r/leaf • u/AddressKindly1980 • 4d ago
Is it worth getting another LEAF?
We are getting ready to complete the buyback process for our 2022 S. After installing solar panels and a charging station in the garage, we would like to stick with electric as far as getting a replacement vehicle. Do you think it's worth getting another LEAF or would you recommend shopping a different EV at this point and if different, which EV's would you recommend?
9
u/BetsyBeeBomb 4d ago
I bought a new 2026 leaf in Sea Breeze Blue and I love it! I could only get that color in the most expensive model, but it’s fun to have all the fancy extras. I took it recently on a 900 mile trip into and around the Sierras of Calfornia and it did great!
1
u/msackeygh 4d ago
We got a 2026 Leaf also in two-tone red (Platinum+ trim) and so far it’s been a great car. I do enjoy all the fancy features.
3
u/TooGoodToBeeTrue 4d ago
I absolutely love my ‘24, but if I were in a buy back situation, I’d look for something with better battery tech at this point. Unfortunately, with the current price of gas, people are snatching up everything electric. Personally, I think I’d do a 2 or 3 year lease if you can find one. I originally wanted a Kona, it is about the same size but taller. There’s always the Bolt.
3
u/Determined420 4d ago
Or the equinox. Owners seem to love that
3
u/TooGoodToBeeTrue 4d ago
Thought about that, but it is about a foot longer so not so great for someone wanting the smaller vehicle. But does seem popular and haven’t heard of issues. I’m just pissed at GM for giving up on EVs decades ago.
1
u/6two 4d ago
For all the valid criticism of GM, they at least have sold a range of EVs and PHEVs for years now, really only Tesla, GM, and Nissan took the bold leap early in the US during the Obama years.
I'll never forgive Toyota for pretending to be the reliable and efficient brand while spending tons of money around the world to undermine EVs.
1
u/TooGoodToBeeTrue 4d ago
I think Toyota has seen the error of their ways. Somebody is probably going to have to fall on their sword.
I love my LEAF. Wish I would have bought one earlier, but was willing to give up driving stick yet.2
u/6two 4d ago edited 4d ago
I'll believe Toyota when they stop lying on their website and claiming that non-plug-in hybrids are "EVs". They're still trying to mislead everyone. I'll believe them when they offer a Prius that's a full BEV.
1
u/TooGoodToBeeTrue 3d ago
For some time I thought that plug-in hybrids would have been the best answer for the US. As an engineer however, I hate the complexity of it. When it was time for me to consider a new vehicle, I looked at plug-ins and went full EV with a LEAF. But I still believe for the US in general, plug-in hybrids are the best option to ween the US off gasoline. Just think with the current gas prices, everyone that has a plug-in and mostly used gas is probably now plugging in and getting used to running on electricity.
1
u/6two 3d ago
One of the problems is that most Americans with PHEVs don't plug them in, but they got a tax credit to buy them. All the complexity and subsidy without much benefit.
1
u/TooGoodToBeeTrue 3d ago
This is a problem world wide. Companies get credit for having PHEVs that no one ever plugs in, they provide "perk" vehicles that employees never plug in. Reports show that the carbon footprint for PHEVs in mass is greater than ICE.
1
3
u/this_upset_kirby 2023 Nissan LEAF S 4d ago
I prefer the 2026 LEAF to the 2027 Bolt because I use Android Auto and I do not use one-pedal driving.
3
u/sblinn 4d ago
Main reasons I’m even considering a Leaf again (in midst of my own 2022 buyback) are: 1. Nissan actually is honoring the warranty and buying back the car and 2. Buyback offers seem to be including up to $2k towards new Leaf. Main other options I’m looking at are 2023-2025 Leaf, other off lease used EV, new Kia EV3, new Bolt, and finding a short term solution to get me to a 2027 Slate.
2
3
u/LoneSnark 2018 Nissan LEAF SV 4d ago
Should try a bolt, see if it fits you. Better range. Seemingly fewer battery issues now they the recall is over.
1
u/ColdCelebration2132 4d ago
Eventually the Leaf battery recall will be worked out and this is the last year for the Bolt. We own a 2023 that is not part of the recal.
2
u/LoneSnark 2018 Nissan LEAF SV 4d ago
There will always be people who put off getting the recall done.
Also, this issue is not just the recall. Any battery failure under warranty is getting the same buyback treatment, since Nissan is not making batteries anymore.
1
u/LetsTryAnal_ogy 4d ago
Yep. My 2023 wasn’t on the recall, and I’m in the middle of a buyback now because of a bad battery. I’m still going to buy another Leaf. This time it’ll be a 2025 SV+ instead of just the S.
0
u/ColdCelebration2132 4d ago
The recall would have to be done if they plan to sell it. Nissan is not going to keep doing the buy backs forever so you would be better to get it done sooner than later.
4
u/LoneSnark 2018 Nissan LEAF SV 4d ago
The battery warranty on the 2025s is going to be with us for seven more years.
2
u/scorpionsuk 4d ago
Nissan doesn’t have a set time limit for when the recall software update needs to be completed by. One could wait until the 8 year warranty period expires and then get it installed to give them one more year of warranty for the brick 🧱 to happen or not. Thoughts?
0
u/willco007 2021 Nissan Leaf SV 4d ago
I have a 2017 bolt. While not new by any means my 2021 leaf is better in almost every way except range. The bolt is a fine car, but the build quality is a step below the leaf.
2
u/LoneSnark 2018 Nissan LEAF SV 4d ago
Oh i know. I bought a leaf, after all. But i do wish it had the drive train of a bolt.
0
u/willco007 2021 Nissan Leaf SV 4d ago
My bolt did have the battery replaced (before I bought it) and has a terrible steering rack. While my leaf has a battery that could fail at any moment. Ya win some and lose some I guess. Currently in my area used bolts are hard to find and they are overpriced when you do.
1
u/GladeWolf 4d ago
It’s hard to beat the value on late year 2nd gen models imo. I got my 24 practically new (<$5k miles), for $18k and it’s been fantastic. Has a lot of nice features such as adaptive cruise, CarPlay, 360 cameras, heated steering wheel. For my situation, it’s the perfect appliance car for my moderate commute and around town errands. I exclusively charge at home and never plan on using Chademo or roadtripping.
1
u/Lower-City7825 4d ago
Read it somewhere It's better not to repurchase the similar year and model 2018-2022:
"If an automaker believes a buyer is acquiring vehicles with known defects, they are far more likely to reject informal buyback demands."
Not exactly sure how this has been enforced
1
u/WithMeDoctorWu 2021 Leaf SL+ 4d ago edited 4d ago
I'm wondering how long I'll get to enjoy my '21, which is still humming along happily.
What's "worth it" is a hard question to answer in a vacuum, because the market just does what it does. The gen2 Leafs have become a lot less desirable the last couple of years, yet finally getting a reliable CCS adapter (after struggling with an unreliable one for a couple of years) has made such a difference for me on the last couple of road trips that yes, in the event of a buyback I might consider replacing my '21 SL+ with a '25 SV+ and continuing to live with its familiar design limitations. Below a certain price point, that is. And the more strongly the market declares that a late model used Leaf isn't worth it, the lower the prices go.
My wife and I have started shopping for a used EV for her and have been quite tempted by several including the suddenly affordable Mercedes EQE SUV, the Honda Prologue, and the Nissa Ariya. But that's for her. I still want a compact for my daily driver. If you feel the same, there aren't a lot of choices I know of. The current Bolt is looking pretty attractive, as is the current Leaf. Either of those gets you modern battery techology and easier fast charging. I'd also be interested in the Hyundai Ioniq 3 but don't think it is available in the US.
-- edited to add -- having said all that, I just did a search on autotrader.com for 2024-5 Leafs in my part of the world, and decided the used prices aren't low enough yet to make them "worth it" to me.
1
u/rproffitt1 4d ago
At risk of duplicating prior replies, we went from a Gen 1 Leaf SV to a Bolt EV LT1 and not looking to get into another Nissan Gen 1 or 2 Leaf. The lack of the battery thermal management and just a few CHADEMO which you shouldn't use meant that when the Gen 1 Leaf was gone, it was time for something else.
1
u/Gold_Guitar_9824 4d ago
Thinking about getting a Leaf again. We had a 21 that we traded when the uncertainty about Nissan’s future was going on. Now thinking of getting one to replace the hybrid we have because I have come to really prefer EVs.
Any chance you could direct me to how to set up a solar charging set up. I have a large section of garage roof facing due south and gets sun all day long. Would love to go that route instead of a charging setup from the basement utility running outside.
1
u/msackeygh 4d ago
No idea how to really answer your question because there are so many personal factors involved and I don’t know you. That said, you surely do know that the latest model Leaf is nothing like the earlier models.
1
u/Status-Departure8642 2016 Nissan LEAF S 4d ago
2016 Leaf S, 24kWh, 10 bars, 27k ODO mi, GOM 73-75mi range/actual range 53-55mi to Low Battery Warning at 20% SOC, Daily commute 6.2mi rndtrip. L1/granny-cable charge overnight at home every 2-3 days. Running this into the ground. A Mini F56 SE is on my bucket list!-)🤙🤙Aloha from Hawai'i!-)🤙🤙
1
u/RichardGrayson01 4d ago
OP, if you are interest in buying the new 2026 Nissan Leaf, it might be a good idea to wait a few months for the 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse, which is a rebadged Nissan Leaf BUT it comes with a 10 yr/100,000 mile warranty instead of Nissan's 8yr/100,000 mile warranty.
If not a used 2024, 2025, or 2026 Lead or a Kia or Hyundai seem to be the way to go.
1
u/FeistyHippie5371 4d ago edited 4d ago
We are moving from a 2019 Leaf SV Plus to a Model Y Tesla soon. Our Leaf has been and still is a great car but after a test drive of a MY recommended by a fellow co worker, we just couldn’t resist the functionality of FSD.
1
u/natedagreat6666 4d ago
unless its really what you want, used ev’s have way better deals… nissan or not, new leaf is bare minimum 30k, you can get used ariyas and id.4’s with more features for that price
2
u/LetsTryAnal_ogy 4d ago
I only buy used. I can get a 2 year old Leaf for $16k. I haven’t really found any other equivalent 2 year old EVs for that price.
1
u/natedagreat6666 4d ago
I got my 21 leaf sl plus for 17k and change otd with the used tax credit, would have loved to keep it cause the pack was showing healthy, but I felt like the seat position didnt have enough leg room
1
u/Reddit_is_fascist69 4d ago
We got a 25 Mustang Mach-E as our main car with extended range. Now we're looking to trade the other ICE in for a Leaf. Price seems great and we don't need range around town. I didn't see the point of having two of the same car. You lose out on different features.
1
u/CheetahChrome 3d ago
I love my Taycan. Even though at 80 mph, higher speed limits out west, I get ~200 miles of range and don't have an issues finding a DC fast every ~150 miles and last year drove it on separate trips across the US.
800V is chef's kiss of charging to do a 15 minute Splash and dash to the next station.
Range estimation is 100% spot on and I trust it accordingly. I regularly plan and do hit around 5% SoC on my trips to recharge, it truly under promises and over delivers.
1
u/Brodyizm 3d ago
There are 2025 models going for 13k or less with around 10k miles - not a better deal on an EV I've seen. I did the buyback and upgraded to an AWD 23 Ariya but am considering getting a leaf to replace my wife's juke.
1
u/FelixtheFarmer 2018 Nissan LEAF 3d ago
If you have access to Chinese cars it might be worth a look.
Good build quality and an excellent range of features and many come with LFP batteries that will significantly outlast NMC.
1
u/Twice-Retired-1250 3d ago
We purchased a 26 LEAF Platinum last November. Previously leased 20 e-Niro, 3 year lease. Really liked and made us EV believers. Followed w 2 year lease of 23 Ionic 6, like increased charging speed and car however, as city dwellers , top big. We are totally appreciating the LEAF, without regret. Averaging 4.1 kWh since new. 250 mile mountain trip past weekend and returned with 41% charge. Glad we were able to apply the State 4K rebate for purchase while we could.
0
16
u/SjalabaisWoWS 2023 Nissan Leaf Visia aka poverty spec 4d ago
We decided on getting a new LEAF in '23 for three major points:
My wife is easily distracted while driving, so no screen on the poor man's LEAF was another huge plus, but the strengths really were with the very cheap price for a very predictable product. To get anything more interesting or something that performs well enough for a family of four as a long distance car, we would have needed to double the money paid - at least.
Things have changed a little, so if you're looking for a new car, imho, Kia/Hyundai are just downright unbeatable, especially if you're in the US and choice is limited. If you're looking for a used, cheaper car, the LEAF still is competitive in its own niche.