Buying used - 2013 vs 2012?

[smsalter]

I leased a 2012 Leaf 37 months ago. I've never had a problems with it. After 3 years, I've only taken the car back to the dealer for a software upgrade and tire rotation. Although I've paid $410.00 per month, it's been a great value since I haven't had to purchase gas since I took on the lease and there's been no maintenance costs other than $10.00 for tire rotation.

I know that the 2012's were built in Japan and the 2013's were built in Tennessee. I don't think I'd want a 2013, based on the fact that it was the first year that the Tennessee facility was producing the Leaf.

I'd purchase the 2012 if Nissan was going to give me a bit bigger buy down, but they are only offering a $5,000.00 buy down for anyone that took a 3 year lease. Those that took a 2 year lease are being offered a $7,000.00 buy down.

On average, during summer months, I get a 80 to 85 mile range. In winter months it's about half that and if you get stuck on the snow/ice and the wheels spin, you can't believe how fast the battery wares down. I do however live in an area that has a tough winter - Rochester, NY. It's an absolute necessity to have the defroster on during the winter, as well as heated seats/steering wheel.

Personally, I'm looking for a 2012 to purchase. Most of them are from $9,500.00 to $13,000.00. It's a pretty low price compared to the 2015s. The battery range on the 2012s are sufficient for me at this time.

 

[LeftieBiker]

I know that the 2012's were built in Japan and the 2013's were built in Tennessee. I don't think I'd want a 2013, based on the fact that it was the first year that the Tennessee facility was producing the Leaf.

I generally agree with the idea that early production vehicles are more problematic, but my 2013 SV has only one build quality issue: the rear hatch is a little hard to close, and I think they "fixed" it incorrectly at the dealership, so it now also clanks a bit when closing. That's not bad for a newly-opened assembly line producing a vehicle with numerous improvements over the Gen 1.2 cars...

 

[RonDawg]

On average, during summer months, I get a 80 to 85 mile range. In winter months it's about half that and if you get stuck on the snow/ice and the wheels spin, you can't believe how fast the battery wares down. I do however live in an area that has a tough winter - Rochester, NY. It's an absolute necessity to have the defroster on during the winter, as well as heated seats/steering wheel.

For temps above 5F, you'll see quite a bit of benefit by going with a heat-pump-equipped model, which means a 2013 or later Leaf SV or SL (NOT the Leaf S).

 

[dm33]

Sounds like the OP is worried about made in Japan vs US.

That not much of an issue in this case. 2013+ is quite reliable.

Their is a huge difference between the 2013 and earlier. It's really a totally redesigned car that happens to look the same. Almost every part is different. From little plastic mouldings to the drive train. 2013+ is the second generation car with lots of improvements. SV has important added features. Heat pump. Much better regen in B mode. Newer battery chemistry. Etc.

If you're thinking about keeping long term you must factor in battery replacement.