates degrade the battery quicker whereas, in colder climates during winter, expect diminished range.

Furthermore, 2013+ SV and SL models have a heat pump so they are more efficient (use less battery) during winter in most regions.

Biggest consideration though is definitely the health of the battery. So, either shop at dealerships who will provide a Leafspy report or make a small investment and buy a OBD2 BT enabled dongle. Then, post back here with the SOH, Hx, and AHr values before you buy.

To add to what alozzy said, make sure to check the number of capacity bars displayed on the dash. They are the short bars to the right/outside of the longer State-of-charge bars.

Here is an example of a car that has lost 3 bars:


It will give you an idea of the health of the battery. You can request that the seller send you a picture of the dash with the car on. For a 4-6 year-old car, one or two lost bars is normal. There is a warranty against losing 4 bars within 5 years / 60k miles. At that point, Nissan would replace the battery with a new one.

Happy shopping!

It will give you an idea of the health of the battery. You can request that the seller send you a picture of the dash with the car on. For a 4-6 year-old car, one or two lost bars is normal. There is a warranty against losing 4 bars within 5 years / 60k miles. At that point, Nissan would replace the battery with a new one.

Click to expand...

It is possible for an unscrupulous dealer or tech to reset the battery management system (BMS) to temporarily display all 12 capacity bars, even when several have been lost. So if you see a pre-2013 Leaf in a warm or hot climate with all 12 bars showing, be very suspicious. Those lost bars are still not really there, and will fade away in the display in a matter of weeks.

Agreed, I would never rely on the capacity bars. In fact, I personally wouldn't buy from a dealer who doesn't know what LeafSpy is, or worse yet a dealer who uses LeafSpy themselves, but who won't provide the SOH and AHr values to prospective buyers. Major red flag in either case, as it shows either their ignorance or downright deceit.

LeftieBiker said:

It will give you an idea of the health of the battery. You can request that the seller send you a picture of the dash with the car on. For a 4-6 year-old car, one or two lost bars is normal. There is a warranty against losing 4 bars within 5 years / 60k miles. At that point, Nissan would replace the battery with a new one.

Click to expand...

It is possible for an unscrupulous dealer or tech to reset the battery management system (BMS) to temporarily display all 12 capacity bars, even when several have been lost. So if you see a pre-2013 Leaf in a warm or hot climate with all 12 bars showing, be very suspicious. Those lost bars are still not really there, and will fade away in the display in a matter of weeks.

Click to expand...

I know there were lots of reports of this a few years ago, but does this still happen? It's worth being aware of either way. I thought about mentioning it, but didn't want to bog down to OP with too many details if it's a non-issue any more.

Thanks everyone for all of the advice! I'll be sure to post what I find out. The place I'm looking at is paramount motors northwest:
http://www.paramountmotorsnw.com/.

A few years back >5, they were high dollar/performance cars. When I talked to the salesperson, he said they went 95% EV a couple years ago. Their pricing seems to be in line with the local dealerships. I'd imagine they wouldn't be able to compete if they weren't at least knowledgeable and aware.

I purchased from Paramount, Peter is the owner and he's very knowledgeable. He also will email you a screenshot of LeafSpy if you ask.

Are you from the Vancouver area?

I know there were lots of reports of this a few years ago, but does this still happen? It's worth being aware of either way. I thought about mentioning it, but didn't want to bog down to OP with too many details if it's a non-issue any more.

Click to expand...

If anything I'd expect it to be more common now, with so many Leafs coming off lease and going to auctions. I don't have any stats, though.

Alozzy, I'm actually in Seattle proper. BTW...paid for and downloaded the $14.00 android LeafSpy app. I also have the BT Dongle thingy and what ever coming from Amazon. If I have learned one thing over the years....it's to always get the proper tools for the job. Just saves on headache and frustration. What's $40 bucks if it saves me hundreds or thousands?

Yup, definitely agree. I asked Paramount for a LeafSpy screenshot before making the trip from Vancouver to Seattle, then verified it for myself before buying. Easier for you, as you live in Seattle.

Forgot to mention Campbell Nissan in Edmonds, WA. They have tons of Leafs, prices higher than Paramount but you can likely bargain:

https://goo.gl/RHjAkV