Is Buying a Used Nissan Leaf Worth It?

TL;DR

A 2013 Nissan Leaf, bought for £1,500, was tested to determine its current battery health and range. Originally claiming 124 miles per charge, the real-world test revealed a 60-mile range due to battery degradation. Despite limitations, used EVs like the Leaf can be economical for short distances if charging is planned.

Transcript

I bought the cheapest electric car in the country it's a Nissan Leaf from 2013 I paid just £1,500 for it through carw but was it a mistake oh bollocks this is really worrying we're going to find out to do that I'm going to test the real world range of this car to see how much life is still in this battery so I'm going to charge it fully then drive ... Read More

Key Insights

• A 2013 Nissan Leaf was purchased for £1,500, a significant reduction from its original £21,000 price.
• The car's battery, originally offering a 124-mile range, now delivers only 60 miles due to degradation.
• The Nissan Leaf's battery health was assessed at 70%, with 30% capacity lost over 11 years.
• Used Nissan Leafs may still require a monthly battery lease if initially purchased without a battery.
• Older electric vehicles like the Leaf can be reliable and economical for short trips if charging is managed.
• Electric cars, having fewer mechanical parts than combustion engines, may present fewer maintenance issues.
• The Nissan Leaf's interior shows signs of wear, including a damp smell and mold on seat belts.
• A third-party app, Leaf Spy, is recommended for monitoring battery health in used Nissan Leafs.

Questions & Answers

Q: How far can a 2013 Nissan Leaf go on a full charge now?

A 2013 Nissan Leaf, originally claiming a 124-mile range, currently achieves around 60 miles per charge due to battery degradation. This reduction is typical as the battery loses capacity over time, making it important for potential buyers to consider the actual range when assessing a used electric vehicle's suitability.

Q: What is the current battery health of a 2013 Nissan Leaf?

The battery health of a 2013 Nissan Leaf was assessed at 70%, indicating a 30% capacity loss over its 11-year lifespan. This degradation affects the vehicle's range and performance, highlighting the importance of checking battery health when purchasing a used electric vehicle.

Q: Are there any ongoing costs with a used Nissan Leaf?

Some used Nissan Leafs may have ongoing costs if they were initially purchased without a battery pack, requiring a monthly lease payment to Nissan. This can add to ownership expenses, so buyers should verify whether the vehicle includes a battery or is subject to a lease agreement.

Q: What are the benefits of buying a used electric vehicle like the Nissan Leaf?

Used electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf can be economical for short distances, offering lower purchase costs compared to new models. They have fewer mechanical parts than combustion cars, potentially reducing maintenance issues. However, buyers should be aware of battery health and potential lease costs.

Q: How can I check the battery health of a used Nissan Leaf?

Battery health of a used Nissan Leaf can be checked using a third-party app like Leaf Spy, which connects via the OBD port to provide detailed battery information. This tool is popular among Leaf owners for its accuracy and affordability, costing around £20 for the app.

Q: What maintenance issues should I expect with a used Nissan Leaf?

A used Nissan Leaf may have interior wear, such as a damp smell and mold, and mechanical components like brakes may need attention. Regular oil changes for the drive box are recommended, despite Nissan not specifying this. Overall, the Leaf is mechanically simpler than combustion cars, potentially reducing major issues.

Q: Is the Nissan Leaf a reliable car for daily use?

The Nissan Leaf can be a reliable car for daily use, especially for short distances. Its simplicity compared to combustion engines means fewer potential mechanical issues. However, its reduced range due to battery degradation requires careful planning for longer trips, making it more suitable for local commuting.

Q: What should I consider when buying a used Nissan Leaf?

When buying a used Nissan Leaf, consider the battery's state of health, potential ongoing lease costs, and the vehicle's range. Check for signs of interior wear, such as dampness or mold, and ensure regular maintenance like drive box oil changes. Use tools like Leaf Spy to assess battery health accurately.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The 2013 Nissan Leaf was tested to evaluate its current battery health and range. Despite a claimed 124-mile range when new, the car now achieves only 60 miles due to battery degradation. However, for a purchase price of £1,500, it remains a cost-effective option for short distances.

• The Nissan Leaf's battery health check revealed a 70% state of health, indicating a 30% loss over its lifespan. Buyers of used Leafs should be cautious about potential ongoing battery lease costs, which can add to ownership expenses.

• Electric vehicles like the Leaf are simpler mechanically than internal combustion cars, potentially reducing maintenance issues. Despite interior wear, such as a damp smell and mold, the Leaf can still be a viable option for local driving if charging is well-planned.