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Post by empowerrepower on Dec 29, 2014 20:25:46 GMT 11
Hi,
I rang Nissan Moorooka today to try and arrange a test drive, and heard that their demo car had its windscreen broken in the Brisbane storm several weeks back, and they are expecting to wait a few weeks more to get a new windscreen from Japan. I was keen to try and line up a test drive next week  , but Darryl from Nissan Moorooka said that they are the only Bris Leaf dealer.
More time to look into the home charging options in the meantime...
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Post by caskings on Dec 29, 2014 20:35:08 GMT 11
Yep the poor thing got pummeled. imgur.com/a/gVQabYou could also drop into Metro Nissan, they should still be Leaf certified. However I didn't find them as helpful as Moorooka Nissan when I went to purchase. Metro Nissan 150 Lutwyche Road, Windsor, QLD, 4030 |
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Post by gabzimiev on Dec 29, 2014 21:07:35 GMT 11
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Post by Jim Hare on Jan 1, 2015 20:21:10 GMT 11
They are pretty short sided. If I were running the dealership I'd be calling local owners and set something up. They don't even try anymore, sad.
The owners know SO MUCH MORE than the dealers do anyway. I've probably sold 6 LEAFs just by taking people for a ride.
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Post by empowerrepower on Jan 2, 2015 1:30:53 GMT 11
Thanks for the photo, Caskings, poor little Leaf. Jim, maybe you should ask for a commission from Nissan...
I can wait on the test drive OK, but think that they should update their website. The two incorrect things on it noticed so far are the 14 hours trickle charge time, and the lack of any mention of the extended 5 year battery warranty. They could lose potential customers on the first website visit, with those two elements.
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Post by empowerrepower on Jan 16, 2015 1:30:23 GMT 11
I rang up Nissan Moorooka Brisbane again last week, and they hope that the test car will be repaired by the end of January. I returned from five days in Hobart yesterday, and while I was there, tried to arrange to go and see a Leaf there, as they do have a Leaf dealership close to the CBD. The dealer said that their Leaf test drive car had been sold, but that we could come to have a look at the car, but obviously couldn't do a test drive. So I was all excited, to get to see the car "in the flesh", but it was not to be. I got a message that the car was off-site for a few days, perhaps getting fitted up for the new owner. Sigh.....
Not sure whether the new Hobart owner is on this list, but visiting Tassie made me think that it is an ideal state to own an EV, compact and not too hot, and with an electricity supply that comes from clean wind and hydro.
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Post by empowerrepower on Jan 24, 2015 14:46:59 GMT 11
Just rang Nissan Metro, the other Bris Leaf dealer, and they say they should have a test drive Leaf arriving by the end of the week, so I've tentatively arranged a test drive. My curiosity is killing me.
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Post by lesmando24 on Jan 24, 2015 19:58:09 GMT 11
I didn't know metro's LEAF was damaged as well. You can always take my LEAF for a drive. I live Cleveland way, but can meet you somewhere. Interior is a bit warm and I just moved, so has a few marks on the plastic. Also have done 68k, so can see what a used one drives like.
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Post by empowerrepower on Jan 25, 2015 1:26:23 GMT 11
Thanks, Lesmando, I'll see how we go, but might pm you about a look. Metro Nissan didn't say their Leaf was damaged, just that they were waiting on a new one. Perhaps they had sold their test drive car, like Hobart Nissan had.
Do you find any difference driving your car now after a bit of mileage compared to when it was new?
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Post by lesmando24 on Jan 25, 2015 9:25:56 GMT 11
It drives the same, but does not go as far as when it was new. But it has not been an issue, as more charging stations have been installed since 2012
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2015 9:41:26 GMT 11
Wow 68k kms. After 2 years of ownership?
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Post by lesmando24 on Jan 25, 2015 11:07:38 GMT 11
Yeh, bought it in July 2012. I was living near Beenleigh, so was driving 80 - 110kms a day (return trip). Plus weekends was driving to Sunshine or Gold Coast, another 120 - 250km in a day.
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Post by empowerrepower on Jan 26, 2015 12:15:54 GMT 11
Yeh, bought it in July 2012. I was living near Beenleigh, so was driving 80 - 110kms a day (return trip). Plus weekends was driving to Sunshine or Gold Coast, another 120 - 250km in a day. Hi Lesmando, So what is your range that you can manage now? And your previous weekend driving, I'm thinking that you must have needed to recharge to drive 250km in a day? |
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Post by lesmando24 on Jan 26, 2015 16:27:36 GMT 11
The daily commute is the most important for me, and I can do that easily. With 3 bars down, when driving from Cleveland to St.Lucia, I get about 90 - 100km from a 80% charge (is a 65km return trip with some 80km/h zones. If I am puttering about home, then can get another 10 - 20km. Today on a 100% charge, I went 75km to Gold Coast on the Highway with the air conditioning on and had 30km when I got to Surfers Paradise. Did a charge while I went for a swim and a tram ride, then came home. Previously I have gone from Beenleigh to Caloundra (also Buderim). I charged to 100% at Moorooka Nissan, then take the side roads (via Petrie). But now the BMW and Airport have chargers (save another 9km). I charged up the coast for the day while visiting people. I was able to go Caloundra to Beenleigh (138km) on a 100% charge (there are a lot of hills to climb from beenleigh to the city, so get to coast down them on the way back). If I used the highway a 100km/h, then I would need to charge at Moorooka. Again, I can use the quick charger at BMW now, so not a big deal. I haven't tried with 3 bars, but I am sure I can make it  Also, have done over 300km in a day when moving house. Kept charging every time I was loading and unloading the car. |
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Post by empowerrepower on Feb 1, 2015 12:11:12 GMT 11
So...... I had a test drive, but only just. Yesterday we drove to Bris, had a family day out-and-about, and went to Nissan Metro as arranged at 3 pm. When we got there, the staff were flat out (last day of a sale and last day of the month), and the salesman we were meant to see was off sick. We couldn't see the Leaf anywhere, and were worried whether it had actually arrived during the week. It turned out to be in a basement carpark, so we couldn't even have a look at it while we waited for a salesperson, very frustrating.
Finally, at 4.30pm, another sales guy became available to take us for a very quick test drive, as the place closes at 5pm. He admitted that he wasn't EV sales trained, but did his best. The car had only arrived on Friday arvo, and the EVSE and seats were still wrapped in plastic. My impressions of the car? It is often surprising to see something in real life that you've only ever seen in pics. The way the front lights protrude is very space age, and the solar panel at the back on the spoiler also sticks out a fair way. I'm sure we'd get a bit of attention driving around a car with those looks, but that could be good for promoting EVs. The blue colour is gorgeous, nicer than in pics. My 13-year-old thinks it is "cooler" than my blue Hyundai i30, and approves of the colour, so high praise indeed.
It seemed to drive fine, and quietly, but 10 minutes around the block wasn't enough time to get much of a feel for it. I've got the number for the EV trained salesman, and will ring him during the week, and try and arrange another test drive and proper look next weekend. |
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Post by Phoebe on Feb 1, 2015 13:22:34 GMT 11
I had the same problem, my first test drive was with someone who knew virtually nothing about the LEAF - I found it quite off putting. It was only when Dean from Nissan Head Office rang me and persuaded me to try again with a trained salesperson, that I began to appreciate what the LEAF could do. I've been the proud owner for more than 2 years now, so enjoy your 2nd test drive  |
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Post by markrmarkr on Feb 1, 2015 15:55:57 GMT 11
I think the best way to get a test drive is from an owner. We know much more than any salesman, and will tell you the problems as well as the good points.
If your in Sydney I'd be happy to.
Mark
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2015 16:15:24 GMT 11
Now that you mention it. It seems that the leaf is sometimes relegated to the specialist section and the butt of jokes from other sales staff.
Perhaps all sales staff need to be sent on the leaf coursE. But that would cost $$$
TIs like buying an apple or being born again. You need to believe and see the light.
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Post by empowerrepower on Feb 1, 2015 20:55:44 GMT 11
Hi Mark, Sydney is a long way from the Sunshine Coast, but I agree that owners know more. Luckily, I've learned quite a bit from this list. G4qber, I think being the "Leaf specialist" at a dealership wouldn't be a much favoured gig, as you spend time on a car with minimal sales, and car sales people rely on commissions. It will change...
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Post by empowerrepower on Feb 4, 2015 22:09:50 GMT 11
I have another Leaf test drive booked for this Saturday. When I spoke to the Leaf specialist, he thought that the battery warranty was still 3 years. I queried it, and he checked and told me it was 5 years. Nissan might need to keep their Leaf specialists a bit more up-to-date.
Way out of my price range, but I've also booked in for a BMW i3 test drive on the same day. They do look very appealing, although they need five seats, imho.
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Post by jacky on Feb 4, 2015 22:32:42 GMT 11
I have another Leaf test drive booked for this Saturday. When I spoke to the Leaf specialist, he thought that the battery warranty was still 3 years. I queried it, and he checked and told me it was 5 years. Nissan might need to keep their Leaf specialists a bit more up-to-date. Way out of my price range, but I've also booked in for a BMW i3 test drive on the same day. They do look very appealing, although they need five seats, imho. I won't take any thing from the dealer as "the answer". The Leaf specialist "Dean" from Nissan HQ is the man to ask. He confirmed the 5 years battery warranty immediately over the phone. |
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Post by empowerrepower on Feb 10, 2015 0:00:11 GMT 11
Well, we had our second test drive, more than ten minutes this time, and with the Leaf specialist. It went well, and the car has the features and space we need, but it did pale a bit compared to our dazzling BMW i3 test drive later the same day.
The salesman didn't seem to be inclined to negotiate, and advised that we'd get better money for my 5-year old Hyundai i30 via private sale rather than as a trade-in, and that mudflaps don't really do much to protect the car. My husband liked the honesty. There is no extra charge for the metallic blue, but I'm not getting the impression that anything else will get included in the price. We are going for the 0% finance, so that may have an effect on whether other extras are offered. Might ring the salesman tomorrow.
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Post by caskings on Feb 10, 2015 1:10:22 GMT 11
I was able to get car matts, boot liner and 2 scheduled services included for the $40k price. I was on the 1.9% finance offer though.
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Post by empowerrepower on Feb 16, 2015 23:55:03 GMT 11
You did well. I spoke to the salesman on the phone last week, asked a few questions for him to ring me back about, but haven't heard from him. Not exactly feeling the love. He said that maybe he could include mats, I said that I'd prefer a few free services...
In the meantime, I've been organising electrician quotes. Think I'm going to have to ring the salesman, as it doesn't seem he's going to ring me. My other car is up for rego/insurance in mid-March, so it would be more convenient to get a new car before then. I've been wondering whether to contact the other Nissan dealer to see if I get any more enthusiasm, but it is 10km further away to drive for servicing. The limited dealer network for this model doesn't really make for good competition.
I'm still keen on the car, but a bit discouraged by the sales experience. It is a rather sad contrast with the BMW i3 sales set-up, but I guess it should be expected for the price difference.
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Post by hieronymous on Feb 17, 2015 8:01:24 GMT 11
Any accredited Leaf dealer will happily service your purchase, no matter where it was bought. Go for the best deal, and forget about servicing until it's needed. You might have moved to a different address by then anyway!
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Post by empowerrepower on Feb 17, 2015 20:22:12 GMT 11
OK, I'm really excited. After hearing the praises of Nissan Moorooka from caskings and antigas and ashcroft, decided to give John a ring, even though I'd been for a test drive at Nissan Metro. Very helpful, explained the process for paperwork etc, and can get me in a 2015 plated car (Nissan Metro was offering 2014). All sounding good, and worth the extra 10km drive to that dealership. This list has been a godsend in getting to this point. Thank you all.  |
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Post by caskings on Feb 17, 2015 20:26:14 GMT 11
I'd love the see the difference in Leaf sales between John at Moorooka Nissan and whoever is at Metro Nissan. I suspect difference would be substantial.
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, but Darryl from Nissan Moorooka said that they are the only Bris Leaf dealer.
