In the market for a used leaf, and wanted some opinions.
First let me say that I know that knowing the actual battery capacity ( e.g. using leafspy ) is recommended for used leafs, but I don't have that information at this time, so let's assume the capacity bars aren't lying, and they're at least somewhat reliably showing the expected capacity range.
Also, I need the car to make it to work ( worst case 30 miles ) , where they do have charging stations.
Once the pandemic is over, I should be going back to my normal office ( 10 miles ).
So, I'd like these cars to generally give me a range of about 40 or 50 miles of range with an 80% charge on most of the winter days.
I live in Northern Virginia - relatively hot summers, but worst case it can dip into the 'teens on a cold winter morning ( rarely ).
( looked it up , and July has historical avg of 88 degrees F , January has historical average of 44 degrees F )
I consider myself a conservative driver - no quick accelerations, coasting to stops when possible, limiting AC even on the hottest days.
3 cars:
#1. 2016 SV (30 kwh) with 11 bars , 33k miles for $13K
#2. 2015 SV with 12 bars , 16k miles , $12k --> test drove this one
#3. 2013 SV with 11 bars , 21k miles , $9k ( let's assume it's got a manufacture date after April 2013 )
From what I understand, (assuming the bars are accurate) , cars #1 and #2 should have about the same range ( I'm guessing around 70 miles on a full charge , worst case ), and car #3 should make it over 50 miles on a full charge.
But, I generally want to be nice to the battery , and keep between 2 and 10 bars as much as possible.
First question : Could I rely on any of these cars to give me at least 40-50 miles of range for a few years, year-round ( with maybe a few exceptional winter days ) , and also staying between 2 and 10 bars most of the time?
If so, then :
Is it advisable to go with the cheapest option ( #3) ?
Does 21k miles for the 2013 sound like it's been sitting around idle for too long over the course of it's life?
The pic on the dealer site shows range of 43 miles with 7 bars.
If I can't rely on #3 to give me a consistent range of > 40 miles in the winter, which looks to be the better value - #1 or #2 ?
I do like the fact that #1 (2016 / 30kwh) has a few more years left on the battery capacity warranty.
But, I understand that #2 (2015 / 24kwh) might just have a more durable battery pack, able to retain capacity better over time.
Thank you for reading - appreciate any feedback.
( Cautiously optimistic that an EV is right for me !!!! )
First let me say that I know that knowing the actual battery capacity ( e.g. using leafspy ) is recommended for used leafs, but I don't have that information at this time, so let's assume the capacity bars aren't lying, and they're at least somewhat reliably showing the expected capacity range.
Also, I need the car to make it to work ( worst case 30 miles ) , where they do have charging stations.
Once the pandemic is over, I should be going back to my normal office ( 10 miles ).
So, I'd like these cars to generally give me a range of about 40 or 50 miles of range with an 80% charge on most of the winter days.
I live in Northern Virginia - relatively hot summers, but worst case it can dip into the 'teens on a cold winter morning ( rarely ).
( looked it up , and July has historical avg of 88 degrees F , January has historical average of 44 degrees F )
I consider myself a conservative driver - no quick accelerations, coasting to stops when possible, limiting AC even on the hottest days.
3 cars:
#1. 2016 SV (30 kwh) with 11 bars , 33k miles for $13K
#2. 2015 SV with 12 bars , 16k miles , $12k --> test drove this one
#3. 2013 SV with 11 bars , 21k miles , $9k ( let's assume it's got a manufacture date after April 2013 )
From what I understand, (assuming the bars are accurate) , cars #1 and #2 should have about the same range ( I'm guessing around 70 miles on a full charge , worst case ), and car #3 should make it over 50 miles on a full charge.
But, I generally want to be nice to the battery , and keep between 2 and 10 bars as much as possible.
First question : Could I rely on any of these cars to give me at least 40-50 miles of range for a few years, year-round ( with maybe a few exceptional winter days ) , and also staying between 2 and 10 bars most of the time?
If so, then :
Is it advisable to go with the cheapest option ( #3) ?
Does 21k miles for the 2013 sound like it's been sitting around idle for too long over the course of it's life?
The pic on the dealer site shows range of 43 miles with 7 bars.
If I can't rely on #3 to give me a consistent range of > 40 miles in the winter, which looks to be the better value - #1 or #2 ?
I do like the fact that #1 (2016 / 30kwh) has a few more years left on the battery capacity warranty.
But, I understand that #2 (2015 / 24kwh) might just have a more durable battery pack, able to retain capacity better over time.
Thank you for reading - appreciate any feedback.
( Cautiously optimistic that an EV is right for me !!!! )