What to look for when inspecting a used Leaf?

[tvspaulmoore]

Thank you all for the amazingly comprehensive replies- really helps me narrow the search
Will read through all the info on the links
Much appreciated!

 

[tvspaulmoore]

So I've had trouble finding 2013s for $10k (I want to have the faster charging option since I will be keeping the car until it dies) but did see a 2014 Sl for $12k- is that a reasonable price?

 

[Firetruck41]

$12k for a 2014 SL would be a good deal around here, if it is in good condition with good battery capacity.

 

[tvspaulmoore]

Hi so here's my current dilemma- after not having the time to car shop for many weeks I now see two main options in local listings-
2012 SL models listed at dealers for mostly (presumably negotiable) $9500
Or
2014 SL models similarly listed for $12000

Over the long life of the loan I'll need it's not a huge difference each month- wondering which is the better value? Instinctively I feel like I should buy the newest I can stretch to but I also like spending as little as possible...

Any advice appreciated (again!)

 

[LeftieBiker]

Hi so here's my current dilemma- after not having the time to car shop for many weeks I now see two main options in local listings-
2012 SL models listed at dealers for mostly (presumably negotiable) $9500
Or
2014 SL models similarly listed for $12000

Over the long life of the loan I'll need it's not a huge difference each month- wondering which is the better value? Instinctively I feel like I should buy the newest I can stretch to but I also like spending as little as possible...

Any advice appreciated (again!)

The 2014 will have a better battery pack that should degrade less, but will still degrade more quickly than a 2015+ Leaf pack. It comes down to your range needs. If the 2012 will meet those needs even with only 9 or 10 capacity bars, it's the better deal. Otherwise I too would get the 2014.

 

[tvspaulmoore]

Thanks

I'm in FL and have a 30 mile round trip commute

Would I miss a 6.6kw charger?

 

[LeftieBiker]

If you do all of your charging at home, at night, not much. If you do "opportunity charging" at public stations, then yes, you might miss the 6.6kw charger.

 

[tvspaulmoore]

I've found some $9K 2013 Leafs to look at this weekend and bought the bluetooth interface for the Leafspy app- does anyone have advice on what key readings to use to compare cars with- how would I know if one is better than another? Would I simply be trying to measure battery depletion?

 

[LeftieBiker]

Look at the SOH/Hx, which seems to correlate with the amount of remaining capacity.

 

[caffeinekid]

$12k for a 2014 SL would be a good deal around here, if it is in good condition with good battery capacity.

$12K for a 2014 SL here in Texas wouldn't even get you a salvage repair vehicle.

There is one available on AutoTrader- up in Minnesota. Nicely equipped car (premium package w/Bose) for $14K. Pretty nice deal, but nothing SL for $12K.

 

[Flyct]

I've found some $9K 2013 Leafs to look at this weekend and bought the bluetooth interface for the Leafspy app- does anyone have advice on what key readings to use to compare cars with- how would I know if one is better than another? Would I simply be trying to measure battery depletion?

As Leftibiker stated look at AHr and SOH on this screen.

 

[tvspaulmoore]

Thank you- what would be a good/acceptable number to look for in the AHr/SOH readings for a 2013 vehicle?

 

[tvspaulmoore]

For anyone following my prolonged saga (truth is I kept putting off car shopping) I bought via Offleaseonly.com which have several Florida locations and have lots of Leafs (Leaves?) at their various locations and were cheaper than all other dealers.

Last Friday I picked up a 2013 S (with backup camera/QC port) and 30K miles for $8500 which I think is a fair deal... and it's awesome to drive!

Thanks to everyone who gave advice- it all came in very useful!

 

[LeftieBiker]

What are the AH and SOH readings for the car?

 

[jjeff]

Wow! $8500 for a '13S w/charger package, you got a great deal(assuming the SOH is at least mid to upper 80s). In my market the '13's(even S) tend to be close to $13k, never seen one <$10k

 

[inphoenix]

Last Friday I picked up a 2013 S (with backup camera/QC port) and 30K miles for $8500 which I think is a fair deal... and it's awesome to drive!

That is a great price!! Congratulations.

 

[tvspaulmoore]

This is from the Leaf Spy app this morning but I have no idea how to use properly so hopefully this makes some sense to someone... and doesn't mean the car is about to die or anything...

 

[Flyct]

Looks EXCELLENT for a 2013. Makes me want to drive over to Offleaseonly Orlando location and pick up a second Leaf. :lol:

58.29 AHr
89% SOH
88.42 HX.

 

[LeftieBiker]

That's almost the same as my 2013. call it 11 & 1/3 bars.

 

[tvspaulmoore]

Thanks for the feedback
I am loving the car (and several friends want one too now)
The dealer did recommend not constantly charging but I have a free workplace charger- I've set the charging limit to 80%- do I need to avoid charging every day? What's the best practice to prolong battery life...?