Official Toyota RAV4 EV thread

[fooljoe]

So, the unlimited miles lease works out to be in the mid-$400, is that right?

I think that's right, but that number is with $0 down (you pocket the $2500 state rebate, so effectively it's about $70/month less.) Make sure you're not comparing it directly to the $199/mo $2k down Leaf S lease.

[Valdemar]

Too bad I already have my Leaf Even if I have to send it to the dump after 3 years my out of pocket cost will be about the same or less compared to leasing the Rav4 and what I can get on a trade-in for the Leaf.

[smkettner]

Traded to the RAV4-EV. All I can say is wow this is a nice ride.
Bitter-sweet to see the LEAF go but LEAF just was not turning out to be the the vehicle that would last ten years. Or even five.

[fooljoe]

How much did you get for it in trade?

[smkettner]

$11,000 same as CarMax offered.

[Valdemar]

I can't make up my mind about the RAV4. On one hand I don't want to miss an opportunity because once they are gone they are gone, on another I will likely be able to make my Leaf work for my needs over the next 36 months and the RAV4 lease will be 4-5k more expensive over this term than driving the paid-off Leaf. Lack of QC is annoying but not a deal breaker with the longer range the RAV4 offers. Reliability is a concern, but the Leaf will soon be out of the powertrain warranty so any non-trivial failure will cost me $$$. Hmm.

[fooljoe]

the RAV4 lease will be 4-5k more expensive over this term than driving the paid-off Leaf.

Not if the Leaf continues to depreciate at a rate like smkettner saw!

Lack of QC is annoying but not a deal breaker with the longer range the RAV4 offers.

Have no fear, Tony's working on it! Also, the funny thing I've come to think about QC is that while the Leaf has it, it's pretty much useless for it. The battery's just too small - if you're trying to make a long drive the ratio of charge time to drive time is simply too high. QC would be awesome in the Rav though, since the range is just enough to actually take some road trips.

[davewill]

... Reliability is a concern, but the Leaf will soon be out of the powertrain warranty so any non-trivial failure will cost me $$$. Hmm.

I went the RAV4 route, but I will point out that you can extend the LEAF's warranty if you're really concerned. I will likely do the same on the RAV4 in the future, assuming I do indeed keep it as I plan...of course I had intended to buy the LEAF off lease, but changed my mind with the battery issues.

[Valdemar]

^^^ Too late for the Nissan-backed protection plan, as it has to be purchased before 3y/36k miles. There are other options, but given the track of record of Japanese-made Leafs I'd rather take my risks with it than to purchase a dubious warranty from 3rd party.

[Valdemar]

the RAV4 lease will be 4-5k more expensive over this term than driving the paid-off Leaf.

Not if the Leaf continues to depreciate at a rate like smkettner saw!

Lack of QC is annoying but not a deal breaker with the longer range the RAV4 offers.

Have no fear, Tony's working on it! Also, the funny thing I've come to think about QC is that while the Leaf has it, it's pretty much useless for it. The battery's just too small - if you're trying to make a long drive the ratio of charge time to drive time is simply too high. QC would be awesome in the Rav though, since the range is just enough to actually take some road trips.

Considering $11k is the value of my Leaf today, I will still come ahead of the RAV4 lease over 36 months even if it depreciates to $0. QC is a pain for long-distance travel with the Leaf, and it is still a pain with the RAV4 albeit to a lesser degree. However, a daily 10-minute QC session on the way home from work will address all my needs to offset battery capacity loss. I applaud Tony's efforts on the QC project, but personally wouldn't risk using it on my car (if I had one). Anything happens to the car/battery during quick charging and you end up stuck with paying for all repairs if Toyota finds out the car was modded. The risk is just not worth it IMO considering how expensive these cars are.