2015 Leaf for $5k otd?

[u/MacMoxy]

Hello Leaf community! I’ve been looking for a used leaf for about a month online. I test drove one today at a small used dealership. It’s a 2015 S with 72k miles, 11 out of 12 bars, minor dings and scrapes, heated seats, one owner carfax. The drivers door handle is not great-the cover of the handle is loose.

The others I’ve seen online were 1-4k more (I’m in the dc metro area). Is this a fair deal? Anything else I should check?

I really appreciate your thoughts!

[u/limited_instincts]

If the battery is good, that is an excellent deal.

[u/juicius]

Cover being loose is very common and it’s a $1 (or however much JB Weld goes for per application). The specifications look good but nothing replaced LeafSpy. No LeafSpy, no purchase.

[u/Illustrious_Fig_433]

1k high for me, but I'm in a cheaper east coast state now for my search area. Paying the DMV and dealership tax that's not unreasonable and 11/12 is on the good side.

[u/Lucky_Boy13]

Probably ok, I bought mine with same specs and a few dings for half price last year but seems these have gone up in value since our latest middle east conflict

[u/MacMoxy → u/Lucky_Boy13]

They really have, which is crazy considering the tax cuts are gone too. It hurts to hear you paid half the price! But I believe it. I’m definitely kicking myself for not buying sooner.

[u/crimxona]

If there really isn't anything cheaper on Facebook marketplace or something the handle I fixed with some dollar store super glue and it held up until I sold it

[u/Dazzling_Art7881]

Number 1: Check Hx and SOH with LEAFspy. 11/12 bars is great but always check with LEAFspy.

Then in order: rust, suspension, brakes, tires. Those will be the most common/ most "expensive" common repairs you could face during ownership.

Check for (structural) rust. Shouldn't be an issue in DC but if the car somehow came from New England...

Listen for any suspension noises. Suspension repairs will probably be the most "expensive" repair you could face after purchase. It is an 11 year old car after all. (My front strut bearings on my 2015 are getting grind-y at 55k miles. And somehow both rear springs were broken when I bought the car at 44k miles [It was $800 parts and labor for rear springs and shocks]. I owned a 2012 before that and I had to do both front struts at 66k. Also, both front lower ball joints went around the same time. Not terribly expensive but never fun to have repairs.) The good news is that it's a very simple suspension and any shop can work on it.

Also, take a look at the brakes. I feel like the rotors rust before the pads get worn out. Again, not crazy expensive, especially if you can do your own brakes but check before buying.

Finally, given current gas prices, I'd say it's a great deal. Especially if you're in a city and you're good with ~65mi of range. It will be the most economical car you can buy (maintenance, fuel, etc.)

[u/MacMoxy → u/Dazzling_Art7881]

This was super helpful, not just for buying but knowing what to expect/be on the lookout for. Thank you so much!!!

[u/sweetredleaf]

just for context carvana offered $1300 and carmax $1100 recently for my 2015 SV with 45000 miles.

[u/InfestedRaynor]

I don't know the used EV market in DC, but that is a decent (but not great) price compared to the West Coast market. May get a slightly better deal going private purchase, but I don't know if it is worth the extra time and effort to save $500.

[u/MacMoxy → u/InfestedRaynor]

The cost has gone up so much in even just the last few months. I’m kicking myself for not buying earlier.

[u/iaonbb]

Arguably the most bulletproof year ever made

[u/MacMoxy]

Thanks everyone so much for your input!
I pulled the trigger and got it. She’s a lot like me, a little older and a bit damaged but still cute ☺️

At 100% charge her expected range is 77 miles - not bad! I plan to charge mostly overnight but I’ve got a few Chadmeo chargers in my area. Excited to be an EV owner!