TurboFroggy said:
Also why not consider the Coda? It has an EPA rating of 88 miles, about 17% more range than the Leaf has and they are $37K, not too much more than a Leaf.
http://app.codaautomotive.com/CarConfigurator/View/Specifications
I would NOT buy a Coda. I test drove one at http://www.altcarexpo.com/exhibitor_vehicles.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; a few weeks ago. The drivetrain is noisy and it's an unrefined car vs. the Leaf. It was the second worst vehicle I drive while there. Personally, I don't think Coda will be in business a few years from now either. Other than at events/gatherings, I've never ever seen one on the road or parked anywhere.
Regarding the bizarre statements that Nissan's made that there's no price on the battery as a whole, Andy Palmer stated that in video at http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=10257.." onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.
I think the OP leasing is out of the question, unless he can get a really high mileage lease, otherwise he'll get killed by the mileage penalties. I concur w/the suggestion of a RAV4 EV (if he can somehow bring it up). Only problem is if he needs service in WA. There might be delays and the tech's may have never worked on one before.
Getting a reasonably priced Tesla Model S (not an 85 kwh model) in a reasonable time frame is questionable, given Tesla being well behind on their earlier production targets.
Otherwise, I'd say the OP's next choices should be a regular Prius, Prius c, Plug-in Prius, or possibly a Volt. Depends on how little gas he wants to use.
TonyWilliams said:
The best and cheapest is just get another LEAF and swap cars or batteries. Then sell one or the other. There are plenty of wrecks to bid on.
Lease a new 2012 LEAF (shipped from Missouri for $0 down, $199 for 24 months). Then pull the lease car battery, put in your owned LEAF, drive for 50k-70k more miles, then turn in the super low mileage lease LEAF (that has your old battery) at 24 months.
From a wreck sounds like a decent idea, assuming it's verified to work ok. The latter err.... I'd think that violates the terms of the lease.