TEST DRIVE:
So, took the LEAF for a test drive Saturday at my local dealer, a quick 2 mile circuit. Very pleasant ride. Surprisingly, it didn't feel much different than a normal car in terms of response and braking, which is a good thing (Unless I hit ECO button). Coming from a 305hp V6 Mustang you'd expect switching to a car like this would be a disappointing change, but it wasn't. It never felt sluggish for a your day to day driving. Though, I think I need to test drive it again to fully appreciate the LEAF's electric motor. Without engine noise, I didn't realize how quickly I reached desired speed. I kept having to let go of the pedal earlier than expected when I realized I already hit 35-39mph when I thought I was still around 25mph.
Driving mostly back roads next to orchards, the roads were not the smoothest, yet the LEAF was still a comfortable ride. At one point there was a shallow pothole coming up, to which I announced to the salesman expecting a jolt. But as I passed over, I wasn't even sure I hit it besides an almost unrecongnizable bump. I'm so use to the Mustang's sporty suspension where you can feel every bump, but that car always felt nice and solid. The LEAF's silent operation and smooth ride make for a very comfortable and relaxing combination.
Loved the Blue Ocean color. The gun metal was nice too, but I prefer the bright cheery look of the blue. As for the interior, I will not settle for anything other than light grey for the same reason. Sadly, they only had black interiors on the lot, not even an SL to see the leather. I will say, if money is tight, the S model that only comes in black was still a very nice car on the inside. Usually base models are a little rough around the edges, like a Versa Note, but this was still impressive, even considering the more basic non-touch radio console.
Trunk room was decent, you just won't be able to fit anything too wide in it.
The front was very roomy for a 6' 2" guy. I preferred the wheel tilted all the way up for me. I sat in the back and had decent room, my hair was starting to touch the roof a bit, but not bad. Even sitting in the middle I was still ok. So it's great to know it will fit just about anyone comfortably for a short drive, and anyone unusually tall can sit in the front.
Shifter was nice and a welcome change to remind you of the type of car your are driving, plus how it's low profile. I will say though, I wish I could reverse it. I naturally wanted to move it forward for drive, back for reverse, the opposite of the way it is set up.
Overall, a very nice car.
VOLT:
I also had a chance to drive a used 2012 VOLT. I fit in the driver seat okay. Everything feels closer to you, but not in a bad way. The telescoping steering wheel is a nice touch. It drove nice, but the generator was on most the time. Overall interior and design is nice. The back seats, not so much. The roof was too low and I hit it, forcing me to always sit more back so my head stuck into the raised area of the back window, so I didn't feel safe. Knee room might be less too. Then over course you have no middle seat. Very disappointing, especially since it should be better than my Mustang. This leads me to believe, for a family, the Volt might not be a good choice for your only car.
LEAF PRICE:
I'm getting close to a price I'd be happy with without having to drive to a distant dealer, but I hope to get some quotes to use as leverage for just a bit more off the price.
Current offer:
MSRP: $35,520
Dealer Discount: $2,817
Cashback: $2500
Sale Price: $30,203
Tax: $2,499.70
License Fee: $314
Electronic Filing Fee: $26
Tire Fee: $8.75
Doc. Fee: $80
Total: $33,131
Mustang Trade In, so far they are willing to do $17,500 as a last resort
Payyoff for loan: $15000
Leaving $2500
Dropping price to $30631
72mth @ 0 = $425 a month.
My Mustang is a $384 payment with $15k left. Though, it's insurance is $20 more than the LEAF. So Mustang $384 + $120 insurance = $504 vs LEAF at $425 + 100 = $525. Not a huge difference considering the gas savings. The rebates/credits will help pay off the LEAF at the same time as the Mustang would in 3 years.
I hope to still shave a bit more off that price. But it's still pretty good. It's possible I could sell the Mustang for more privately, but that's not something I have time for. Not is it a simple $3k used car that would sell quickly with cash. If it's true that a couple Truecar dealers can give a $4000 discount, that may help with negotiation for either more on my trade or more off the LEAF.