I am a sustainability coordinator at an institution with ~150 employees trying to encourage EV adoption so I'd like to walk the talk without breaking my bank.
I'm looking for an affordable used Leaf for a commuter car. Work is 8.5 miles one way (1/2 at 60 mph, 1/2 at 35-45 mph) with high probability of getting $25/yr Level 2 charging at work this year. Otherwise, not much reason for this car to leave the county. Range needs are limited, at least for now.
Looking here at a "2012 SL / SV" with clean CarFax and 55K miles listed at $5700. I'm in the Midwest in area with low electric vehicle interest and dealer has been dropping price quickly. He is a GM dealer and has never driven an electric car. He sent me the attached screenshot and I'm having trouble figuring out what it means. He said it was fully charged. It is about 10 degrees out now and sitting on the lot. It appears to have 11 bars? But from what I've read this is not necessarily a reliable indicator of anything.
Salesperson said car was put into service in April 2012. So presumably that would leaf me a couple months to see if it would be covered by the 5 yr 30% battery degradation warranty... correct? (I would confirm this direct with Nissan before purchasing).
From what I've read, I definitely want to download LeafSpy and take it with me. I'm going to have to come up with some minimum criteria I presume.
I'd like this car to last at least 3 years after which I can reconsider next options and hope it has some utility for an in-town car for someone??? Current car set-up is: hers - 2005 gas guzzler crossover (160K miles) for schlepping 2 kids around short distances, 5K miles/yr. His: 2011 Prius (90K miles) for commuting 15 miles/day. We use Prius for out of state trips so she is potentially open to flipping to the Prius while I try out electric for a few years. I understand this is a rather poor way of using a Prius (won't get 50 mpg).
What I wouldn't give for an affordable used plug-in car with room for a family... I need something to hold me over until that day arrives. Thanks all.