Two Leafs (Leaves?)

[EVangelist]

As my hatred of our second car (ICE) grows daily, I don't know if I can wait 2-3 years for a long range EV to replace it.  I'm considering buying a second Leaf at a super discount price (assuming Nissan are nearly out of them and might drop the price even further to finally empty the warehouse).  We would hire an ICE if we ever needed to travel further afield than feasible in a Leaf - probably only 2-3 times per year.  Then we could sell one of the Leafs when the right long-range EV came along in 3-5 years.

Maybe that's unnecessarily burning money, but maybe better than burning petrol

I emailed Dean @ Nissan trying to find out how many 2012 Leafs they still have in stock, and whether they plan to import any of the newer models.  No answer.

[Feng]

I don't think Dean would give away information on a new shipment so easily in case it affects existing sales. I'm surprised they haven't sold out yet. I reckon the remainders would best go towards fleet or commercial buyers who would care more about green credentials than diminished range or the fact that the cars are over three years old.

[gabzimiev]

probably worth doing some maths over it: so you need your current petrol consumption, electricity price, mean petrol price, annual kms, hire car costs, and repayment cost if your getting a loan or lease for the LEAF. from that should produce a number to see how much of a waste or gain it is. then factor in the mental health savings by driving 2 LEAFs

[southernvolt]

Considered doing something similar but decided not to. Our Xtrail diesel is running so weel and even with over 170K on it it still drives like new. I'll wait until a used Tesla becomes cheap enough or the Tesla Model 3 arrives (2017 but more likely 18 I reckon). That way the Xtrail will have served it's duty well and I can sell it with no regrets.

[evolutionary]

Hi all. I am new to the forum and do not own a Leaf as yet but would very much like to. We have been looking at them and have done a drive - loved it! Nissan seem to have them at $3990 at the moment and don't seem keen to go lower than that price. That seems quite a lot higher than they were earlier in the year. Colour choice seems limited to red and black and we were just told the battery warranty is 3 years. Can anyone give me any feedback on whether that price is reasonable and also on the battery warranty? Thanks.

[jamesfongster]

[jamesfongster]

EVangelist - bit late in information, but today I just bought a 2012 silver Leaf from Nissan Blackburn (Melbourne) and there's another light blue one (2012, quite sure) sitting in the car yard when I left just now.

[Feng]

Hi James,

Congrats on your purchase! Is it okay if we ask how much you paid for it? Was it a new car? How was your purchasing experience?

[jamesfongster]

Hi Feng, it's a 2012 which I purchased for $29990. it's clocked 2000kms and I'm the first owner outside of Nissan.

[jamesfongster]

Got my silver Leaf today and spent all day zipping it SE suburbs around in the 40 degree heat! Loving it!!

[Steve Biddulph]

Dear James and everyone. I am looking into buying that Blue Leaf that you didn't choose over the silver one. I will have to come over from Tasmania to get it, which I don't mind at all.
But as it was registered since 2002 it has no warranty, and only a year and a bit on the battery. I feel a bit insecure about that. Advice welcome! Perhaps for $29,900 I shouldn't complain?

[hieronymous]

2012?

[Feng]

This one right? www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Nissan-LEAF-2012/OAG-AD-12052826/?Cr=0

Hard to tell what condition it's in without seeing it in real life and querying the battery stats. At least you get a three month, 5000km statutory warranty since it's being sold by a car dealer. $29,990 is a reasonable price for one that's so low kms so even if something catastrophic happens (which I highly doubt) it'll happen soon-ish while under warranty (statutory or battery) and beyond that you're still a few thousand dollars ahead to cover the cost of repairs.

[electricwombat1]

Thanks Feng - Yes, thats the one. I didn't know about the statutory warranty - thank you. I think I will come over and get it. That does take care of "lemon" fears.
I got them to send a photo of the battery bars display. It was still on 12 bars.

Should I haggle at all?

Cheers
Steve B.

[Feng]

The problem with the capacity bars is the first bar represents 15% loss. One owner here lost his first capacity bar just under 3000km. I think the car learns its true capacity based on ambient temperature and use. It could take a few weeks of ownership for the first bar to drop. Also if the dealer is unscrupulous and really cluey they can reset the controller and have it show up all bars for a few weeks until the car learns its true capacity. I've read about that happening in the US, not sure if they know enough about it here do it.

That said, if you can live with slightly reduced range it's still a great car. I've recently lost my second capacity bar and I can still push 120km with some care. Maybe you can use the capacity issue to haggle with the dealer.

[electricwombat1]

Thankyou! Will update soon on what happens!

[duncan]

Really the only common problems seem to have been heaters failing and perhaps grabby brakes, so they have been more reliable than an average FFB. I wouldn't be too concerned about the Nissan warranty, all the early cars are out by now.