billg said:
drees said:
Another option is leasing - it will be cheap for 3 years and after 3 years gives you an easy opportunity to get into a newer LEAF with more range.
I think this is good advice. You can get a brand new LEAF for about $200/mo with only your $2500 state rebate up front. You'll be finished with the lease about the same time you're finished with vet school.
Thanks to everyone for taking time to reply to my question!
A used 2011 Leaf costs about $14K here, while a 4y lease of a new Leaf would cost about $9600 (no more rebates in Oregon). If I understand this correctly, at the end of the lease, I've spent about $10K and have no car--I'd need to lease or buy another car. If I buy the used 2011 Leaf, I'd wind up spending another $6K to put in a new battery in about 4-5y, but then would be fine for another 8y or so.
used Leaf: $20K over 12y
leased Leaf: $10K every 4y ($30K over 12y, if lease continues to be cheap) OR $10K plus cost of new future Leaf $30k ($40K over 12y)
As someone who will be shouldering a lot of student debt, I'd like to be as frugal as possible. I don't mind having to plug in during the winter--I will get to campus early each day and there are many EVSEs. It seems that buying the used car would cost less money in the long-term. Have I missed an important factor?