2018 LEAF Vs Tesla Model 3 SR: A Comparison Table for the USA

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I don’t think this thread is being very honest in comparing these two cars.

The Model 3 has an MSRP of $35,000. I got my white SV Leaf with everything but the ProPilot stuff for ¥3,554,334 (roughly $33,000). That’s taxes and delivery included. If I were to buy a white Model 3 in my hometown of Denver with no other options it would be 35,000 plus 1,000 for paint, 1,200 for delivery, and roughly 2,500 in taxes for a grand total of $39,700. That’s a pretty big difference.

The Leaf seems to be having delivery issues for some in The States as well, so I won’t make too much of this point, but I think it’s fair to say a Leaf is easier to get in your hands. The Tesla website says 12-18 months estimated delivery on vehicles ordered today.

All of that said... I would absolutely get a Model 3 if it were available and I had that extra bit of cash. In fact, I’m probably going to get a Tesla if they’re still top dog in electrics when I get rid of my Leaf.
 
jonathanfields4ever said:
I don’t think this thread is being very honest in comparing these two cars.

The Model 3 has an MSRP of $35,000. I got my white SV Leaf with everything but the ProPilot stuff for ¥3,554,334 (roughly $33,000). That’s taxes and delivery included. If I were to buy a white Model 3 in my hometown of Denver with no other options it would be 35,000 plus 1,000 for paint, 1,200 for delivery, and roughly 2,500 in taxes for a grand total of $39,700. That’s a pretty big difference.

The Leaf seems to be having delivery issues for some in The States as well, so I won’t make too much of this point, but I think it’s fair to say a Leaf is easier to get in your hands. The Tesla website says 12-18 months estimated delivery on vehicles ordered today.

All of that said... I would absolutely get a Model 3 if it were available and I had that extra bit of cash. In fact, I’m probably going to get a Tesla if they’re still top dog in electrics when I get rid of my Leaf.
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You are comparing a purchase in Japan to a purchase in Colorado ?

Right.
 
I find it quite amazing and not a little hilarious that people look at the table, read that the Model 3 is priced in between the SL and SV yet with obvious advantages, and conclude that unlike the NIssan, the Tesla is a "luxury car" outside of their price class.
 
SageBrush said:
I find it quite amazing and not a little hilarious that people look at the table, read that the Model 3 is priced in between the SL and SV yet with obvious advantages, and conclude that unlike the NIssan, the Tesla is a "luxury car" outside of their price class.
Click to expand...

Difference is that the MSRP for the SL is likely thousands more than you would actually pay.
 
WetEV said:
SageBrush said:
I find it quite amazing and not a little hilarious that people look at the table, read that the Model 3 is priced in between the SL and SV yet with obvious advantages, and conclude that unlike the NIssan, the Tesla is a "luxury car" outside of their price class.
Click to expand...

Difference is that the MSRP for the SL is likely thousands more than you would actually pay.
Click to expand...
Eventually, I agree.
Not now. Just look at the lease offers.

And if/when this theoretical price gap develops, people can decide for themselves how large it has to be to bridge the value gap. I say $15k.
Which I think really gets to the crux of what is going on here: the LEAF fans want an EV and are stuck on the lease train. They are willing to pay $300-$400 a month for the rest of their lives and rationalize their EV choice. Tesla wannabees like me are going to spend some $40k and expect 15 years of full and unrestricted use from the car.

The lease approach is obviously more expensive, but it becomes close to outrageous when a full TCO analysis is considered that includes a second car to make up for the LEAF shortcomings in range and charging infrastructure as well as the higher insurance costs that come with leasing.
 
SageBrush said:
Not now. Just look at the lease offers.
Click to expand...

Agree. Not yet.


SageBrush said:
Which I think really gets to the crux of what is going on here: the LEAF fans want an EV and are stuck on the lease train.
Click to expand...

I own my Leaf. As I bought a loaded 2014 Leaf SL for $30k before tax incentives, the discounts are not theoretical. And I could have bought the car for rather less, if I waited.
 
SageBrush said:
WetEV said:
SageBrush said:
I find it quite amazing and not a little hilarious that people look at the table, read that the Model 3 is priced in between the SL and SV yet with obvious advantages, and conclude that unlike the NIssan, the Tesla is a "luxury car" outside of their price class.
Click to expand...

Difference is that the MSRP for the SL is likely thousands more than you would actually pay.
Click to expand...
Eventually, I agree.
Not now. Just look at the lease offers.

And if/when this theoretical price gap develops, people can decide for themselves how large it has to be to bridge the value gap. I say $15k.
Which I think really gets to the crux of what is going on here: the LEAF fans want an EV and are stuck on the lease train. They are willing to pay $300-$400 a month for the rest of their lives and rationalize their EV choice. Tesla wannabees like me are going to spend some $40k and expect 15 years of full and unrestricted use from the car.

The lease approach is obviously more expensive, but it becomes close to outrageous when a full TCO analysis is considered that includes a second car to make up for the LEAF shortcomings in range and charging infrastructure as well as the higher insurance costs that come with leasing.
Click to expand...

Leases are not always the most expensive way to go. In my case, it saved me thousands. :)
 
Well, I admit my situation is hardly typical and definitely not recommended! (other side maybe! JK....) but its hard to argue the math on the deal.
 
DaveinOlyWA said:
Leases are not always the most expensive way to go. In my case, it saved me thousands. :)
Click to expand...

Your post reminded me of the people who love to tell of their casino successes.
 
SageBrush said:
I find it quite amazing and not a little hilarious that people look at the table, read that the Model 3 is priced in between the SL and SV yet with obvious advantages, and conclude that unlike the NIssan, the Tesla is a "luxury car" outside of their price class.
Click to expand...

"Luxury car" is a bit of a silly way to think about it, yes, but if you just want an electric car the Leaf is a better option for the foreseeable future. An SV with everything but the semi-autonomous driving stuff is around $33K and it's possible to get some kind of deal since you're working through a dealer on a car with lower demand. You didn't like my example because I bought in Japan, fine. But surely you'll concede that a car available now for several thousand less is more appealing to some than a more expensive car available who knows when?
 
jonathanfields4ever said:
But surely you'll concede that a car available now for several thousand less is more appealing to some than a more expensive car available who knows when?
Click to expand...
I know when the Model 3 I have reserved will be available within a 2-3 month window .. in 2018.

A question for you: why didn't you reserve a car when it became possible instead of complaining about the queue now ?
 
SageBrush said:
jonathanfields4ever said:
But surely you'll concede that a car available now for several thousand less is more appealing to some than a more expensive car available who knows when?
Click to expand...
I know when the Model 3 I have reserved will be available within a 2-3 month window .. in 2018.

A question for you: why didn't you reserve a car when it became possible instead of complaining about the queue now ?
Click to expand...

And when is that window, exactly? I feel like if it were reasonable, you'd have said "March to May," for example. Instead, amidst more news of production bottlenecks left unresolved, you say "a 2-3 month window in 2018."

As for the reservation... Tesla, while amazing, is historically terrible at hitting deadlines. I need a car at a very specific time, and I'm not going to take a liquid $1K out of my family's cash flow to maybe hopefully someday get a car.
 
jonathanfields4ever said:
SageBrush said:
jonathanfields4ever said:
But surely you'll concede that a car available now for several thousand less is more appealing to some than a more expensive car available who knows when?
Click to expand...
I know when the Model 3 I have reserved will be available within a 2-3 month window .. in 2018.

A question for you: why didn't you reserve a car when it became possible instead of complaining about the queue now ?
Click to expand...

And when is that window, exactly? I feel like if it were reasonable, you'd have said "March to May," for example. Instead, amidst more news of production bottlenecks left unresolved, you say "a 2-3 month window in 2018."

As for the reservation... Tesla, while amazing, is historically terrible at hitting deadlines. I need a car at a very specific time, and I'm not going to take a liquid $1K out of my family's cash flow to maybe hopefully someday get a car.
Click to expand...
I said 2-3 months because it varies by trim.

As for your "cash flow" problems .. living paycheck to paycheck sucks. Good luck getting out.
 
SageBrush said:
jonathanfields4ever said:
SageBrush said:
I know when the Model 3 I have reserved will be available within a 2-3 month window .. in 2018.

A question for you: why didn't you reserve a car when it became possible instead of complaining about the queue now ?
Click to expand...

And when is that window, exactly? I feel like if it were reasonable, you'd have said "March to May," for example. Instead, amidst more news of production bottlenecks left unresolved, you say "a 2-3 month window in 2018."

As for the reservation... Tesla, while amazing, is historically terrible at hitting deadlines. I need a car at a very specific time, and I'm not going to take a liquid $1K out of my family's cash flow to maybe hopefully someday get a car.
Click to expand...
I said 2-3 months because it varies by trim.

As for your "cash flow" problems .. living paycheck to paycheck sucks. No wonder you are mired in lease hell. Good luck getting out.
Click to expand...

Resorting to veiled personal attacks. A sign that you're on the ropes.

I bought my car, actually. For $7K cheaper than a Model 3. And I'm getting it on February 10th. The dealer has it already. They're installing dealer options, getting the paperwork done for my EV subsidy, and coming out on the 5th to install my charger.
 
jonathanfields4ever said:
SageBrush said:
jonathanfields4ever said:
And when is that window, exactly? I feel like if it were reasonable, you'd have said "March to May," for example. Instead, amidst more news of production bottlenecks left unresolved, you say "a 2-3 month window in 2018."

As for the reservation... Tesla, while amazing, is historically terrible at hitting deadlines. I need a car at a very specific time, and I'm not going to take a liquid $1K out of my family's cash flow to maybe hopefully someday get a car.
Click to expand...
I said 2-3 months because it varies by trim.

As for your "cash flow" problems .. living paycheck to paycheck sucks. No wonder you are mired in lease hell. Good luck getting out.
Click to expand...

I bought my car, actually. For $7K cheaper than a Model 3. And I'm getting it on February 10th.
Click to expand...
Do you mean you took out a loan ?
I wish you luck with the car, but Nissan's track record with the battery makes me think you will regret your decision. Or were there local Japanese credits that allowed a hedge not available for a Tesla ?
 
SageBrush said:
jonathanfields4ever said:
SageBrush said:
I said 2-3 months because it varies by trim.

As for your "cash flow" problems .. living paycheck to paycheck sucks. No wonder you are mired in lease hell. Good luck getting out.
Click to expand...

I bought my car, actually. For $7K cheaper than a Model 3. And I'm getting it on February 10th.
Click to expand...
Do you mean you took out a loan ?
I wish you luck with the car, but Nissan's track record with the battery makes me think you will regret your decision. Or were there local Japanese credits that allowed a hedge not available for a Tesla ?
Click to expand...

I deleted my previous post because it felt like the conversation was headed in the wrong direction in both content and tenor.

Nissans are just better here in general because they have the charging infrastructure, but I didn't bring that up because I only wanted to argue on the comparable points; price, features, and availability.

The Model 3 isn't going to come here until 2019 or later, my old car took a dump, and there's a government cash subsidy (only about $4K, but still) for electric vehicle buyers ending in March. So, I really had no choice given that I absolutely want an electric car.

But depending on the buyer I think the Leaf is more attractive even in The States. The Model 3 is hands down the better car, but I don't think you're being fair about the merits of the Leaf.
 

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