It's been over 2.5 years since I leased my 2012 Leaf.
After 2.5 years, all things considered, I can say the Leaf is the best car I have ever owned in my life. Briefly, the reasons are: pollute less than 40% of an ICE car, very fun to drive, very reliable, zero maintenance, very cheap to lease and operate. The only issue is its current range, but that will be getting much better soon with the 2017 model.
Knowing my lease will end in a few months, I have kept an eye on what used Leafs are selling for, and about two weeks ago I purchased one (so I won't be leasing a new one later this year). Here are the details of the purchase:
Price: $13,300 (before tax and fees)
Like-new condition silver color model S
Very late 2013 (December) model w/8,000 miles (previous lessee only had it for 15 months for some reason)
Still has 12 bars out of 12
w/ QC, 6.6kW, camera
Nissan Certified Pre-Owned (which means warranty from Nissan for 7 years/100,000)
$13,300 was before tax and fees (out the door it was $14,600)
Had the car for two weeks now and it's perfect. At this price, everyone should consider buying an used 2013 Leaf.
If you are considering an used Leaf, be sure to get the 2013 or later model with QC & 6.6kW onboard charger. 2013 was the first year they had the 6.6kW onboard charger (previously it was 3.3kW). Big difference between 6 hours vs. 3 hours charge time at 220V.
For some reason I think the 2013 drives better than the 2012. I think it's because they improved the Eco mode. The car just feels better to me for some reason in Eco mode, seems the regeneration is slightly stronger when its under 35 MPH.
Can't wait for the 125-mile range 2017 Leaf (or the 125-mile range VW e-Golf) !