Test Drive: Nissan Leaf

For those of you who haven't been paying attention, I've been test driving electric cars lately. Today was the Nissan Leaf. Today I drove a 2013 Nissan Leaf SV at CarMax.

CarMax has a very short test loop, but today that was good, because the Leaf only had 22 miles remaining on its battery. As with all electrics, grunt off the line is superb. An uphill freeway on-ramp was handled with aplomb all the way to 65mph, after which it did get a tad sluggish, but I'm okay with that.

The car feels better put together than the smart or FIAT, and that's not surprising. This is a purpose-built vehicle, not a "conversion" of a gas car. Overall impressions were that it's put together as well as any Asian car, even the luxury models.

Of important note: Best A/C ever in an EV. That's important here. The car's readout said it was 107F today, and the interior was cool before we got off the lot. Far, far better than the smart or FIAT.

Leafs (as used cars) aren't nearly as cheap as other used EV, but I feel like there's a reason. As I stated in the 500e thread on the main board, the 2018 Leaf is due out soon, and it has a 200 mile range. I think it will drive down the value of first-generation Leafs even further.

2013+ models have a significantly improved battery over the 2011-2 models. As soon as I see one under $7500, I'm buying.

As far as I'm concerned, the Leaf is the low-budget EV to have.

You can get a new one for something like $9k here after you stack on all the rebates. It's mind-boggling.

EvanR wrote: Of important note: Best A/C ever in an EV. That's important here. The car's readout said it was 107F today, and the interior was cool before we got off the lot. Far, far better than the smart or FIAT.

Wait 'til you try turning on the A/C (or heat, seasonally) from your phone a couple minutes before you head out to the car. You'll love it.

If I ever want to get my wife onboard with the idea of an electric (or plug-in), that's totally how I'm going to sell it.

The heat is pretty good too actually.

I've been happy with mine. I may be selling soon but we will see.

Ransom wrote:

EvanR wrote: Of important note: Best A/C ever in an EV. That's important here. The car's readout said it was 107F today, and the interior was cool before we got off the lot. Far, far better than the smart or FIAT.

Wait 'til you try turning on the A/C (or heat, seasonally) from your phone a couple minutes before you head out to the car. You'll love it.

Ohh i would like that in Minnesota.

Yes, the '13 Leaf is a great car. Lots more fun to drive than you'd expect from an EV.

It also has a heated steering wheel, which is bonkers. It gets burn-your-hands hot and then shuts off and refuses to come back on for a while.

Dang Keith. I just figured out what I'm getting to share a garage with Betty once I get to CO. 12.5K price reduction on a new 2018 leaf sounds perfect.

Keith Tanner wrote: You can get a new one for something like $9k here after you stack on all the rebates. It's mind-boggling.

No rebates in Nevada. Then again, we don't have an income tax. :)

13 and up models have the better rear cargo area as well. They 12 and earlier have that plastic molding in the back. 13+ models have better charging capabilities as well . Nissan just released a $10k rebate on the new Leafs and people are inquiring crazy about them.

dxman92 wrote: Nissan just released a $10k rebate on the new Leafs ...

That's great news! Driving down the prices on new ones should, at least in theory, drive down the value of used ones!