LEAF in Kansas City

My Nissan Leaf Forum

Help Support My Nissan Leaf Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
I've read that only the female mosquito bites and they come out at night. :evil: Either way we go (morning or evening) we creep up against the heat (high noon) or bug bites (evenings). Hate to douse myself with chemicals, but Deep Woods Off might have to be the way to go. July is pretty hot, I agree, so perhaps late August is a better choice? I'm only concerned about heat (take to the shade!!), so I can be flexible working around everyone else's schedule. :)
 
I would sure like to join in a get-together, if you wouldn't mind having me. I met Tom at the car show on Sunday and would like to meet the rest of the KC area Leaf drivers. With a little advance notice I shouldn't have any problem being available. When the time gets closer, just let me know what to bring and where this would take place.

I don't have an upgraded ESVE at this time, and not sure if I will anytime real soon. Still considering options and pondering various scenarios. I usually don't make quick decisions, but did when I got the car, which still surprises me.

Thanks a bunch.

Dave
 
So took the Leaf to the dealer for the obligatory battery check and tire rotation. They called me to try and get me to pay for the Nissan recommended 'tire balancing' because that's recommended. Umm...no, tires usually don't suddenly go out of balance unless you do a serious curb check and throw a weight off. Then he tried but even he couldn't keep his composure when he tried to get me to do a 1 year brake fluid flush that he knew was unnecessary.

It was both annoying and kinda cute when I picked up the car and he's trying to explain how all the 5 star results are so good and I'm doing such a good job with the car. Umm...dude, the nearest ChaDemo is in DFW or Indianapolis or Chicago so getting 5 stars on quick charging is just silly.

There were 2 irritating parts:
1. I wasn't given a loaner car but rather a free rental - this meant that I needed to actually put almost a gallon of gas in the rental to ensure I wasn't charged a $4/gallon refill fee
2. What in the world is a $1.30 "environmental disposal/shop items" fee for? Did the paper mat in the driver seat cost $1.30 and they needed to recover that price? Was there a drip pan required to catch the extra battery fluid as they drained and rotated the batteries (joking)? Was that the cost of printing out the receipt?

Really guys, I know vehicle maintenance is where the dealers get a lot of profit but don't be silly about it.


Edit - note it was just a regular maintenance guy with the paperwork. I hope the actual Leaf tech is better.
 
ksnogas2112 said:
So took the Leaf to the dealer for the obligatory battery check and tire rotation. They called me to try and get me to pay for the Nissan recommended 'tire balancing' because that's recommended. Umm...no, tires usually don't suddenly go out of balance unless you do a serious curb check and throw a weight off. Then he tried but even he couldn't keep his composure when he tried to get me to do a 1 year brake fluid flush that he knew was unnecessary.

It was both annoying and kinda cute when I picked up the car and he's trying to explain how all the 5 star results are so good and I'm doing such a good job with the car. Umm...dude, the nearest ChaDemo is in DFW or Indianapolis or Chicago so getting 5 stars on quick charging is just silly.

There were 2 irritating parts:
1. I wasn't given a loaner car but rather a free rental - this meant that I needed to actually put almost a gallon of gas in the rental to ensure I wasn't charged a $4/gallon refill fee
2. What in the world is a $1.30 "environmental disposal/shop items" fee for? Did the paper mat in the driver seat cost $1.30 and they needed to recover that price? Was there a drip pan required to catch the extra battery fluid as they drained and rotated the batteries (joking)? Was that the cost of printing out the receipt?

Really guys, I know vehicle maintenance is where the dealers get a lot of profit but don't be silly about it.
Click to expand...
Wow, standard ICE BS. My brother runs an automotive service shop and their $6 disposal fee automatically prints on all invoices, supposedly to recover the cost of getting rid of used oil. Shops will definitely try to up-sell and over-charge, so beware. You could've asked your dealer to remove that charge, because they didn't dispose of anything (but their dignity), however, $1.30 probably isn't worth arguing over. Glad you were on your toes with that guy. :roll:

The Randy Reed Nissan staff pounced to escort me in...maybe they consider women defenseless marks ("Are you here for an oil change?" "Noooo!" :eek: ). No cabin filter change (miles too low); only paid for the tire rotation (~$17 after $10 rewards credit), although I asked them to do a little extra (check front end noise, recalls/software updates, etc.,). I wasn't offered any inappropriate BS "necessities." Since I'd come in with my to-do list & questions, perhaps they figured, "she's prepared, skip the BS." I'm their first LEAF buyer and I'd guesstimate their first 1-year service check. In/out, less than an hour, plus a free car wash. The mechanics even seemed captivated by the silent red car with the zero emission logo as it came and went....
 
DaveInKansas said:
I would sure like to join in a get-together, if you wouldn't mind having me. I met Tom at the car show on Sunday and would like to meet the rest of the KC area Leaf drivers. With a little advance notice I shouldn't have any problem being available. When the time gets closer, just let me know what to bring and where this would take place.

I don't have an upgraded ESVE at this time, and not sure if I will anytime real soon. Still considering options and pondering various scenarios. I usually don't make quick decisions, but did when I got the car, which still surprises me.

Thanks a bunch.

Dave
Click to expand...

Dave -- from and other Dave -- you are certainly welcome. Indeed, as much as I am ambivalent about my Leaf at times from a theoretical standpoint, it a really nice car to drive day in and day out. So a little KC area fan club is in order.

I think all agree that if we do this in Summer, its best to do afternoon/evening hours, in spite of the lure of "charging at midday with solar". We could put it off till say September anyhow, which might assure us some cooler weather.

I am game, but not a great organizer. How about people either post here (and risk cluttering the thread in a public way) or better yet, send me an email to david at hermannsonline dot com, which is my personal email.

All Leafs invited, and for that matter, if anyone knows a Volt or any other EV owner of a different ilk, invite them too.

Aside: I just constructed two "Quick 240V" devices. See the EVSE thread for more info, but basically there is a company that sells a device that allows you to find two 120v outlets on opposite sides of your main panel, then combines them to a 20A 240 plug. There are instructions how to build this from parts on the EVSE sub forum. I am a sucker for electrical projects, and when I found that the parts were cheaper if I bought enough for two, I bought for two. Mind you, I need zero!

So I now can plug up to two cars in with proper EVSE, plus as many as 4 more at 240V around the property!

I also have an idea -- if anyone is enamored with the "quick 240v" device, I will silent auction if off at our get together, all proceeds to mynissanleaf.com Do I have any takers?
 
Hey all! I'm back!

I was working crazy long hours for the past couple months but things have slowed back down now.

I'm in for a get together some time.

I think my wife and I may be ready to have two LEAFs. Hopefully we can hold out until the 2014 model comes out. I saw a blue SV with the charging package and black seats and I was very tempted.
 
The wife had my Leaf for the last 10 days and it covered all her needs. When the kids get the Prius she's getting an EV if I have my way.

BTW, back from camp. I think I sat in a chigger nest Wednesday because I itch. Car is still good but I think I'm finally starting to see battery degradation but still have all 12 capacity bars.
 
ksnogas2112 said:
The wife had my Leaf for the last 10 days and it covered all her needs. When the kids get the Prius she's getting an EV if I have my way.

BTW, back from camp. I think I sat in a chigger nest Wednesday because I itch. Car is still good but I think I'm finally starting to see battery degradation but still have all 12 capacity bars.
Click to expand...

Read in your blog that you plan/planned a Lake Perry trip in July. My wife and went there in April, but chickened out and took the Prius -- partly though since we intended to stop off in Lawrence along the way which would have cost even more electrons...

Lots of campgrounds at Perry obviously -- but the cabin we rented did not have a 240v outlet. I now own (2) quick 220v devices, so I could perhaps do better now.

Did you do it? How did it go?
 
The Lake Perry campout is this weekend. Need to take the Prius again because won't be able to leave early enough to take back roads and go slow enough. Still working out on planning for this trip. I may still be able to take the Leaf depending on who else is driving and I won't know that until tonight.
 
Do you need to borrow my EVSE? The trip from Lenexa to Perry looks to be about 55 miles. I do 70 to 80mph from Lansing to Leawood and it's 70 miles RT. You could always stop at the Hyvee in Lawrence for 30 or 45 minutes if you had to. I might even drive out there and visit you.
 
I think I'm good. They said it was ok to pull up and charge at the outlet in the shower or shelter. Since it's an all day option for Saturday the 120 volt is ok. Thanks for offering though.
 
Just a report but I think I'm starting to feel the battery degradation a little. Getting 5.2 m/kWh even after wife drove it for 10 days but range just feels shorter and the "80%" charge is regularly only getting 9 of 12 bars. I'm just over 15k miles.

This is NOT a complaint. This is just fyi for y'all. I'm expecting to loose a capacity bar any day between now and Oct. I might be pessimistic on this since the wife always says I have a negative view of life. The battery gauge bluetooth thing is on the to do list so I'll have more accurate measuring eventually. I expect Kathy will be still on 12 bars even into summer '14 given the distances she drives but Mark should be catching and soon surpassing me in gross miles shortly.

I tried the same 100 mile task I tried back at the beginning of May. Didn't even get close before I had to succumb to the EVSE. This might just be relearning after the GOM software update but I think it's likely actual range loss. This doesn't affect 90% of my driving though.
 
ksnogas2112 said:
Just a report but I think I'm starting to feel the battery degradation a little. Getting 5.2 m/kWh even after wife drove it for 10 days but range just feels shorter and the "80%" charge is regularly only getting 9 of 12 bars. I'm just over 15k miles.

This is NOT a complaint. This is just fyi for y'all. I'm expecting to loose a capacity bar any day between now and Oct. I might be pessimistic on this since the wife always says I have a negative view of life. The battery gauge bluetooth thing is on the to do list so I'll have more accurate measuring eventually. I expect Kathy will be still on 12 bars even into summer '14 given the distances she drives but Mark should be catching and soon surpassing me in gross miles shortly.

I tried the same 100 mile task I tried back at the beginning of May. Didn't even get close before I had to succumb to the EVSE. This might just be relearning after the GOM software update but I think it's likely actual range loss. This doesn't affect 90% of my driving though.
Click to expand...
:lol: Couldn't help but laugh...I just passed 8300 miles this month. I can't keep up with you guys, because my commute is pretty short. I don't know that I'll escape plain old battery aging, though... :shock:
 
I'm just a musician again. I'm no longer making my commute. I'm at 9500 now.

They installed a EVSE at the Ford dealer down the street from me. I went in and talked to them and they said anyone can use it. It's in a really bad place though if you wanted to use it during business hours. It's right by the front door. The salesman said they are going to try and have it moved. It was pretty cool that anyone can use it though.
 
mhigley said:
I'm just a musician again. I'm no longer making my commute. I'm at 9500 now.

They installed a EVSE at the Ford dealer down the street from me. I went in and talked to them and they said anyone can use it. It's in a really bad place though if you wanted to use it during business hours. It's right by the front door. The salesman said they are going to try and have it moved. It was pretty cool that anyone can use it though.
Click to expand...

Speaking of Ford dealers, Bob Allen Ford (91st and Metcalf) has an EVSE and IIRC it's open 24x7 but it also doubles as their handicapped parking. This plug isn't on plugshare yet and I can't get a salesman to give me time of day there to even find out if they're going to sell Focus electrics there.
 
ksnogas2112 said:
Just a report but I think I'm starting to feel the battery degradation a little. Getting 5.2 m/kWh even after wife drove it for 10 days but range just feels shorter and the "80%" charge is regularly only getting 9 of 12 bars. I'm just over 15k miles.

This is NOT a complaint. This is just fyi for y'all. I'm expecting to loose a capacity bar any day between now and Oct. I might be pessimistic on this since the wife always says I have a negative view of life. The battery gauge bluetooth thing is on the to do list so I'll have more accurate measuring eventually. I expect Kathy will be still on 12 bars even into summer '14 given the distances she drives but Mark should be catching and soon surpassing me in gross miles shortly.

I tried the same 100 mile task I tried back at the beginning of May. Didn't even get close before I had to succumb to the EVSE. This might just be relearning after the GOM software update but I think it's likely actual range loss. This doesn't affect 90% of my driving though.
Click to expand...


Yeah, I am putting more miles on that Kathy by far as well. Just about to 9k, and I only started driving it in mid October last year.

I am also thinking I am seeing signs of heat related battery deterioration (above and beyond what the idiots at the dealership did by keeping it at 100% charge in the hot sun all last Summer). I drive a predictable commute, with traffic, especially at the "top end" here up by Zona Rosa, pretty steady and the same each AM. I have gotten to where I know on I-29 headed south where each charge bar will drop. First one (third actual bar, since I charge to 80%) used to be across from K-Mart. Now, its moved about .5 mile closer to home since the hot weather. Second (fourth) drops around the on ramp to 169 south, but used to drop later, down in NKC on Burlington.......

And I have never seen over 6 temp bars yet this year. Its no wonder of course that the hot state Leafs are getting torn up -- they were running 7,8,9 temp bars with regularity.

I've not made any progress on getting a KC area event arranged -- I mentioned that I could host once, but July is busy in my profession.

HOW DOES LAST WEEKEND IN AUGUST LOOK FOR A GET TOGETHER?

Written in all caps for effect.
 
cdherman said:
HOW DOES LAST WEEKEND IN AUGUST LOOK FOR A GET TOGETHER?

Written in all caps for effect.
Click to expand...

Doesn't work for me because that's Labor Day weekend and we're driving to Irvine to check out the Boy Scout Museum for Kyle to complete Scouting Heritage Merit Badge and celebrate his birthday.Taking the Prius obviously.

The weekend before that is another campout.

Don't try to schedule around me because I'm out at least one weekend a month anyway and out 2 in August and 2 in Sept.
 

Similar threads

E
1,001 New EV Chargers To Be Installed In Kansas City Area
Replies
5
Views
2K
ksnogas2112
ksnogas2112
E
The heartbreak of 'Charging Time Trauma'
Replies
4
Views
2K
SageBrush
S
M
Staunton, Virginia Quick Charger Proposed
Replies
3
Views
3K
Lanny
L
N
New Paltz, NY requires new businesses to install EVSEs
Replies
18
Views
7K
Slow1
S
E
Reality of a Coast-to-Coast Road Trip in the Leaf
2 3
Replies
40
Views
8K
GRA
G

Latest posts

Back
Top