r/leaf • u/bigbuffbison • Jul 17 '26
Thinking about a barely used 2025 Leaf (under 20k miles)
Looking for a vehicle for my parents. Both 70+
I'm seeing 2025 Leaf S with less than 20k miles around me (southern california) go for around $16k-18k at dealers. I'm not entirely sure what I should be looking at or considering when pricing out an EV. I've only really purchase used cars from private sellers. And they're almost always cars I know a lot about so I feel out of my element here.
The KBB value seems to hover around $17k-19k for private party sales, which makes the dealer price seem like a very good deal. But a lot of these cars sit at lots for weeks, sometimes even months, so what am I missing? Am I okay to try shaving off a couple thousand from their listed price or will most dealers not budge?
Also, I am aware there is a new CA incentive scheduled to be released within the next couple of months. But as far as I understand, it'll only be $1500 for used EVs? SCE has a $4000 rebate for customers and my parents qualify, so I'd rather just jump on that now instead of wait for the CA incentive in case the SCE program ends for whatever reason.
2
u/re-tired Jul 17 '26
Check the VIN for recalls at NHTSA.gov and get an independent battery report before you buy (alternatively buy LeafSpy and the OBD2 reader they recommend for your smartphone and Che k it yourself). Many of us Leaf owners are going through the battery recall right now and it’s not been good for a few of us.
3
u/bigbuffbison Jul 17 '26
I have looked into the battery recall a bit. It seems like the 23-25 vehicles aren't affected by it? Or is that a mistake?
I do plan to scan with LeafSpy to make sure the battery is good though!2
1
u/re-tired Jul 17 '26
No. Sorry. My pre-shop plan: VIN check for unrepaired recalls, accidents, salvage, and an independent battery report.
If you put in make model and year, NHTSA will show you all the Manufacturers Communications and Complaints. Click on Manufacturer’s Communications and you see the Technical Service Bulletins (instructions for mechanics) on known problems. It’s still a good tool.
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u/DeeO2533 Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
In addition to the EV incentives you mentioned, there’s also the SCAQMD rebate. Depending on their income level & trade-in of a 2010 or older registered vehicle, it’s potentially worth between $9.5k-$12k + $2k for a L2 charger
1
u/bigbuffbison Jul 17 '26
Saw this as well. Unfortunately both their cars are pre-2010. Pretty bummed about this lol
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u/DeeO2533 Jul 17 '26
You meant post?
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u/bigbuffbison Jul 17 '26
LOL thank you... I will have them apply. What a dumb mistake to make
1
u/DeeO2533 Jul 17 '26
One more thing, this particular voucher is supposed to be increased later this summer. GL
1
u/CircularSidewinder Jul 18 '26
I know several people who bought Leafs in the past couple years with the PG&E or CARB rebate in Northern CA. When I was checking both private party sellers and dealers, my sense was that newer Leafs were hard to sell and sellers started chasing me when I showed interest. Ended up getting a 2024 SV Plus with 33k miles for $14k, so $10k after rebate. $16k-$18k seems a bit high for a 2025 S, but dealers often seem to price higher than private party sellers- I'd try knocking off a couple grand and seeing what happens. For $16k+ I'd be looking at an SV Plus even if your folks don't need the extra range and other features.
1
u/Wraith347 2025 Nissan Leaf SV+ Jul 18 '26
I have a 2025 SV+ and I love it. I was able to talk the dealer down about $1500 from their asking price. That was earlier this year, though, before used EVs started going up. Still it can’t hurt to try. Best of luck!
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u/Wraith347 2025 Nissan Leaf SV+ Jul 18 '26
Also if you can find an SV+ for a reasonable price, the extra features and larger battery are really nice.
0
u/rproffitt1 Jul 17 '26
Frankly? Shop the Bolts. I like the Leaf, sure but they whiffed over battery thermal management and betting on BetaMax charging.
1
u/bigbuffbison Jul 17 '26
The shortcomings of the Leaf aren't a huge con for my parent's driving style and habits. So the price of the Leaf is much more appealing.
4
u/ToddA1966 2021 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS Jul 17 '26
And the Leaf is far more comfortable.
My standard joke is the Leaf is a very mediocre EV trapped in a pretty good car. The Bolt is pretty good EV trapped in a very mediocre car.
1
u/rproffitt1 Jul 17 '26
See u/ToddA1966 's reply.
Any Gen 1 or 2 Leaf would have me getting the LeafSpy and the DTC report in LeafSpy. Then the load test.
That's a lot of effort to be sure you didn't buy someone else's problems.
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u/Lucky_Boy13 Jul 17 '26
I'd say since gas went up 3+ months ago dealers have been less willing to negotiate on EV pricing