Wholesale value of the 2011 Leaf @Auction March 2018

[SteveInSeattle]

Ultimately all prices are a reflection of the market. If there was more demand for used Leafs dealers would bid higher in auctions. Used Leaf values are very soft. When I first heard of the battery price I thought this might result in higher used Leaf prices, as it makes the used car's lifetime utility and cost more favorable. But as I think about it, I doubt it will have an effect. Savvy buyers will have real bargains, though. Low priced, high mileage, Leafs will be a real bargain and when the battery is replaced they will have the utility and lifespan of a new Leaf for a small fraction of the cost.

 

[OrientExpress]

This months wholesale numbers show that the wholesale and retail pricing of a 2011 LEAF SL have firmed up a bit from June's numbers.

This is most likely due to the 2014 end-of-year incentives for new LEAFs having run their course. I find it interesting that the average retail pricing for an SL is very close to the predicted residuals for the 2011 cars now coming off of lease. These would include the first large batch of cars that were put into service back in 2011. All in all there does not seem to be any significant variance between the values of a 2011 LEAF and a conventional ICE mid-sized automobile which suggests that the market has accepted the LEAF and it is considered mainstream for its size of automobile.

 

[abasile]

Thanks, OrientExpress, for the data. Looks to me like the 2011 LEAF is the best value in used cars, provided the range is sufficient for the buyer.

 

[OrientExpress]

Looks to me like the 2011 LEAF is the best value in used cars, provided the range is sufficient for the buyer.

From a pure used vs. new perspective, yes, but given that the 2011 was a 1.0 attempt (and a very good one at that), a v2.0 2013 or later car fixes the majority of the baseline issues with the first attempt. The biggest gain is the much improved HVAC system, plus many many little ergonomic and refinement fixes, which make a later cars more desirable.

 

[evnow]

Remember, some of the early '11 didn't even have seat heaters.

 

[mwalsh]

Remember, some of the early '11 didn't even have seat heaters.

But some of those that didn't now do. :mrgreen:

 

[TomT]

It depends on where you live... If you use almost exclusively cooling, which is the case here, it is actually a downgrade as the cooling mode is about 20% less efficient than a 2011 or 2012...

The biggest gain is the much improved HVAC system

 

[mwalsh]

It depends on where you live... If you use almost exclusively cooling, which is the case here, it is actually a downgrade as the cooling mode is about 20% less efficient than a 2011 or 2012...

Agreed. I love the A/C in my car for cooling. Heating not so much. But as I was going to add in my comment about the heated seats I fitted to my car...it's almost getting to the point that we no longer need to heat our vehicles in winter down here.

 

[abasile]

In our early 2011 LEAF, the lack of seat heaters and the lame heater really hasn't been a big deal driving around our mountain area. We can still pre-heat the car while it's plugged in. I guess if we lived in a more damp climate it might matter more. I just don't see this as being a huge issue for a great many used car buyers.

 

[hill]

Remember, some of the early '11 didn't even have seat heaters.

But some of those that didn't now do. :mrgreen:

I still have the hog ring scars to remind me.
:?

 

[dgpcolorado]

It depends on where you live... If you use almost exclusively cooling, which is the case here, it is actually a downgrade as the cooling mode is about 20% less efficient than a 2011 or 2012...

Yes, that AC on the non heat pump models sure is efficient and effective.

It's a little thing, but the newer LEAFs also don't have the electric parking brake. I didn't like it at first but think I'd miss it if I switched to a new LEAF. Although I'd trade it in an instant for B mode.

 

[lonestar49]

Orient Express or anyone!? What are the over all pros and cons of buying a Nissan Leaf 2011 as commuter car? The longest commute I'd have is about 75 miles. I work from home and mostly drive 1 to 25 miles (round trip per day) in So Cal (Westside of Los Angeles).

How bad is the battery degradation issue on these cars? Especially at this late date in the life of the 2011 Leaf. And how much will an existing warranty or buying "certified" help mitigate the battery degradation issue (or any other matters regarding this car)?

 

[bbrowncods]

Orient Express or anyone!? What are the over all pros and cons of buying a Nissan Leaf 2011 as commuter car? The longest commute I'd have is about 75 miles. I work from home and mostly drive 1 to 25 miles (round trip per day) in So Cal (Westside of Los Angeles).

How bad is the battery degradation issue on these cars? Especially at this late date in the life of the 2011 Leaf. And how much will an existing warranty or buying "certified" help mitigate the battery degradation issue (or any other matters regarding this car)?

If it were me I would look for a 2012 with less than 10,000 miles. Before I bought it I would get a LeafPro and see what the GIDs were at full charge in order to see the degree of battery degradation.
If your 75 miles is broken up by multiple trips throughout the day then it could be done with a L2 EVSE. If you are doing a one way 75 mile trip then you will need charging at your destination, a good battery, and careful planning.

 

[lonestar49]

Orient Express or anyone!? What are the over all pros and cons of buying a Nissan Leaf 2011 as commuter car? The longest commute I'd have is about 75 miles. I work from home and mostly drive 1 to 25 miles (round trip per day) in So Cal (Westside of Los Angeles).

How bad is the battery degradation issue on these cars? Especially at this late date in the life of the 2011 Leaf. And how much will an existing warranty or buying "certified" help mitigate the battery degradation issue (or any other matters regarding this car)?

If it were me I would look for a 2012 with less than 10,000 miles. Before I bought it I would get a LeafPro and see what the GIDs were at full charge in order to see the degree of battery degradation.
If your 75 miles is broken up by multiple trips throughout the day then it could be done with a L2 EVSE. If you are doing a one way 75 mile trip then you will need charging at your destination, a good battery, and careful planning.

Thanks bbrownods!

I'm new to EVs. What does it entail to get a LeafPro? What are good GIDs? Hope that is a correct way to ask?

 

[dhanson865]

Orient Express or anyone!? What are the over all pros and cons of buying a Nissan Leaf 2011 as commuter car? The longest commute I'd have is about 75 miles. I work from home and mostly drive 1 to 25 miles (round trip per day) in So Cal (Westside of Los Angeles).

How bad is the battery degradation issue on these cars? Especially at this late date in the life of the 2011 Leaf. And how much will an existing warranty or buying "certified" help mitigate the battery degradation issue (or any other matters regarding this car)?

If it were me I would look for a 2012 with less than 10,000 miles. Before I bought it I would get a LeafPro and see what the GIDs were at full charge in order to see the degree of battery degradation.
If your 75 miles is broken up by multiple trips throughout the day then it could be done with a L2 EVSE. If you are doing a one way 75 mile trip then you will need charging at your destination, a good battery, and careful planning.

Thanks bbrownods!

I'm new to EVs. What does it entail to get a LeafPro? What are good GIDs? Hope that is a correct way to ask?

I think he means and android phone, bluetooth ELM adapter, and http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=14285&hilit=leafpro" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; though for the purposes of checking a used car before purchase you don't have to pay for the Pro version of the software.

 

[bbrowncods]

Exactly. Think of it as the equivalent of having a mechanic check out the engine compression before you buy a used vehicle. The Leaf Spy Lite app will work and is free.

 

[stopeject]

I'm considering purchasing LEAF at a dealer auction. The latest prices from PA:

2012  NISSAN       LEAF SL ELEC EL  4DHB A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   30,664 BLACK     $12,400
2012  NISSAN       LEAF SL ELEC EL  4DHB A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   13,930 BRILLIAN  $13,900
2013  NISSAN       LEAF SV ELEC EL  4DHB A   PS    AC HT  4X2    7,969 SUPER BL  $18,600

Some other small cars to compare:

2011  FORD         FIESTA SE    4G  5DHB A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   13,831 WHITE      $6,600
2013  FORD         FIESTA SE    4G  5DHB A   PS PB AC MR  4X2   19,610 DKBLACK   $11,300
2014  FORD         FIESTA SE    4G  5DHB P   PS PB AC HT  4X2   24,969 RED       $10,900
2012  HONDA        CIVIC LX     4G  4DSN A   PS PB AC HT        65,937 WHITE      $9,500
2012  HONDA        CIVIC LX     4G  4DSN A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   30,573 GREY      $10,700
2012  HONDA        CIVIC LX     4G  4DSN A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   13,755 SILVER    $10,800
2012  HONDA        CIVIC LX     4G  2DCP A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   37,491 GREY      $10,700
2013  HONDA        CIVIC LX     4G  4DSN A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   25,702 BLACK     $13,300
2013  HONDA        CIVIC LX     4G  4DSN A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   34,116 BROWN     $12,900
2013  HONDA        CIVIC LX     4G  4DSN A   PS PB AC HT        10,832 WHITE     $14,200
2013  HONDA        CIVIC LX     4G  4DSN A   PS PB AC HT        10,361 GREY      $14,200
2011  HONDA        FIT SPT      4G  5DHB A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   34,772 BLUE      $12,400
2013  HONDA        FIT SPT      4G  5DHB A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   24,002 SILVER    $13,500
2013  HONDA        FIT SPT      4G  5DHB                            71 RED       $13,750
2011  MAZDA        MAZDA2 TOURI 4G  4DHB O   PS PB AC HT  4X2   50,400 BLACK      $7,000
2013  MAZDA        MAZDA2 TRG   4G  4DHB O   PS PB AC HT  4X2   34,412 BLACK      $9,300
2013  MAZDA        MAZDA2 TRG   4G  4DHB O   PS PB AC HT  4X2   33,176 GREY       $9,400
2012  MINI         COOPER       4G  2DCP A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   36,194 RED       $12,200
2012  MINI         COOPER       4G  2DCP A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   36,194 RED       $12,200
2013  TOYOTA       YARIS LE     4G  4DSN A   PS PB AC           30,974 RED        $8,700
2011  VOLKSWAGEN   JETTA TDI    4DT 4WGN A            HT        41,589 GRAY      $16,000
2011  VOLKSWAGEN   JETTA TDI    4DT 4WGN                        80,810 BLUE      $13,900
2012  VOLKSWAGEN   PASS S       5G  4DSN P   PS PB AC HT  4X2   43,579 BLACK     $11,700

Nissans:

2012  NISSAN       SENTRA 2.0 S 4G  4DSN A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   26,352 BLACK     $10,300
2012  NISSAN       SENTRA 2.0 S 4G  4DSN O   PS PB AC HT  4X2   32,548 SUPER BL  $10,000
2012  NISSAN       SENTRA 2.0 S 4G  4DSN O   PS PB AC HT  4X2   20,073 BLACK     $11,800
2012  NISSAN       SENTRA 2.0 S 4G  4DSN O   PS PB AC PG  4X2   30,190 WHITE     $10,800
2013  NISSAN       SENTRA 2.0 S 4G  4DSN O   PS PB AC PG  4X2    6,378 SILVER    $14,700
2013  NISSAN       SENTRA 2.0 S 4G  4DSN A   PS PB AC HT  4X2    4,226 BLACK     $11,800
2013  NISSAN       SENTRA 2.0 S 4G  4DSN A   PS PB AC HT  4X2   23,439 BLACK     $13,600
2011  NISSAN       VERSA HBK 1. 4G  5DHB O   PS PB AC HT  4X2   28,040 SILVER     $9,300
2014  NISSAN       VERSA NOTE S 4G  5DHB O   PS PB AC HT  4X2    4,784 RED       $12,500
2013  NISSAN       VERSA S      4G  4DSN O   PS PB AC HT  4X2   33,647 WHITE      $9,500
2012  NISSAN       VERSA SL     4G  4DSN A   PS PB AC           13,880 WHITE     $10,300
2013  NISSAN       VERSA SV     4G  4DSN O   PS PB AC HT  4X2   39,358 LT BROWN   $9,000
2013  NISSAN       VERSA SV     4G  4DSN O   PS PB AC HT  4X2   40,728 WHITE      $9,300

LEAF definitely commands premium over a similarly sized Versa. I know that Versa is a dreadful vehicle, but still not really sure if LEAF is a good investment.

 

[beachfitrob]

Probably a good candidate to hit the 5yr/60K wty and get a new battery:

2012 NISSAN LEAF SL ELEC EL 4DHB A PS PB AC HT 4X2 30,664 BLACK $12,400

Depending on how hot it gets for you. I'm down 4% SOH *since I changed my sig* and I've only owned mine for 8 months. First measure was 86% but dropped pretty quickly to 81 but it's been steady since. And in Houston, it can still get pretty warm in October. And that's not even considering the miles.

I garage it, so if I kept it outside it would be even worse.

Odds are, I'll see a new battery next year.

 

[OrientExpress]

August was a big month for 2011 LEAFs at wholesale auction. This month was when the LEAFs leased in May of 2011 (The first truly big wave of 1st generation LEAFs being delivered to US buyers) were turned in, and Nissan did not waste any time in flipping them back out into the resale market.

This was also the month that my own 2011 LEAF was turned in, and on August 27th, it went on the block at the Sf Bay Area auction, and is now off to its next owner. I hope that it gives its new owner the same level of satisfaction and reliability that it gave our family.

The residual value for me to purchase that car was $15.2K. At auction it went for $10.9K, and will probably make it into the retail used market at about $12.5K, so for us, leasing has been the right decision. I suspect that a data entry error was responsible for it being listed as an AWD car.

Despite the large number of 2011 lease returns this month, wholesale values stayed firm, and even gained. I did find an error in Manhiem's reporting in that the majority of SL trim cars were lumped in with SV trim cars. So I have posted the reports for both.

All in all the price for "Below" cars firmed up this month, posting an almost $1K gain at auction over last month.

 

[edatoakrun]

...The residual value for me to purchase that car was $15.2K. At auction it went for $10.9K, and will probably make it into the retail used market at about $12.5K, so for us, leasing has been the right decision...

Looks to me from the results you posted (thanks again) like the auction/retail spread is ~$3,700, implying a retail price for your LEAF of ~$14,600.

Which is why I've never understood why anyone would buy a used car from a dealer...

And looking at recent N Cal advertised and EBAY sales prices (a friend of mine is semi-seriously looking for one) I think a private-party buyer paying 12.5k for your LEAF (assuming it's in good condition) would be getting a bargain.

My residual was ~$16,000, 36 month Lease. I bought out the lease early in 2012.

So in theory, if I had not bought it, I could have replaced it (~3 months ago with ~27,000 miles) for ~$1,500 less than that, at the private party price.

However, I would have been paying the rather high 2011 Nissan lease rate (wasn't it ~4.9%?) for the past 2+ years, which I calculate at ~$1,000 additional cost.

So, avoiding the time and effort of searching the used-LEAF ads, and the insecurity inherent from the unknowns of buying another LEAF, as opposed to my own LEAF with known history and condition (including it's recent 126+ mile range in a battery capacity test) probably cost me ~$500.

So, I think buying my LEAF was the right decision for me.