If you’re looking to travel from one point to another on a relatively distant route without breaking the bank, a used Nissan Leaf could be a compelling choice.
The Nissan Leaf
This was the first commercially produced electric vehicle. It established a template for early adopters of EVs, delivering insufficient power and a short driving range, along with a design resembling a futuristic spacecraft. It appealed specifically to buyers in 2010 who thought the Toyota Prius was too conventional or insufficiently radical.
Competitors overpassed the Leaf. Tesla demonstrated that EVs could be cool and provide more than three times as much range as the Leaf. Chevrolet developed the more complete and refined
Bolt EV
The market now features a large and affordable segment of entry-level electric crossovers. However, Nissan has continually updated the Leaf. And the brand has consistently highlighted its key advantage compared to competitors: its affordability.
There is no text to paraphrase.
China’s cheapest electric vehicle on sale
Starting at a price below $30,000, a used Nissan Leaf could be a budget-friendly choice for getting from point A to a reasonably distant point B.
When looking for a second-hand Nissan Leaf, here are the key questions to ask and potential drawbacks to watch out for.
Which model of the Nissan Leaf are you purchasing?
Nissan Leafs can be primarily differentiated by generation. The first generation Nissan Leaf (2011-2017) was a trailblazer. However, it also produced 107 horsepower and had a modest EPA-estimated range of 73 miles with its 24 kWh battery pack. A larger 30 kWh pack was introduced later in the model’s run, increasing the range to 107 miles. Keep in mind that these earlier vehicles now fall short in range significantly compared to today’s models.
Nissan expanded the Leaf’s niche with the second generation (2018-present). The standard 42 kWh battery now provides an estimated EPA range of 149 miles. Nissan now offers the Leaf Plus, introduced in 2019, which boosts power output to 215 hp and the estimated EPA range to 212 miles with its 62 kWh battery.
The price of a used Nissan Leaf can vary greatly, and it depends on several factors.
Used Nissan Leafs have a wide price range. Buyers get what they pay for. First-generation Nissan Leafs typically cost less. Older first-gen models with high mileage and smaller range can be found for under $5,000. Later first-gen models with a 30 kWh battery may cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
Second-generation Leaf models generally command higher prices, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, contingent on the age, usage, and whether it was a Plus model. A used Leaf Plus model of relatively recent vintage may exceed $20,000. Nearly every used Nissan Leaf should fall below the $25,000 threshold
* If the manufacturer has sold 200,000 eligible vehicles, the full credit is phased out over the next 6 months or other manufacturer rules
.
Are there any concerns about battery degradation in used Nissan Leafs?
Yes. All lithium-ion batteries experience capacity degradation over time. This can be a significant issue for the first-generation Nissan Leaf, especially considering they have been on the road for over a decade with relatively basic battery technology and were often driven aggressively by their owners, who frequently charged them to 100 percent capacity. A Leaf that initially had a 73-mile range may now only reach the 40s or 50s.
Some pre-2015 Leafs experienced particularly severe degradation when exposed to extremely high temperatures in regions such as the American Southwest. Nissan employed passive air cooling for the battery packs, rather than liquid cooling, which is used by many modern EVs. Nissan introduced a more resistant 24 kWh “Lizard” battery in 2015.
What type of charging port does a Nissan Leaf have?
Nissan sold the Leaf in different configurations. This can make a difference in how quickly the vehicle can be charged. For Level 2 home charging, first-generation models came with a standard 3.6 kW capacity and an optional upgrade to 6.6 kW. The latter is now standard on second-generation Leafs. This rate is slower than the 11.4 kW home charging some EVs can handle. But it’s also worth noting that the Leaf has a smaller battery.
Fast charging for a Leaf is relatively slow by current electric vehicle standards. Leaf vehicles come with a 50 kW quick charge port. Leaf Plus models upgrade to a 100 kW high-output quick charge port. The Leaf uses the CHAdeMO plug for fast charging; it’s essentially the only electric vehicle still using it. That leaves Leaf owners with
comparatively few options
for fast charging.
Does the NissanLeaf used experience performance difficulties in low temperatures?
The initial Nissan Leaf models had issues with meeting cabin heating requirements, significantly reducing their range in cold weather. In 2013, Nissan introduced the “Hybrid Heater System” as an option, primarily included on higher trims and as part of a special winter package to alleviate winter range loss.
Testing has shown second-generation Leafs to be more refined
Weighing slightly heavier than the previous model in cold climate conditions.
A 2019 Leaf
outperformed several competitors
preserving its range during cold weather conditions.
Will a pre-owned Nissan Leaf maintain warranty protection?
Yes. However, make sure to thoroughly read the fine print. Nissan typically comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile comprehensive warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty for battery packs larger than 24 kWh. Most first-generation Leafs will be beyond their warranty period. Most second-generation Leafs will still have some warranty coverage on the battery.
It’s essential to note that the battery warranty does not guarantee the replacement of the battery, but rather covers repair. The battery level in the Nissan Leaf is rated out of 12 bars. To be eligible for warranty coverage, the battery capacity must drop below 9 out of 12 bars. The warranty will cover repairs to restore the battery to its initial 9 out of 12 bars rating.
