What are your thoughts on buying a used 2011 Model Nissan Leaf. How long do you anticipate your car to last? Specifically battery. Should get a decent one for around 4.5k. If I use the car for about 3 years it more than covers the purchase price of the car for me. Background - We already have 2 cars and with kids need to keep the other two. My work is about 20 miles from my place and I feel guilty driving a fuel car to work daily so the primary purpose of the car would be to commute to and fro from work. I don't feel like shelling the $$ for a new one.
Do it you can prob flip it for 2k after 3 years
I have a 2013 leaf, my first question is what area do you live in?
I am in Bay area
Does it have a CVT?
It's a single speen reduction gear, no transmission.
So the bay area is a good climate for a EV. I'd look for a 2013 or newer if possible. There were a number of changes that were done on the 2013 and newer generation. As for range, expect around 60 miles on a full charge. You can charge it in 10-12 hours on a standard 120 volt plug. That's what I do. I'm in LA and commute with mine 20 miles each way with a 700 vertical foot drop. I can make my commute 3 - 4 times on a charge. I charge it every night.
Thanks. Will look at 2013+ models.
Also, the battery guage actually has two guages, one for charge and one for overall battery life. Mine has 75K miles and is only missing two bars of overall battery life (the smaller bars on the Right). When you look, try to find something with lots of life left.
What do you think about safety difference between your car and 8 years old small car?
How about leasing a new leaf?
It will be more expensive and will depreciate soon.
In that regard, they are the same. They are the same body style. The 2013 has a more efficient heater and aircondioner. Better on oard charging and a few other enhancements. More trunk space too.
Can you replace the battery at some point of time? How replaceable are these on electric cars.
Replaceable but will cost about 6k plus labor. Not worth it imo for leafs which are cheaper than that.
We bought a fully loaded 2012 leaf for 3.5k. Range is close to 60 (shown) so works for my commute (8 miles). At the end of a rountrip it shows 32 miles left, so I don't trust the range meter.
What was mileage on it. Where did you buy it from? Sounds like a very good deal.
Private party. 60k miles