Challenges in getting a LEAF - looking for help!

[ElectricEddy]

With the extra 30 kWh of battery capacity, I'm sure it's price will jump $5k

If Nissan offered a 60 kWh battery for an extra $5k as an option I would surely jump on it as i am sure many others would.
Source ?

[alozzy]

I wonder if you would have any better success getting a Hyundai IONIQ from a local dealer. Might be worth looking into.

[RonDawg]

Do you have access to a pickup/van/large SUV and a car trailer (or can rent the latter)? If so, and you don't mind taking a trip down to Toronto or some other major city, there's nothing from stopping you from doing just that, buying a Leaf, and trailering it back. Many people particularly during the first few years of the Leaf have done just that, and still do so with "compliance" EV's like the Toyota RAV 4 EV (no longer sold), VW eGolf, and Fiat 500e.

The excuse about losing service business is just a bunch of crock. First of all, there is little to service on the car; only the annual battery check as part of the warranty requirement. Second, in a major urban center there are going to be multiple dealers and there's no guarantee you'll get it serviced where you bought it.

You mentioned dealers in Toronto; have you tried Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie? They're going to be closer. But if you're willing to go all the way to the GTA you might as well try Ottawa and even Montreal as well.

[lucgallant]

Luc,
Why not simply buy a used one? Québec is importing a bunch. Delivery to Timmins won't be cheap. Maybe Shani Twain can get you one.

Oaul

hahah... The main reason is I want the province's $14000 rebate which I'm unable to get on a used one. In fact the dealer here has a 2014 LEAF SL with 8400 km, they still want $32000 for it. But, I can get a brand new SL, for like $28k with the rebate.

[lucgallant]

With the extra 30 kWh of battery capacity, I'm sure it's price will jump $5k

If Nissan offered a 60 kWh battery for an extra $5k as an option I would surely jump on it as i am sure many others would.
Source ?

I read in many places the jump to a 60 kWh battery, which also seems clear given the new speculated Bolt like range.

The $5k I'm estimating as a minimum jump only and based on my thoughts only. Based on the Bolt's pricing it would be quite something to have it be only the $5k. The Bolt, with a 60 kWh battery, has a starting MSRP of $42k, versus $33k of the LEAF...

[lucgallant]

Do you have access to a pickup/van/large SUV and a car trailer (or can rent the latter)? If so, and you don't mind taking a trip down to Toronto or some other major city, there's nothing from stopping you from doing just that, buying a Leaf, and trailering it back. Many people particularly during the first few years of the Leaf have done just that, and still do so with "compliance" EV's like the Toyota RAV 4 EV (no longer sold), VW eGolf, and Fiat 500e.

The excuse about losing service business is just a bunch of crock. First of all, there is little to service on the car; only the annual battery check as part of the warranty requirement. Second, in a major urban center there are going to be multiple dealers and there's no guarantee you'll get it serviced where you bought it.

You mentioned dealers in Toronto; have you tried Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie? They're going to be closer. But if you're willing to go all the way to the GTA you might as well try Ottawa and even Montreal as well.

I do have a pickup and think I could find a trailer decently easily. It's the two day trip that turns me off, especially with a new baby around. For the ~$800 in shipping it would have been a lot cleaner. But in any case, the guy (Sales Manager) at Avenue Nissan was extremely clear, they were not selling me this car. I think that yes, I should be able to find another in another city that will. Sudbury and North Bay are both not EV certified, btw.

The other thing I'm thinking is, if the 8 dealerships that my dealer called to get a dealer trade, wouldn't let the vehicle go, I have a hard time seeing how they're fine with me just coming to pick it up. What would be the reasoning in not letting it go to the dealer? Unless there's history there or something.

I think that would be a next step, is asking my dealer for the list of dealers that have them, and call myself. It just stings to have to literally beg to spend your $40k.

[ydrape]

Luc,
Why not simply buy a used one? Québec is importing a bunch. Delivery to Timmins won't be cheap. Maybe Shani Twain can get you one.

Oaul

hahah... The main reason is I want the province's $14000 rebate which I'm unable to get on a used one. In fact the dealer here has a 2014 LEAF SL with 8400 km, they still want $32000 for it. But, I can get a brand new SL, for like $28k with the rebate.

$32000 for a SL 2014! Ridiculous.

3 months ago, I bought a SL 2015 with 12,500 km at Trois-Rivières for $22,500 before taxes from a Honda dealer. Car is in perfect condition (4 snow tires included). Very happy with it.
I find it on autohebdo.net. It was also advertised on Kijiji.com and lespac.com. Very useful to consult these sites to compare prices of used cars.

[lucgallant]

Wow!

And no quote my local dealer.... "you'll be interested, it is substantially discounted."

Thanks for your response very eye opening.

Luc

[alozzy]

To OP, get on Auto trader.ca and use the filters to search for 2013/2014 Leafs under 15k within 750km of your Timmins postal code. I found tons in Quebec in the $11000 - $15000 range.

You could probably hire a local tow shop to transport the Leaf for you for less than $1000

[Dooglas]

I read in many places the jump to a 60 kWh battery, which also seems clear given the new speculated Bolt like range.

I suppose you can read almost anything someplace. The truth, however, is that the 2018 Leaf will have a 40 kwh battery according to reliable early announcements. The msrp is not yet known but Nissan has certainly said a great deal about maintaining a substantially lower entry level price than the Bolt (60 kwh) or the Tesla 3 (60 kwh with 75 kwh option).