SalisburySam
Well-known member
Last week we sold our 11½ year old 2012 LEAF SL, purchased in February of 2012 after placing our $99 order deposit in 2010. The LEAF was our gateway drug to EV ownership and a then-marvel of wow, fun, and learning. We added our Tesla Model 3 in 2018, then our 2023 Ioniq5 late last year.
We look back fondly on our years with the LEAF and its advantages even over our much newer EVs. The LEAF was the best of the three in several respects: MUCH easier to get into and out of, absolutely no phantom battery drain, had to learn exactly nothing to transition from the physical controls of ICE vehicles (the learning was on the refueling/charging and driving sides), and the cloth seats were more comfortable than the others even though they were only manually adjusted.
But then there was the lack of range, now at about 35 in-town miles. My battery was pretty much a longevity disaster though it did not deteriorate quickly enough to benefit from either the 5- or 8-year battery warranties. When sold, it showed 7 capacity bars.
In retrospect, we probably did not get an appropriate amount of actual car utility from this $40,000 purchase in 2022, about $54,000 today after inflation, given its range. But it was an amazing EV introduction, a most enjoyable learning platform, and delivered a very reliable and fun driving experience.
We drive maybe 5000-7500 miles a year now, no work commutes, and have absolutely no need for three cars let alone three EVs. It was time for at least of our vehicles to go. As the oldest and the one with the least range, the LEAF fell victim. We celebrated with a tear, a smile, some champagne and a nice dinner at a local restaurant. It was a more emotional experience than we anticipated.
I know this is not an airport and we don’t have to announce departures here. I’m still a member, will continue to be, and am interested in the EV evolution with existing and new EV manufacturers. Who knows what car will replace our Model 3 when the time comes, other than it will not be another Tesla, hence my ongoing interest in MyNissanLEAF.
To the rest of you LEAF owners and enthusiasts: enjoy the ride!
We look back fondly on our years with the LEAF and its advantages even over our much newer EVs. The LEAF was the best of the three in several respects: MUCH easier to get into and out of, absolutely no phantom battery drain, had to learn exactly nothing to transition from the physical controls of ICE vehicles (the learning was on the refueling/charging and driving sides), and the cloth seats were more comfortable than the others even though they were only manually adjusted.
But then there was the lack of range, now at about 35 in-town miles. My battery was pretty much a longevity disaster though it did not deteriorate quickly enough to benefit from either the 5- or 8-year battery warranties. When sold, it showed 7 capacity bars.
In retrospect, we probably did not get an appropriate amount of actual car utility from this $40,000 purchase in 2022, about $54,000 today after inflation, given its range. But it was an amazing EV introduction, a most enjoyable learning platform, and delivered a very reliable and fun driving experience.
We drive maybe 5000-7500 miles a year now, no work commutes, and have absolutely no need for three cars let alone three EVs. It was time for at least of our vehicles to go. As the oldest and the one with the least range, the LEAF fell victim. We celebrated with a tear, a smile, some champagne and a nice dinner at a local restaurant. It was a more emotional experience than we anticipated.
I know this is not an airport and we don’t have to announce departures here. I’m still a member, will continue to be, and am interested in the EV evolution with existing and new EV manufacturers. Who knows what car will replace our Model 3 when the time comes, other than it will not be another Tesla, hence my ongoing interest in MyNissanLEAF.
To the rest of you LEAF owners and enthusiasts: enjoy the ride!
