Actual Owner's 2012 Nissan Leaf Review

Finally, a real-world review of the 2012 Nissan Leaf by owners
Bob & Karen. Most all your questions will be answered about Leaf ownership
in this video. Intro /Outro Music licensed from Bryant-Hames music and Elite Video.

[@Wen76]

This is probably the best review I've watched on a Leaf. I learned quite a bit. Thank you! :)

[@tayabjaw1352]

+Wen Agbulos This is the best review I've see on any product tbh. thanks guys

[@milejukic3297]

I probanly missed, how fast does it go

[@techontesla5284]

Mile Jukic 0to 60 in 2.5 seconds😬

[@tmcs1968]

Good review. I've been driving my 2011 Leaf going on 7 years . This leaf is used for business and replaced a Honda Element, this is the first car I've ever owned that will actually pay for it self since I'm not wasting any money on fuel or maintenance. At 5 yrs I took the Leaf to the dealer for maintenance and they put a new battery in it at no charge because it tested bad and was under warranty, they said the new battery had a 5 year warranty on it so I decided to keep the car and drive it another five years. I saw in the comments that people would remove the A/C out of the car, I live in Florida and use the A/C almost every day when its hot. The daily route I run is usually only 55 miles a day which this car will do easily. The car isn't for everyone, I didn't buy the car to impress anyone so I don't care what it looks like .

[@christinamckee672]

What an excellent review. Professional, and helpful, thank you!

[@Mikeeey01NZL]

Hi bob and Karen, any chance of an update on ownership of the leaf over the years?

[@Johnwillbegone]

All the leaf videos I've watched; your the only one who showed underneath the car. Very well done. Eight years later I'm wondering if you still have it and your feelings on it. Thanks again

[@weigefans]

that's the best review i have ever see, not only the real experience from real owner, but also the video made, camera placing, speaking style, and tips for the real world operation, fantastic job!!!! Thank you so much! I am going to order one 2019 e plus version, this video helps a loooooooot !!!!!!!!!!

[@blanktitle198]

This is the best nissan leaf review I have ever seen. Especially if I have never had a car. Great job!

[@JohnAP2]

Excellent review. A real owners viewpoint instead of an advertisement is golden.

[@discgolfer78]

good review..... pleasant couple......thanks for posting this.....have a great day

[@NoteAndroid]

I love you guys. Personally I just thing you guys did a much better and detailed "infoview" and infomercial than the professional auto reviewers online. I'm also a Prius owner and looking for an all EV as 2nd car. I think I might just do the same successful formula as you. Thanks much for your insight. Blue Thumb Up!

[@lx3469]

I know your comment is 5 years old, but did you end up getting the leaf and if so, how was it? Where do you stand now?

[@cwilsonpa]

A very informative and well produced video review. This is better than reviews by a lot of so called experts , because you include your actual real world use. I'll check KZbin for any updates to see how your battery held up over the years. Thank you 😊

[@scottbecker2542]

The most professional and well thought out video I've ever seen on you tube. I test drove the leaf and was amazed that it felt and behaved like a conventional car. I believe the batteries will continue to improve, and soon range will double. Nice job on the video.

[@markstevens2937]

You guys were way ahead of the curve. Here 5 years later and the world is electrifying.

[@Lima547]

Very genuine review! Thank you very much! I am Brazilian who works with science and i am happy EVs are getting stronger in the market. Sao Paulo has recently got its first Eletric taxis and the concept is penetrating social dogmas! Thank you very much!

[@caseypierce2724]

This is, (hopefully) gonna be my first car! :) Great review Bob!

[@JRo250]

You know the Marketing guys at Nissan are drooling over this video of yours. They just can't buy this kind of unsolicited review and the value on the implicit endorsement. I love the practical, real-world review, too. Very well done, Bob & Karen!

[@IAmSoMuchBetterThanYou]

Just test drove one at the weekend. I was blown away by the smoothness. I've had big Jaguars and even they weren't this smooth.

[@jacksonbangs6603]

Awesome video! I recently took purchase of a used 2014 Leaf with only about 24,100 miles on it. I believe it was quite the bargain considering the dealer here in Medford, Oregon sold it to me for $7,000!

[@helphelpimbeingrepressed9347]

Did the battery have much degradation? (ie. what is the max it will charge to?) Cheers

[@jacksonbangs6603]

The 2014 Nissan Leaf still had all 12 bars and I have gotten anywhere from 72 to 92 miles on the gues mmeter. Now at about 25,300 miles still with 12 bars. Been cold here in Southern Oregon, so I still have yet to experience better overall range. Car works great!

[@helphelpimbeingrepressed9347]

Jackson Bangs Great! Congrats on the bargain!

[@angkiperdana]

I like the fact how quiet it is inside the moving car. Leaf is definitely a good name for this car.

[@1evinger1]

This was a great presentation. Answered a lot of my questions. Thank you for putting this up on youtube.

[@michaelhipkiss]

Nice review of the Leaf! I am a car salesman for Fred Beans Nissan in Limrick PA and a Leaf Owner. Your video nails the most important features of the car... Nice Job!

[@aaronward9700]

Even after 7 years this video is extremely helpful

[@nikonmark37814]

All I can say is WOW. You you covered everything and this the best review on KZbin.

[@minetmanila]

great review, i just bought our 2015 nissan leaf yesterday, and i learned lots of infos from you guys.. thanks a lot.

[@leonhollida6922]

+minetmanila Read my posting above Leon Hollida

[@theflyingkiwi2500]

Thanks bob, the first car i bought in my life was a Prius and im thinking of switching to a full EV car and this seems the way to go! thanks for all the insight and showing everything in the car.

[@Yavor54]

Yeah, we have the Prius and the Leaf... perfect complement. Problem is, the Leaf makes the Prius fell like a truck. It is SO much more refined and smooth. Enjoy!

[@memberofthelambily1340]

Bob Nagy so the leaf is that smooth and quiet??

[@laraandre1]

Excellent tutorial, thank you very much!!!! Answered many of my questions, as I will be purchasing a Leaf in the near future!!

[@TheGuitarsense]

Great review, doing it as a couple adds a touch of down-to-earth authentic perspective. Well done! Thank You!

[@JeffHenshaw]

Very helpful review. Appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences!

[@SecurityPro2704]

We just picked up our 2 new Nissan LEAFs from the dealer last Thursday and love them. They are very sleek and like the S model with the Upgraded Charging system. We definitely get looks from people driving around town, especially when we pull up to a traffic light or stop signal. However Bob, I would highly suggest that you only charge your vehicle to 80% and not to 100%. I have a friend who is one of the original EV developers in the USA and he advises against charging to 100% unless absolutely necessary. Charging to 100% will cause premature battery EOL, read about it further on the Nissan LEAF owners blog sites.

[@mrjaffar]

As a Leaf owner myself you've both covered this very well. Better than all the Nissan attempts... More people need to look at this car. For the majority of 2 car families it works.

[@T-Radi]

Very nice video Bob and Karen. Excellent review. Very helpful. Thanks!

[@musk-eteer9898]

still drive my 2011 leaf, I hope to keep it forever.

[@raattni]

how many bars lost?

[@Danielthehurricane]

Outstanding review from users who know the ins and outs of this car....really informative!

[@lindaborba6084]

Great review! I am thinking of purchasing one myself. I live in a major metropolitan area but do drive a quite a bit during the day. Therefore, I do have range anxiety. But I am still so excited to buy one! Thanks for this wonderful review!

[@MB031]

Very nice video and review..I just got my Leaf 2013 yesterday.It was just a little hassle at the dealer,they don't know anything about this awesome car,that's very sad,but I do,so I'm happy..if USA dealers finally will educate themselfs,it will be much better ambient to buy leaf..it's just $$$$ nothing else.I encourage people just close your eyes,try to get the best deal,because this car is treasure and it is loaded !! You won't go wrong..

[@princej85]

fantastic review. thank you guys for taking the time.

[@mite66]

Great great review, you guys rock. I also own a 2012 Leaf and everything you said is 100% true. Great work. Great videos. You guys rock. Thanks

[@jja262]

Excellent video. Very informative and professional. Thank you!

[@Nightbird.]

Thank you for making the best video review of this vehicle anywhere!

[@JohnRichterIsOnEarth]

Wow, I was watching this video out of interest, and when you mentioned the summer time temperatures, I thought, "That sounds just like Arkansas." And then I saw your map, and it looks like you guys are around Hot Springs, where I'm originally from! I'm shocked that there are electric charging stations in Arkansas. It's super awesome to see forward thinking folks in Arkansas! I recently relocated to Portland, Oregon, in October, and I've been researching electric cars.

[@TravelWithKabirCD]

This was an absolutely perfect review! You answered all of my questions about EV's. I'm taking delivery of my Smart ForTwo ED next week :)

[@sasgeek888]

Thanks for the insight (ha!). Great to see how the Leaf works in the real world. Very informative video. No rebates in Australia so the Leaf is AU$46k or ~50% more than Prius so only early adopters with deep pockets over here!

[@BryceLovesTech]

Great review, we're probably going to get one of these to complement our Chevrolet volt and solar panels

[@MrNorco53]

Thank you very much for this thoughtful review! We had been considering the C-Max Energi, Volt, and Prius. But now Nisan Leaf is on our short list.

[@americanhindi]

This is a fantastic review of the 2012 Leaf SL. Thank you both for this video.

[@mreditorinchief]

Great job guys. I've got a new dream car now, thanks to you. Can you post more videos like one of a long trip, tire wear, passenger capacity, uphill capabilities... Keep it up!

[@rbecker2012]

Hi, I am a LEAF Owner from Germany and I love this car - it's the best car I ever had. My solar panels produce enough energy for more than 30.000 miles. The heating system could be improved (nissan will do this with the 2013 version). The last 10 Years I drove a citroen saxo electrique. The LEAF is a quantum leap! Best regards Ralf

[@paigesisserman9018]

we just bought one yesterday! thanks for the great info!

[@Mr_Fahrenheit]

Fantastic review, good honest comments, Thank you from a uk driver.

[@Yavor54]

Hi- Yes, we are now facing the winter and we have some strategies for keeping warm. We've seen that down to 38F, we are comfortable in the car during the day with sweaters on. The seat heaters etc. really work well. Daytime, the car has a significant greenhouse effect and stays warm inside by itself if parked in lit areas. If left out in the driveway prior to driving, it warms up well. Since the current batteries don't like temps under freezing, we will use our Prius.You can use a small..NEXT>:

[@TomorrowMatters]

Good job Bob & Karen , 5.4 Miles/kWh! and I love your radio presets! NPR and Left...two of my favorites.

[@TheDurantula]

Thanks for this genuine and detailed review. Wish more owners would do reviews like this.

[@DrivingStandardsNI]

A fantastic, honest, intelligent and educational video guys thanks.

[@74VDC]

Wow...fantastic video...well done. I recently bought a new Prius C, which I love. I live in the boonies in western MD and one of these actually passed by me a few weeks ago. I too commute exactly 10 miles 1 way to work and do all our shopping within a few miles. If I had to have a second car I'd take a close look at these.

[@kennethnicklowicz1030]

considering getting an older leaf.. How is it years later? I am guessing if I buy a cheap older one I may have to eventually have the batteries replaced but curious how she held up

[@tonyclixby]

Great. Thanks. Just bought one

[@skyhi999]

Very thorough review...the best I've seen too!

[@tabathaholtz8626]

Thanks for the excellent review, we're getting our 2015 SL Leaf today! :D

[@landrewmackinnon4888]

Getting my 2015 S in the next week. Can't wait for delivery.

[@americanhindi]

My electric bill has gone up by $50 per month. That too because I have opted for a slightly higher electric rate for 100% Wind Power option. I charge my LEAF every night for about 4.5 hours at 240v 13 amps. I drive about 60 miles everyday. My commute alone is 45 miles roundtrip.

[@MrErickpj]

the best review on this car!! nice work both of you, thank you for taking you time doing this video, I love this car been 100% electric, I would love to buy this car but the only problem for me is the distance, wish could go more the 100 miles more for a single charge, you are very smart couple having you own solar panel to charge the car (sweet) that's what you call saving money! but if you do it from home you save a little not much as the solar panel.

[@azzam6071]

I really appreciate sharing your experience about this amazing electric car

[@David-yg8tf]

There was a fire on the outlet from that charger please use an all metal outlet box away form that wood. 16:10

[@cadosbeene]

Good to know thank you. I was concerned about that

[@CompSci10507]

That high ridge from left to right at the front end of the trunk is not chargers, it's battery related though. Because the battery cells are so heavy, it keeps the body right left-to-right and prevents the battery from collapsing the floor of the passenger compartment. This is also why the front pillars, on either side of the windshield, are so massive -- if the car rolls over, they keep the heavy battery from crushing the passengers. Very safe but a little hard to see around. The heating system uses the same heat pump as the cooling system,which is quite efficient down to outside air temperature of 32F. Below freezing, resistance heating, like a toaster's coils, feed heat into the A/C system at (as you note) a significant cost in range. I have a 2012 SL also and it doesn't't have rear-seat heaters, and I suspect yours does not either. The velour seat covering is pretty comfortable even when the car starts off cold, though.

[@CompSci10507]

"It keeps the body RIGID from left to right", I mean.

[@tarektarfi9855]

Excellent, honest and unbiased review. Thanks for sharing guys.

[@Yavor54]

The 2013 Leaf is reduced by -$6500 and the range has been expanded. Federal rebate is $7500...so the price should be in the mid to low $20's. Figuring you save $16K in gas the first ten years.... To make enough power to offset the Leaf's use/month -you need about 1400 watts of panels- which cost about $1600 in parts (after tax credit). The panels will work for 30+ years. That will make it cost 1 cent per mile for fuel. If you charge from the wall, it costs $15 a month to do about 800 miles/mo

[@83thelastdon]

Very very detailed ..you definitely answered all my Questions

[@ahsahm]

Bob and Karen, that was an awesome review. You guys should do reviews for all kinds of product. I'd hang out with you two.

[@docluv14]

Great Video guys! Thanks again for the in-depth review.

[@duncancunningham3848]

"keen", haven't heard that word since I was a kid in England. Great informational video!

[@doranshowstables]

Very Helpful. Thank You for taking the time to make it!

[@tunghoilam2666]

Good video. Its a pity that here in Australia it is very difficult to buy the Leaf. We are still addicted to oil. Love the solar panel idea.

[@Yavor54]

Portable heater that runs on 115V -using a timer- and pre-heat the inside before you drive in the morning. I can tell you that we expected to be much colder inside even now in late October, but it just isn't so. With the significant glass (and visibility) the car temp stays just right during our daily commutes. In MN., there is no telling!

[@Mucklegipe]

Real world review, thank you. Helping make my research a little easier, heat here in Scotland not such a problem, so conditioning less used, however winter temperatures may have a bigger impact though. Last year where I work, one day hottest place in UK, the very next day one of the coldest and a foot of snow! Minus 10C plus not unusual.

[@zahmd92]

Thank U very much for the most Comprehensive review, Super helpful.

[@MICHAELSTAVROPOULOS]

The first "modern" production electric car, Enfield 8000 was actually built 40 years ago on a Greek island!. You can also check the trailer of my documentary on the E8000: A TALE OF TWO ISLES TRAILER

[@David-yg8tf]

Your wall outlet should at least be 20A. You have a 15A outlet there 16:10. Nissan says you're not suppose to use that charger on a daily basis... probably because of a fire danger. But if you use use it I would upgrade to a 20A circuit or 220V...and please use a metal outlet box and a metal faceplate, preferably protrude 1 feet away from that wood frame there + maybe a wireless smoke alarm too. It appears you have a plastic boxed based on that wobble. You got lots of cool stuff garaged worth protecting.

[@ronblack9092]

Hey Bob, I leased a 2013 Leaf after seeing your video three years ago. I have since bought the same one. I love it! I have 33000 miles one it and it's going strong. No loss of battery. Do you still have yours and if you do, how about making a new video on driving your Leaf for 4 + years?

[@Yavor54]

Good idea! Now, people can buy a used Leaf for $10K and get a SUPER electric car. The Tesla is even better, but at triple the price for the cheap one. The Leaf makes our Prius feel like a truck.

[@mariaobando5236]

Bob, I just test drove a Nissan Leaf SL with 33000 miles for 10K! But it is already missing 3 capacity bars. What do you recommend? I have never owned an electric vehicle, Im not sure if that is normal.

[@pacicinchiaricurri2236]

Buy it her $8k

[@tannerbeverley26]

Now down to between 6 and 9k lol, shopping around, any warnings or things to look out for?

[@Nobody_Famous]

Tanner Beverley now pricing from below USD$4000 on autotrader.com though they are probably ones with more severe battery degradation. For those in the US, it’d be hard not to buy as a toy as that’s nearing the price of a new iPhone 📱

[@aaronhargrove7460]

Great video. Question... Did the DC fast charging port come standard on your vehicle or was it an upgrade you paid for? In your video, you mentioned that you don't use it and opt for conventional charging which takes longer. Thanks !

[@JosueBasurto]

Amazing vídeo thank you guys for tour time making ir. All car brands should do this kind of vids

[@stryker126]

Great video. Thanks for the video. Seriously considering putting one of these in my driveway.

[@leonhollida6922]

+Ben Stryker You better read all the fine print when you buy a Leaf. Still way cheaper to own a Gas vehicle.

[@phototristan]

The Leaf is one of the best looking cars on the road today. I really wish they made this same body style in a hybrid model.

[@samsacre]

Hey Bob, Another great review! I still have my Prius The Leaf won't work for me, This could be a second car.Enjoy your Perspective! Good Times!

[@linuxsport]

Thank you for posting very practical information.

[@nepaliman5716]

The presenter seems like nice people.. I am sure they are good parents and nice people .. Calm and sweet

[@elsergecruz]

Fantastic video will definitely help my research thanks

[@UBUYGASCOM]

Great Video!!! - After I watched this Video I knew I was ready to buy a LEAF! - Thanks for posting! :)

[@darthdeth1]

Great video guys! I wish there were more charging stations in the suburbs of Philly, it'd make my decision that much easier to make.

[@omidmark07]

I have Nissan leaf 2013 and it gets 60 to 70 miles per full charge. After fews years your battery will degrade by 10 percent and you will be getting around 50 miles per single charge.

[@Andreyatl]

Thanks guys!Great review!

[@goldnbug]

Fantastic review! I wish I had seen it prior to buying my 2011 Leaf. It would have only secured my intention.

[@gmcjetpilot]

I have a 2015 Leaf SV. What happen to your battery? Are you still in love with it?

[@kingpin123rcs]

Thank you for this. Very well made, and very informative.

[@SecurityPro2704]

Also between the 2012 and 2013, Nissan improved the efficiency of the electric motors and therefore increased to range of driving. Word of caution since you are using the 110v 15A trickle charger, make sure that the Circuit Breaker in your service panel is a 20A breaker. If at all possible please use an isolated outlet to prevent overloading, in other words NO other appliances on that line. Since we have 2 vehicles we have installed a ClipperCreek HSC-40 220V 30A charging system. I will say that I do like the idea of the solar panels for back feeding your AC, however depending on your local Kw/hr cost, it might take you much longer to recuperate the initial cost of installing the system. Happy motoring fellow LEAFies!

[@SecurityPro2704]

Daniel W Daniel, just because you live in a city where EV's have not taken off does not mean that ALL areas are like that. Everyday more than 50 new Level 2 Chargers on average come online across the US, and as more cars are sold there will be more and more charging points installed. BTW there is no reason to use such foul language on this posting.

[@SecurityPro2704]

Average Moose Yes, you are quite right the range on the 2013 LEAF is easily 90+ miles plus you can get an S Model unit with the DCQC unit installed, This will make your recharging time under L3 (480v106A) shrink to 15-30 min for most users. To go from 0-80% will take 30 min but 30% to 80% will take around 12-15 min. Not much longer than a typical petrol station stop. Keep in mind that the current EV's with the exception of the high end Tesla S with the 85kW battery pack they are designed to be commuter cars. The technology is still quite young and growing acceptance everyday.

[@tracyfollowell6747]

I like the idea for the solar panels. Any ideas on where I can look for solar panels or at least recommended places?

[@Danielthehurricane]

What do you think of having a Honda generator in the back on long trips. It would say take 2 gallons of gas or so and some time but also peace of mind.

[@moskoDK]

This was great - thank you for this upload.

[@spicyF1]

Very good video, did you get around to using the solar to power the leaf, any information on that, im interested in getting more information on that.

[@ianiskandar4165]

Hello.. how about now ? Is it stil running smooth ? How the battery? Thankyou . God bless

[@bananapatch9118]

I occasionally have to work about 50 miles away…any problem just driving there, charging it there and driving home ? Looks online like there are charging stations.

[@randygreen7871]

Awesome video! Thanks for posting