Help me choose! Leaf vs Cmax Energi vs Volt and others...

[LeftieBiker]

What state are you in? You should be eligible for a $7500 Federal rebate on it as well. With that it seems like a decent deal. Does it have QC? Do you have DC Quick Chargers in your area? If you do but the car doesn't have the necessary port, try a lower offer, giving that as the reason.

[RonDawg]

Before you trade in the BMW, if there's a CarMax near you, take it there for an appraisal. There is no obligation for you to buy from them, or even to sell your car to them, and the written offer is good for I believe 7 days.

They can get quite busy doing this service so give yourself ample time. But I think it's worth the effort...we got more from a Honda dealer for my father's CR-V (he was selling because he could no longer drive) I believe because of the pending CarMax written offer.

Speaking of which, consider selling it to a BMW dealer yourself. You might get more for it than if you traded it at a Nissan dealer.

[RonDawg]

Does it have QC?

The SL model has QC as standard.

[tangfj]

I believe it does have the quick charging port but it's worth noting. I live in Chicago so I think there are some QC charging places around.

As for the tip about Carmax, I think it'd be worth a trip out there to see what they'd give me. Do you know about how long it takes?

[RonDawg]

As for the tip about Carmax, I think it'd be worth a trip out there to see what they'd give me. Do you know about how long it takes?

The actual inspection and valuation only takes about 30 minutes. But there can be a line for an appraiser, as was the case with my father's car. We were in and out in about an hour, and that was on an early weekday afternoon. On a weekend it can be considerably more.

[Publius]

My two cents: I drove the BMW i3 recently and enjoyed the experience. It's a lot more fun to drive than the LEAF; however, it may not be as practical for carting around a kid or two. The trunk is not huge (9 cubic feet) and it only seats two in the back, which is a big deal for me because I place my daughter's car seat in the middle seat-- it's the safest place. Two seats in the back also means that it won't fit three car seats (or two and a person). The Volt has the same limitations. The LEAF isn't the most exciting car out there, but I think it's a better family car than most EVs. If you're looking for something a little more upscale, what about the Mercedes B-Class EV?

[r1234567]

tangfj - There are very few QC in Chicagoland that you can actually use. Most of them were put in by a vendor who is now bankrupt and you can't get a card to actually use these stations.

I bought my Leaf at Rosen Nissan in Gurnee. There is another guy who posts here who was really happy at the Autobarn in Evanston but they were horrible to me so YMMV.

[cwerdna]

tangfj - There are very few QC in Chicagoland that you can actually use. Most of them were put in by a vendor who is now bankrupt and you can't get a card to actually use these stations.

I'm guessing you're referring to 350Green. If so, http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=12303" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; has more info.

[tangfj]

tangfj - There are very few QC in Chicagoland that you can actually use. Most of them were put in by a vendor who is now bankrupt and you can't get a card to actually use these stations.

I bought my Leaf at Rosen Nissan in Gurnee. There is another guy who posts here who was really happy at the Autobarn in Evanston but they were horrible to me so YMMV.

What was your experience if you don't mind sharing? I have been treated well so far there.

[r1234567]

cwerdna - Thanks for posting that link on 350 Green.