The battery replacement/buyback thread.

[mn4az]

My turn.

Here's the thread that I've been keeping showing the progress of degradation: https://mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?p=632060#p632060

This morning I called the dealership that I purchased the car from and made an appointment with one of the certified EV techs for 6/21/23. I'll report back the experience. I expect it to be smooth as this particular dealership has a good EV tech.

Anyone seen reports across social media of a 40kW pack being put in or is everything a buyback? Buyback is what I've seen so just validating. This would be just fine with me and likely then would push me to contact Nissan CA as soon as the week of June 26th to push for the buyback process to begin.

My appointment went smooth. I had called Nissan CA and got case number established prior to showing up at the dealer. Out of abundance of caution they kept my Leaf for 24 hours to ensure they got everything Nissan Corporate wanted and took the Nissan CA case number from me. While they had my Leaf they provided me a Sentra (I was told that I was on the hook for the gas) - no option for EV loaner.

Net net is that I'm officially approved for battery pack replacement and continue to drive the Leaf in it's degraded capacity state. The lead time according to the dealership was 6 - 9 months. In addition, I received a JCASE number and a repair order number from the dealership.

When I called Nissan CA prior to the dealer appointment I was told to call back into Nissan CA once the dealership confirmed capacity warranty - which I did. The Nissan CA rep I spoke with confirmed the dealership address and let me know that this is now a 'backorder' case and I should expect a call from a 'Regional consumer affairs specialist' tomorrow to further establish timelines/expectations.

I keep re-iterating to everyone in writing and verbally that 6 - 9 months is 'excessive' and that come winter the car is basically not drivable due to resistance across the degraded pack which could (would?) leave me stranded on the side of the road.

Well that was quick. I never did hear from the regional CA specialist as was promised and so Monday and today made sure that via the Nissan CA chat I was clear that I haven't heard from them yet and expected to. While I didn't get a call from the regional CA specialist, I did get a call from an arbitration specialist (AS). The AS explained they had no idea when the part (ie the battery pack) would be ready and thus I had a buyback option that would follow the BBB AutoLine recommendations for my state (ie following the lemon law for my state). Given the lemon law for my state is really good I agreed to pursue that option. All the documentation/photos have been submitted and hopefully by EOD Friday I learn about next steps. The AS explained that once I was to accept the offer (none of what I'm doing mandates that I accept it - I get that chance later on in the process) it's up to 4 weeks for the repurchase process to complete.

Quick update on my story. I accepted the buyback offer and sent the signed paperwork back. AS replied in email that i'll be 7-10 days for Nissan processing and then should hear from Morley 7-10 days after that to set a date for the surrender of the car. All in all, I've been very pleased with the process.

 

[TeaHSD]

I have to know … what’s the economics here? Bought price and buy back price ?

I just know you were tracking the battery SOH for so long I would have figured you would wait out for the battery replacement. What changed your mind?

For me I’m happy to just wait out for the new 40 or even if the rumor of a repackaged new 30 kWh battery. I’m fine waiting it out and not doing the buyback. The car is worth more than the $ to me. Ymmv

 

[mn4az]

I have to know … what’s the economics here? Bought price and buy back price ?

I just know you were tracking the battery SOH for so long I would have figured you would wait out for the battery replacement. What changed your mind?

For me I’m happy to just wait out for the new 40 or even if the rumor of a repackaged new 30 kWh battery. I’m fine waiting it out and not doing the buyback. The car is worth more than the $ to me. Ymmv

My hope all along was for a 40kWh pack. However, due to the crazy good lemon law in my state it would be financially dumb for me to go that route. Once I have surrendered the car and the check has cleared, I will relay exact numbers.

 

[zarniwoop]

Reading this thread, it seems everyone here is located in the states. In Canada there aren't any lemon laws that I am aware of. Yesterday I called the Nissan rep assigned to me and told them that its been 8months, and they should consider buying me out. She wasn't aware of Nissan doing buyouts and said she will look into it.

Was hoping for a 40kWh battery replacement, but right now I just want to be done with this saga. The car has been parked at the dealership since December, and my dealership has stopped giving me any updates. They also stopped responding to my emails, which is concerning. I am planning on driving up to the dealership next week, and just check up on my car. I'm not sure what condition my car will be when this whole thing is resolved.

 

[TeaHSD]

I have to know … what’s the economics here? Bought price and buy back price ?

I just know you were tracking the battery SOH for so long I would have figured you would wait out for the battery replacement. What changed your mind?

For me I’m happy to just wait out for the new 40 or even if the rumor of a repackaged new 30 kWh battery. I’m fine waiting it out and not doing the buyback. The car is worth more than the $ to me. Ymmv

My hope all along was for a 40kWh pack. However, due to the crazy good lemon law in my state it would be financially dumb for me to go that route. Once I have surrendered the car and the check has cleared, I will relay exact numbers.

Exciting that it is a good deal for you. California where I am also has good lemon laws. I hope it all works out for you. Keep us in the loop !

 

[DougWantsALeaf]

It looks like on Facebook Tony Williams nd QC Charge are working with that battery firm from China who is building 80kWh Leaf packs. Anyone in for one?

 

[MikeinPA]

Interesting. Here is the 80 kwh battery offer https://qccharge.com/products/batte...q7bQ4gzBc8mwdTt_xn4lJRZJtczVFTRTcEm9yxwr1cNWs

For myself, I would rather have an LTO pack with 20 to 30 kwh. Practically unlimited cycle life (20,000 + cycles), fastest charge rates, zero chance of fire.

 

[MikeinPA]

Reading this thread, it seems everyone here is located in the states. In Canada there aren't any lemon laws that I am aware of. Yesterday I called the Nissan rep assigned to me and told them that its been 8months, and they should consider buying me out. She wasn't aware of Nissan doing buyouts and said she will look into it.

Was hoping for a 40kWh battery replacement, but right now I just want to be done with this saga. The car has been parked at the dealership since December, and my dealership has stopped giving me any updates. They also stopped responding to my emails, which is concerning. I am planning on driving up to the dealership next week, and just check up on my car. I'm not sure what condition my car will be when this whole thing is resolved.

It just does not seem right that a major car manufacturer should be free to ignore their own warranty. In your case it is beyond loss of use--the actual car is is degrading on their lot. Something is broken here.

 

[mn4az]

Reading this thread, it seems everyone here is located in the states. In Canada there aren't any lemon laws that I am aware of. Yesterday I called the Nissan rep assigned to me and told them that its been 8months, and they should consider buying me out. She wasn't aware of Nissan doing buyouts and said she will look into it.

Was hoping for a 40kWh battery replacement, but right now I just want to be done with this saga. The car has been parked at the dealership since December, and my dealership has stopped giving me any updates. They also stopped responding to my emails, which is concerning. I am planning on driving up to the dealership next week, and just check up on my car. I'm not sure what condition my car will be when this whole thing is resolved.

If you haven't seen it, perhaps this URL is helpful.

https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/office-consumer-affairs/en/complaint-roadmap

 

[mn4az]

My appointment went smooth. I had called Nissan CA and got case number established prior to showing up at the dealer. Out of abundance of caution they kept my Leaf for 24 hours to ensure they got everything Nissan Corporate wanted and took the Nissan CA case number from me. While they had my Leaf they provided me a Sentra (I was told that I was on the hook for the gas) - no option for EV loaner.

Net net is that I'm officially approved for battery pack replacement and continue to drive the Leaf in it's degraded capacity state. The lead time according to the dealership was 6 - 9 months. In addition, I received a JCASE number and a repair order number from the dealership.

When I called Nissan CA prior to the dealer appointment I was told to call back into Nissan CA once the dealership confirmed capacity warranty - which I did. The Nissan CA rep I spoke with confirmed the dealership address and let me know that this is now a 'backorder' case and I should expect a call from a 'Regional consumer affairs specialist' tomorrow to further establish timelines/expectations.

I keep re-iterating to everyone in writing and verbally that 6 - 9 months is 'excessive' and that come winter the car is basically not drivable due to resistance across the degraded pack which could (would?) leave me stranded on the side of the road.

Well that was quick. I never did hear from the regional CA specialist as was promised and so Monday and today made sure that via the Nissan CA chat I was clear that I haven't heard from them yet and expected to. While I didn't get a call from the regional CA specialist, I did get a call from an arbitration specialist (AS). The AS explained they had no idea when the part (ie the battery pack) would be ready and thus I had a buyback option that would follow the BBB AutoLine recommendations for my state (ie following the lemon law for my state). Given the lemon law for my state is really good I agreed to pursue that option. All the documentation/photos have been submitted and hopefully by EOD Friday I learn about next steps. The AS explained that once I was to accept the offer (none of what I'm doing mandates that I accept it - I get that chance later on in the process) it's up to 4 weeks for the repurchase process to complete.

Quick update on my story. I accepted the buyback offer and sent the signed paperwork back. AS replied in email that i'll be 7-10 days for Nissan processing and then should hear from Morley 7-10 days after that to set a date for the surrender of the car. All in all, I've been very pleased with the process.

Another update. Small delay due to Morley needing additional paperwork from me. Nissan has cut the check and Morley "has accepted the case". The AS tells me that the surrender date should be in a "few weeks". My next update will be after the surrender happens and the check clears.

 

[user 37169]

2016 Nissan Leaf SL bought new from the dealership in San Diego. We financed a no interest loan from Nissan that we paid off in 2019.

Late last year 2022 we brought the car into the dealership to get a new keyfob since one of ours was lost. The dealer noticed we were below warranty spec on our battery so they started the replacement process for us.

We called every few months to check on when the new battery would be arriving but could never get an answer.

Last month when we called the dealer suggested we call corporate and gave us a number.

We did so and were then contacted by an arbitration specialist who offered to do a repurchase, buyback of our car.

We sent in the documents and received this offer yesterday:

Retail Repurchase - Payment Method
Down Payment: $5,000.00
Additional Payments: $34,101.14
Total Amounts Paid: $39,101.14
Less Usage: $4,332.52
Total Refund: $34,768.62

I was quite surprised they were willing to pay us that much for the Leaf but I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth as they say.

We accepted the offer and also asked that we be given a discount of $1000 below dealer cost on the purchase of a new Nissan vehicle. They agreed to this and said we would be give the incentive code once our repurchase processed.

We plan to buy the new Nissan Ariya with the proceeds.

 

[Psyclonus]

Completed our buyback yesterday, now trying to find a replacement for our LEAF, which can be a real struggle here in the Midwest! The lack of tax credit on the Ariya and limited range makes it somewhat less attractive (though my wife loves the interior). It looks like VW is finally starting to sell their ID.4 actually below MSRP, so that may be the route we go as getting our hands on an unsold Bolt EUV seems impossible.

 

[mn4az]

Completed our buyback yesterday, now trying to find a replacement for our LEAF, which can be a real struggle here in the Midwest! The lack of tax credit on the Ariya and limited range makes it somewhat less attractive (though my wife loves the interior). It looks like VW is finally starting to sell their ID.4 actually below MSRP, so that may be the route we go as getting our hands on an unsold Bolt EUV seems impossible.

Congrats! Enjoy whatever new ride you end up with!

 

[TeaHSD]

2016 Nissan Leaf SL bought new from the dealership in San Diego.

Last month when we called the dealer suggested we call corporate and gave us a number.

Retail Repurchase - Payment Method
Down Payment: $5,000.00
Additional Payments: $34,101.14
Total Amounts Paid: $39,101.14
Less Usage: $4,332.52
Total Refund: $34,768.62

Amazing !! I hope the $ comes through. I’m also in San Diego and missy nissan poway is where I took mine for the 8 bar warranty. They had just gotten 2 x 40 kWh battery packs for two leads that had been on the waiting list for 9 months from late 2022. Maybe one was yours!

Hopefully it all works out. I will see if I ever get an AS call. But I only paid $15,000 used to Carmax in 2/2020. The car with new battery is worth more than $15k to me and our driving life …

 

[SageBrush]

Total Refund: $34,768.62

Nice !

The Ariya is poor value (mostly because it is not eligible for the federal tax credit) unless the dealer cuts you a fantastic deal. Shop other makes and models. E.g. the 280 mile Tesla Model Y is ~ $41k after full Fed EV credit.

Or for example an id.4 in Texas:
https://acceleride.genemesservw.com/express/1V2VMPE81PC014787?deal_type=cash
$43k before fed EV credit. That is a heck of a deal even after paying for delivery to wherever

 

[RaleighEV]

I have a couple of questions for those who have completed the buyback process... How picky was Morley on the condition of your Leaf? Do you have negotiating tips to increase the Nissan offer?

We just received an offer from the Nissan AS. It's not a lowball offer but they are taking about $14 off for usage of 48k miles. When I mentioned to the AS that I have seen some people say their usage was cut in 1/2, he gave me some lawyer speak. So I just asked him nicely to try and sweeten the deal.

I worry that what seems like an ok deal will get reduced based on the condition of my Leaf. It's got some bad scratches, the door handle are loose and on and on.

 

[RaleighEV]

Less Usage: $4,332.52
Total Refund: $34,768.62

I was quite surprised they were willing to pay us that much for the Leaf but I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth as they say.

seper8tor, thanks for sharing the details. Can you share how many miles you had on your Leaf?

 

[SageBrush]

I have a couple of questions for those who have completed the buyback process... How picky was Morley on the condition of your Leaf? Do you have negotiating tips to increase the Nissan offer?

We just received an offer from the Nissan AS. It's not a lowball offer but they are taking about $14 off for usage of 48k miles. When I mentioned to the AS that I have seen some people say their usage was cut in 1/2, he gave me some lawyer speak. So I just asked him nicely to try and sweeten the deal.

I worry that what seems like an ok deal will get reduced based on the condition of my Leaf. It's got some bad scratches, the door handle are loose and on and on.

If Nissan is acting similar to GM during its buyback, the manufacturer follows the lemon laws of the state you live in. Red states have weaker consumer protection than Blue states, so you can expect your offer in NC to be less generous than e.g. a LEAF owner in CA

 

[RaleighEV]

Well I tried the hardball negotiation tactic of just asking them to reduce the usage by 50% since others had success with that. They agreed, so I agreed. Sweet deal. Will provide details when it's a done deal. Would still like to know how picky Morley is.

Thanks

 

[mn4az]

Well I tried the hardball negotiation tactic of just asking them to reduce the usage by 50% since others had success with that. They agreed, so I agreed. Sweet deal. Will provide details when it's a done deal. Would still like to know how picky Morley is.

Thanks

Nice!