calikbn said:
Bought a 2013 Leaf S model yesterday. This is my first time posting on this forum and was wondering if I did alright on the price and the decision to buy an S.
Here are the details:
S model w/ charge package (6.6 kW charger, quick charge port, and rearview camera) + splash guards and mats etc.
MSRP = ~$31600
Sale price = $29395
Financed at .9% for 60 months with zero down and zero out the door.
Put all taxes and fees into the finance because of the very low interest rate (have better guaranteed return by paying other debts). I have the tax liability to get the full $7500 back. That and the .9% finance rate (instead of 3.9% for lease) were motivating factors. I live in Santa Monica.
Here are my questions:
1. I am concerned how diminishing battery life on this car and improvements in battery range on future cars will impact resale value in 3-5 years. What is the general consensus (if any) on this issue in terms of the lease v. buy decision?
2. How important or valuable are the following features that the SV has and that my S does not have: hybrid heating system, b mode regeneration, navigation, carwings, aluminum wheels, autodimming mirror, six speakers v. four, and pandora radio capability (obviously not that important). Of these, I'm especially curious about the hybrid heating system and b mode regeneration. Do these features make a meaningful difference, especially in the LA-area?
3. All things considered, how did I do on price?
Thanks in advance!
1. The consensus here is it is better to lease the Leaf rather than buy, for the reasons you state. Living in Santa Monica, your battery should at least not suffer from accelerated degradation that is often discussed here.
2. Hybrid heating is nice if you like to use the heater a lot and/or need to drive relatively long distances (say over 25 miles one way) on a single charge, but if you are somewhat tolerant to mild cold and can tolerate limited or no heater usage, and/or the seat heaters are sufficient for you, then you won't miss it living in Santa Monica. The nav system sucks IMHO so you're not missing anything there. CarWings has its usefulness, but it's something I can live without. Same with cruise control. Wheels can always be swapped out; some folks here have gone for aftermarket 17" wheels (this was before the 2013 specs were announced) and the ones from the Juke look good on this car. The autodimming mirror appears to be made by Gentex and you can get these from Amazon, with or without built-in HomeLink. Can't speak for the 4 speakers vs. 6 but some folks have upgraded their OEM speakers and one person recently added a Bazooka subwoofer. Don't have B mode on my 2012 so I can't comment on it.
3. Can't speak to the negotiated price, but the very low rate and lack of drive-off fees are very good. Just make sure you have gap insurance, as the depreciation is quite steep so you'll be "upside down" for quite some time.