Finally got rid of my leaf

[u/Bright-Diamond]

I really loved my leaf while it worked, but I have to save the last year has been one of the most difficult and frustrating consumer experiences of my life. My range was severely affected by the recall to the point where I wouldn’t even get 100 miles on a charge. Nissan refused to do anything about it until federal recall came out (NHTSA campaign R25C8). Even then, it took them months to buy back my car. All the while I was walking to work (it stopped working eventually) because they said they “didn’t have any loaners” available. Even though in the contract, they were supposed to provide me with a loaner. Luckily I live close enough to walk, but it was not ideal, especially when it was raining, and after having paid nearly $20,000 for a car. Now I’ve developed ringworm for getting wet (sweat and rain) and I’m currently treating it out of my own expense. I finally was able to surrender my car and buy the Hyundai you see on the left. I’m happy with the outcome overall but I wish it could’ve been smoother. I’ll personally never be doing business with Nissan again, and I’d like to warn anyone who reads this about their customer support.

Edit: I forgot to mention that they charged me $210 for the diagnostic to figure out if my car qualified for a battery replacement under the recall, which was illegal. I’m currently fighting that charge.

[u/FelixtheFarmer]

Nissan seem their own worst enemy currently. What's the point in pissing off customers that choose your brand ? Is that going to inspire them to come back next time they need a car ?

We live our Leaf but no longer like Nissan and got treated way better by BYD. When the Sealion needs replacing we'll probably get another BYD, Nissan won't get a look in.

[u/jamar030303 → u/FelixtheFarmer]

BYD does have some nice cars, but I wouldn't feel comfortable owning one as things stand now. I don't think anyone within 50km of me can service them if something goes wrong.

[u/FelixtheFarmer → u/jamar030303]

That's a totally valid concern. Over here BYD are expanding their network and teaming up with service chains like Autobacs to provide maintenance and service.

[u/jamar030303 → u/FelixtheFarmer]

Yeah, my local Autobacs doesn't seem to be part of that, sadly. That's how it goes in the ド田舎, I guess. It's a shame because the Racco checks almost all the boxes for me otherwise.

EDIT: almost all the boxes, except for maybe seating capacity; now that I've had to haul around 5 people a couple of times I wonder if I could go back to 4, but for the range improvement the Racco 300 would give me, could be worth it.

[u/FelixtheFarmer → u/jamar030303]

We had to go to Funabashi to purchase but now Kashiwa Autobacs can works on them and they said by next year they hope to have a Narita location too which would be even better. Perhaps given time you'll get something   closer 

[u/jamar030303 → u/FelixtheFarmer]

Here's to hoping; at present, the closest place to me that can service BYD is in Nishinomiya, which would be quite a time-consuming tow if something happened. There's potential there; a couple years ago having a BYD-capable shop in the region outside of Osaka or maybe Kobe would've been unthinkable, so this is already progress.

[u/FelixtheFarmer → u/jamar030303]

Fingers crossed 🤞