gonefishin
Active member
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2011
- Messages
- 26
[I'm having errors posting this so I'm going to try to post in 3 parts]
I've read the threads with the spreadsheets and detailed analysis. I'm about to buy my leaf and I am leaning towards buying and wanted to start a high level discussion focused around the battery pack without getting into the nitty gritty. Basically, a lease costs you several thousand more than if you buy all things considered equal. If you can't take the tax credit, you should lease. If you don't have the cash up front then you should lease. The most relevant discussion remaining in my mind is the performance of the battery. In my analysis, buying makes more sense but I'd like to see what others think.
Under my assumptions of 2% interest rates applied to the google spreadsheet in this forum, I think it will cost me about $4000 more to lease than to outright buy regardless of whether I sell the car or end a lease after 3 years. The big assumption is that the car is worth 45% of its MSRP in 3 years. I was told that most leases assume around 50%, so Nissan is already being a little pessimistic. What are the main concerns for poor resale? I think #1 is battery performance/cost, #2 is limited range compared to newer models, #3 is lack of interest by consumers for a plug-in car.
Battery
Initially I was told the battery had an 8yr/100k warranty so no worries! However, when I examined the 2011 Leaf Customer Disclosure Form section IV.F."Exclusions" it says "The lithium-ion battery, like all li-on batteries, will experience gradual capacity loss with time and use. Loss of battery capacity due to or resulting from gradual capacity loss is NOT covered under the Nissan New Vehicle Limited Warranty") So basically, unless a cell drops off and dies during a year you're stuck.
Let's look at the two possibilities for battery costs. If battery costs remain high then new car alternatives will remain expensive and the Leaf should hold its value. On the other hand, if battery prices drop then it should be cheaper to renew or replace a battery. Homepower magazine (online access is available for a fee) issue 137 July 2010 has an article about DIY refurbishing a Honda Civic Hybrid NiMH battery pack for $380 instead of the $3200 dealer quote or $1250 aftermarket quote, and I suspect you clever leaf owners will figure out the same process.
[continued in part 2]
I've read the threads with the spreadsheets and detailed analysis. I'm about to buy my leaf and I am leaning towards buying and wanted to start a high level discussion focused around the battery pack without getting into the nitty gritty. Basically, a lease costs you several thousand more than if you buy all things considered equal. If you can't take the tax credit, you should lease. If you don't have the cash up front then you should lease. The most relevant discussion remaining in my mind is the performance of the battery. In my analysis, buying makes more sense but I'd like to see what others think.
Under my assumptions of 2% interest rates applied to the google spreadsheet in this forum, I think it will cost me about $4000 more to lease than to outright buy regardless of whether I sell the car or end a lease after 3 years. The big assumption is that the car is worth 45% of its MSRP in 3 years. I was told that most leases assume around 50%, so Nissan is already being a little pessimistic. What are the main concerns for poor resale? I think #1 is battery performance/cost, #2 is limited range compared to newer models, #3 is lack of interest by consumers for a plug-in car.
Battery
Initially I was told the battery had an 8yr/100k warranty so no worries! However, when I examined the 2011 Leaf Customer Disclosure Form section IV.F."Exclusions" it says "The lithium-ion battery, like all li-on batteries, will experience gradual capacity loss with time and use. Loss of battery capacity due to or resulting from gradual capacity loss is NOT covered under the Nissan New Vehicle Limited Warranty") So basically, unless a cell drops off and dies during a year you're stuck.
Let's look at the two possibilities for battery costs. If battery costs remain high then new car alternatives will remain expensive and the Leaf should hold its value. On the other hand, if battery prices drop then it should be cheaper to renew or replace a battery. Homepower magazine (online access is available for a fee) issue 137 July 2010 has an article about DIY refurbishing a Honda Civic Hybrid NiMH battery pack for $380 instead of the $3200 dealer quote or $1250 aftermarket quote, and I suspect you clever leaf owners will figure out the same process.
[continued in part 2]