Nissan Leaf Buyer's Guide - How To Find the Right One

[@mb_a5383]

When talking about the traction battery, it can be charged at level 1, level 2, and some leafs support level 3 charging. A battery that has been primarily charged at level 1 will almost certainly have the most bars (SOH) since Li batteries like to be slow charged. I also set mine up to stop charging when it hits 80% (Li batteries also don't like to be charged to 100%). Mine is 9yrs old (2013) and had been primarily charged at level 1 (110v), it's got around 70k miles and still has 10 bars. People need to think seriously before buying a 1st gen Leaf, it was intended to be a commuter car and for that it works great.

[@KennyGillis]

I agree with everything you say here. My car has been at 10 bars for three years now. I think that's because I only charge with level 1 or 2, and usually only to 80% unless I need extra range for a longer trip. Thanks for watching!

[@nikicarrie4071]

​@@KennyGillis does fast charging hurt your car

[@sarcasmo57]

You have a calm voice. Thanks for the advice.

[@bradjordan4587]

Thank you so much! I'm looking for a used Leaf and this information is priceless! I was looking at 2018 and above and even went to a dealer to test drive but watching this has completely changed my mind!

[@KennyGillis]

You are so welcome!

[@flashoflight8160]

Even the 2013s depreciated a lot in just one year (June 2022 vs April 2023). The prices in the video are crazy.

[@KennyGillis]

This is true. Prices seem to be coming back down.

[@tommorgan1291]

Owned my 2023 Leaf SV Plus two weeks ago. Had to pay $1800 over msrp. Traded my 2017 S Leaf with 29,000 miles plus $30500. Still had to pay an extra $450 for title and registration and specialty plates. First charge estimator indicated 278 mile range. Second charge with 77 miles estimated took 33 hours on 110 volt charging and ended up with an estimated 258 miles. Zero to 60 came in at 6.7 seconds. That an average from 3 trys.Have no complaints and am loving this EV!

[@KennyGillis]

The 2023 sounds amazing! I'm excited to upgrade myself. Making that 80 mile range work for now.

[@304Hibachi]

Look for a private seller 1 owner in 2014 to 2017 range with the leather heated front and back seats with at least 11 bars of total health left if you live in cold climate area.

[@carlosguzman-md2mt]

consider that a ecoflow delta pro is $3,500 a working leaf with more than 3 bars is worth at least $3,700 do not call a tow truck or trade it in for $500

[@livemeyer]

I'm a first owner of a 2011 Leaf. It's been a great car. Well, it was, up until about two weeks ago. It's been a wonderfully warm and dry fall in the Seattle area this year, but still it was a bit crisp out the other morning so I turned the heater on in the Leaf. Except, no heat arrived. A quick online check and it appears the first PTC heater design in the Leaf is flawed. Over time some electrical solder points come loose and detach from the board. Knowing this, I took it to the dealer for repair. They charge $175 just to look at it, and they called me that afternoon to give me the bad news. Yes, the PTC heater has failed, and sorry, no we cannot fix it. I was told that Nissan no longer carries the part. That's ridiculous. I'm taking a guess here, but I understand that when auto manufacturers make cars they also make extra parts to keep on hand when their cars need repair. The shop tech told me they probably don't make them anymore due to low demand. I countered that they probably sold all they made because so many have broken already. So, I either sell the car at a steep discount because, ah, no heater, or I repair or replace the heater at much time and expense, though the replacement will also be used and on borrowed time. Either way, my 53k first gen Leaf with 8 bars SOH is likely to be moving on soon and replaced with a new Leaf. I really like the Plus, I want the more powerful motor more than the added range, but both are nice. And I can get a new one at $37k and get that $7500 rebate on my taxes in the spring. Unfortunately It's still borrowing $37,000 dollars making my payment over $600 bucks or so. What's worse, Nissan killed the SL model for 2023, which means no fake leather seats, cloth only. Also a negative is those new wheels, they're hideous. So why would I buy a 2018-2022? So I can get an SL or SL Plus at a lower cost entry point. Admittedly, this is a tough task since like you're showing, the prices for these are too high. Why should I take a 2018 SL with 150 miles range at 28k with over 20,000 miles when I can get new with zero miles for nearly the same price? Honestly, I'll pay a little extra for a 2022 Plus SL if I can find one. However, in WA state, they have a tax discount if you buy a used EV (i.e. green car). You have to buy for under $30k, and you don't pay tax on the first $16k. OK, so, tight window here, but need to find a 2018-2022 SL Plus non-white (wife doesn't like white) for under $30k. Needle in a haystack.

[@noynayru]

if its just solder coming loose you can have a half intelligent/decent mechanic do it. re-soldering is an easy job, the dealership is just useless

[@anthonymalovrh2912]

The 2011 also had it in ECO mode to give the highest range. We get 5.2-5.5 miles per kW with our 2016 SV, 9 bars left, 30,000 miles, bought used in August 2019.

[@KennyGillis]

That's true. Very impressive efficiency, my average is 4.6 miles per kWh, but that's normal driving, not taking it easy.

[@GGg-ic9ku]

Great help - better ways to search for used leaf, and key items to focus on 10/11 bars or replaced battery … older leaf seems viable now. CarMax/Vanna seem thousands too much. Will take time to find one … but you’ve lessened that as I can look for older leads now with confidence. Thanks! 😅

[@markburrows1025]

I bought a 2019 model with 30,000 miles for 25,000 dollars. It has a range of 120 miles. Great car so far, and I drive it 100 miles per day x 5

[@KennyGillis]

Sounds like a great car!

[@Jangocat]

I have a loaded 2015 Leaf that's down 2 bars on battery life. It's STILL good for 70 miles. My old man bought it over a year ago and I inherited it. It's perfect for around town driving. Walmart, Home depot, Shoprite, my sisters house etc are all within 15 miles. I have an ICE engine vehicle for longer range but haven't used it or spent money on gas in months.

Nice video! Thanks for all the information

[@KennyGillis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jakethestriper]

I love my 2017 Leaf. Nissan just installed a new 60 klw battery under warranty. It took 16 months to get it, but now I have 200 mile range. Look for the 2017s with 8 bars or less. They are still under warranty.

[@bonniechapman8515]

KG, we're looking at a 2019 sv Leaf and when test driving it, we hear click noise when pressing the "gas" pedal. Researching online there's several comments, but no sound solution. Please share if you're aware and have a fix.

[@KennyGillis]

Hi Bonnie, I have not heard about this issue. Does it affect the car or is it more of an annoyance? Let us know if you figure out what the issue is. I’m curious, I’m sure others are too

[@agaragar21]

Exactly the content i wanted !!!

[@elphieofkiamoko]

This was super helpful!! I'm dipping my toes into the car-buying waters right now and I really want to to electric, so this was a great guide on what to look out for :D

[@KennyGillis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mememail308]

Nissan really did Americans a dis-service the Battery packs were upgraded in the Uk much earlier and the leaf appears much cheaper here without any rebates

[@astrasfo]

Thank you for this amazing tutorial! It will help me immensely in purchasing my first EV.

[@mrofnocnon]

You should look at prices in Canada. Absolutely nuts!

[@KennyGillis]

Dang!!

[@carebearlys]

Great tips👍🏻👍🏻 Gas price is crazy expensive, I’ll definitely consider getting Leaf as sub vehicle🤩

[@KennyGillis]

Thanks!

[@Serge0329]

I think the used market place is high on 2018+ because the dealers put a markup on the MSRP if they have it in stock, many don't have any in stock..... Hope things will change soon.

[@KennyGillis]

I agree with that. Supply is short everywhere.

[@pascalbruyere7108]

The recent leafs are expensive used because the owners just recently paid an arm and a leg buying them new. Note that they are on the market, not sold yet. Electric cars are still like smartphones: their value drops fast because the new stuff is better and cheaper.

[@mememail308]

you are right, the last of the 30kwH batteries were last built in the UK in 2015

[@extralovers69]

How much isthe battery replacement??

[@iwannacutube]

Very very helpful video. Many Thanks!

[@KennyGillis]

You're welcome!

[@flolou8496]

How long would it take to drop in battery degradation from 10 bars to 9 bars on a 2015 Nissan Leaf SV if driving say 6,000 miles per year?

[@KennyGillis]

Hello, this is a very good question and I think a lot of people wonder how long a Nissan Leaf battery will last. I think the biggest factor is what type of climate you live in and how often you quick charge (chademo). It's thought that using quick charging consistently my reduce the battery life. Also, if live in a very hot climate, it may not last as long as if you live in a cooler or moderate climate. I just drove a 2013 Leaf with 120,000 miles and 10 bars. That car was in Colorado it's whole life and only did 30 quick charges.

[@flolou8496]

@@KennyGillis I'm wondering if there is any significant difference in driving say the 2016 model with it's improved battery at night, instead of during the day, it's still very hot in Las Vegas like 105 sometimes even at night, but no direct sunlight, I could take a delivery job or do Lyft or Uber work from the Las Vegas airport to hotels all over the strip, this would be about 45 t0 60 days at the worst weeks from end of June to end of August, here,

[@jtyreetex]

What about a 2011 with a lizzard replacement battery in 2016. In Texas, with 10 bars?$4750 new tires, black in color.

[@KennyGillis]

This is a great deal! Apologies for the slow reply.

[@jerryc7016]

Video was very informative. Good job! 👍

[@KennyGillis]

Thanks! 👍

[@caedgewo2]

Thanks, forgot about facebook marketplace. I have been looking at the bz4x / Solterra and thought I'd see about a Leaf for something cheaper. Keep it up.

[@KennyGillis]

You're welcome!

[@Jan96106]

If a person got a 2012 really, really cheap (as a fellow in another video did), they could replace the battery and still end up with a car with a long life, couldn't they? The car looked in good condition otherwise. As for the used car market, I bought a new car at the beginning of February because I had to. Used cars are way over-priced; they are as much as new cars. There is still a parts shortage for some new cars, and although inventory is increasing, it is still low for brands like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru. Dealers do not have many of the Ford Trailblazers due to parts shortages. The situation is better now, but not for all makes, and car dealers want to continue the high prices, so they are keeping their inventories low. This affects the used car market and allows prices to stay inflated for used cars. Most new cars are also way over-priced. The average new car is $45,000.00. Only a few dealers are producing lower priced cars (Nissan and Hyundai) for people who can't afford to pay fifty, sixty, seventy thousand for a car. Nissan has the Kicks and the Versa. Hyundai has the Venue. Most people buying new cars have to put a deposit on a car in transit and wait until it comes in (although the situation is somewhat better now and fine for some models). Even with the Leaf, in my area, for example, few Nissan dealers have ordered in any new Leafs. I found one on the lot in my area and one in transit after looking at four dealers. Most dealers have only one or two Versa's, if that, and they are ordering in the S version. Kicks seem to be selling like hotcakes, so they order in a steady stream of them. And prices are not going to go down, nor is supply going to be plentiful any time soon. Plus, new car dealers tack on all kinds of unnecessary add-ons to jack up the prices even more (key fob insurance, pin-striping, first aid kits, etc.).

[@ingrid.torrance-opd-2314]

I qualify for a tax rebate but it would b lost because I don't make enough to use it all. Unfortunately it is not able to be carried over from year to year. When it is taken off at the point of purchase that is much better.

[@GGg-ic9ku]

Next year the IRS tax rebate can be transferred to the dealers so they can immediately discount it. Why they had to wait till next year - annoying.

[@maryannmechem547]

I’ve been looking at them in Colorado! I’m going to go look at one in Fort Collins tomorrow

[@KennyGillis]

Did you find one? There are some good ones posted right now on Craigslist in the Boulder/ Denver area.

[@tommorgan1291]

PS: my third Leaf. No mechanical issues after driving these Leafs about 60,000 miles. Especially like their simplicity.

[@KennyGillis]

Love their simplicity too!

[@Appoloimperial]

Haven't watched the entire 18 minutes as when I see inaccuracies in Leaf youtubes, I move on. The Leaf has LED low beams, not xenons, in higher trim levels. It is not that the 2011/12 battery "wasn't built as well". Unless that means the chemistry could have been better and/or the casing could have been better designed, When production moved from Japan to Tennessee in 2013 the battery received a casing redesign and slightly different chemistry which helped cooling and reduced the degradation problem noticeably. The 2015 battery is thought to have the best chemistry of the early 24kwh years. Moving to a 30kwh battery option in 2016 reintroduced degradation questions unfortunately. Nissan got out of their involvement in battery production in 2018 contracting to LG Chem after failing to reach an agreement with Panasonic. The later 40 and 62kwh batteries have their own issues. Nissan will likely get back into in-house battery production with solid-state batteries, to avoid supply chain issues they have experienced in the past.

[@KennyGillis]

This is great information about the Leaf batteries for folks, thank you! I didn’t know about the switch to LG Chem batteries. Can’t wait for solid state batteries to start showing up in production cars!

[@georgewoodland1766]

Can you let the Used Leaf to sit for several months in between use. Want to keep at vacation home.

[@KennyGillis]

I don't know actually? Did you find the answer to this question?

[@myopiniongoodyouropinionbad]

I love my V8s but I want one these as a commuter. I dont want a newer EV because they are expensive and seem to depreciate even faster than normal cars.

[@KennyGillis]

If you get a first generation, they are pretty dang cheap. You can also get a used 2nd Gen for cheap w all the incentives. Ours was $13k but then got $7k back.

[@pascalbruyere7108]

I find it alarming that these batteries go so bad in just 10 years. Even if I find a car in decent condition, how long before it becomes unusable? I buy my cars for 10-15 years, so it seems that if I buy a used leaf, I will have to replace the battery at some point, one way or another? Will it be even possible in say 5, 10 years?

[@KennyGillis]

Hello, I just drove a 2013 Leaf with 120,00 miles with 10/12 bars on the original battery. It seems it had quite a bit of life left in it. I think the biggest factor is how you take care of the battery. I think there will be more options for replacement in the future, well at least I hope so. Thanks for watching!

[@pascalbruyere7108]

@@KennyGillis I suppose that if there are enough old Leaf still on the road, it could support a market for replacement batteries, yes. But then how much and are they safe… It would be great to have some standardization across lots of car models.

[@101spacecase]

do you have a video talking about battery repair costs ty

[@KennyGillis]

Hmm, I don’t but it’s a good idea for a video. This all depends on the price that you can find another battery. Battery cost will be 80-90% of the cost. Labor to switch the battery isn’t too bad.

[@extralovers69]

The one I'm about to get has 9 bars it has 5075.2 miles and the dealer wants 1500 down in house financing I will be done in 3years I will trade it back to him before that and get other regular car from him but in the meantime you think I will need a battery replacement but the purpose of me getting this car is work purposes only until I trade it back in please help me any advice will truly bless me thank you

[@koshy1091989]

hey kenny, I am planning to buy a 2012 Nissan leaf. Wanted your help to check if its a good car or not, specially wanted to check if it has battery degradation or not

[@KennyGillis]

I would not buy it unless the battery has been switched with one from a 2013 or newer. Good luck!

[@kernzilla]

appreciate the video here? do you think it's worth taking a used Leaf to Nissan dealership and paying the $100 inspection fee? We think we've located *the one, but would be nice to learn a bit more about it. just not sure if the dealership's info is not overly relevant or perhaps worth the money/time to get better idea of condition? thanks!

[@techknowledge6156]

Please make more videos like this on the leaf! Great job!

[@beautifulmethod9336]

looking to buy a Leaf ,, but the Nissan dealer asked me to pay $10,000 more on top of the MSRP

[@KennyGillis]

Whoa, that's a lot! What state?

[@anterodanseco872]

Very well done, sir!

[@KennyGillis]

Thank you kindly!

[@clapwingbirb]

Hey Kenny, very useful video thank you. How do you check battery degradation for the newer 2018? Is there a similar display to the older version?

[@KennyGillis]

I should do a separate video for the newer model as more people will be buying these used. Thanks for watching. I do show how to check it briefly in my other Leaf buyers guide video.

[@jenvaj5412]

2012 leaf with full bars, battery was replaced from another Leaf, the battery had 10k mile on it, selling 4500k, CA - is this a good buy?

[@KennyGillis]

I think so!!

[@curbozerboomer1773]

That rebate really makes one want to buy a brand new car, rather than paying even more for a three or four year old Leaf!...It is a no-brainer! But I also would like to enjoy the extended range, and considerable more power, of a new Leaf...so your common-sense choice of looking for a bargain 2013-2017 does not appeal to me. The new motors provide a good increase in acceleration, as well as extended miles. Thanks for your astute comparisons!

[@randomrandomness8743]

Thanks for the info about counting the battery bars - I've seen a few shockingly low ones (5-6 bars) but the one you found with just 4 bars on it is the worst yet! I wouldn't touch one with less than 10 bars. 🙂

[@KennyGillis]

You're welcome! Yes, 9 or 10 bars would be as low as I would go, but everyone has a unique use case for their car. Thanks for watching.

[@arthurmantzouris4413]

Id like to know how do you search on craigs list for private owners instead of the dealers....

[@KennyGillis]

Are you on the phone app or a computer?

[@arthurmantzouris4413]

@@KennyGillis phone app. But I'm trying to find it by using my phone. Whats the difference?

[@Medmann48]

My 2016 Nissan Leaf shows a Red exclamation point in a Red triangle but that goes away when I am driving the car & comes back on when at idle or when I put in park. What does that red master warning light mean?

[@danieldennis6313]

I'm looking at a 2023 base model with 265 miles on it for $24800. I assume it was a return. What's your opinion on that if everything checks out?

[@KennyGillis]

I would see if you qualify for any tax rebates and then talk to the dealer to see what a brand new one would be for you. It may be the same price and then you would be able to pick your color!

[@antoniobelmar920]

Would you still consider buying a 2011 if it has a new(ish) battery? Just found a 2011 w/105k+ miles with a newer battery replaced by Nissan..

[@KennyGillis]

Definitely! Sounds like a good find. How many bars out of 12 does the replacement battery have?

[@antoniobelmar920]

@@KennyGillis Someone got to it just before me, but it had 11 bars. Thanks for the videos, very helpful! I'll keep on the hunt..

[@extralovers69]

The one I'm about to get has 9 bars and has 50752 miles on it the dealer ask for 1500 down and I will be doing in house financing and I will be done in 3years I will trade it back to the dealer either before the 3years or exactly on the 3years mark I am only using this car for on work purposes please help me should I look for something else orrr help me help me

[@extralovers69]

The one I'm about to get has 9 bars and has 50752 miles on it the dealer ask for 1500 down and I will be doing in house financing and I will be done in 3years I will trade it back to the dealer either before the 3years or exactly on the 3years mark I am only using this car for on work purposes please help me should I look for something else orrr help me help me

[@garyfairways]

Hi Kenny, looking for a obd2 to fit my nissan leaf 2017 Uk any suggestions please. thanks Gary

[@KennyGillis]

Hi Gary, I like the mynissanleaf.com forum to answer questions like this. I did a quick search and found the following discussion. They discuss that the car may not like certain types. I didn't read too far, but I think this will help. Good luck and thanks for watching! www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?t=27247

[@garyfairways]

@@KennyGillis many thanks ive ordered mine now, keep the reviews coming

[@pascalbruyere7108]

I think you forgot a key datapoint: cost of replacement of a battery. If the car Is cheap enough, with a battery replacement it might be a good deal.

[@montserratramos4452]

I’m considering a 2012 with 8/12 battery life at $3600. U think it’s a good deal?

[@KennyGillis]

I’d pass on it and wait for a 2013 and up. The 2012 will likely experience fast battery degradation unless you don’t let it get too hot or cold.

[@alexsamaniego442]

new you pay dealer doc fee, $600, tax, $2400, destination $1100, and registration/licence $500. $19900 is actually 24600. If you pay an individual $18000 for one, that's all you're paying. 18,000.

[@minhlac7567]

2015 with 11 bars for $7300 usd is it a good buy in 2024?

[@KennyGillis]

I don’t think so unless it is from a dealer and you will get the $4,000 tax credit?

[@gerardlaverty3730]

Great info thanks.

[@gerhardk98]

Are Nissan dealers charging a premium on new car sales? Many car dealers have been abusing whatever little goodwill they had with customers. Otherwise I would imagine most consumers are bright enough not to pay as much for a car several years old as what a new car costs. Another thought is that new vehicles may not be available for several months and people are panic buying 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@velocityacoustics]

I'm looking at buyjng a 2013 leaf, it has 28 miles of range, but only 1 bar for battery health. Should i stay away from it? Whats the worst the range can get to if you never replace the battery?

[@wildting777]

Yo, Crazy thing is the DOT / EPA sticker on the window made me believe that the car was purchased for 40K. So take the discounts off of 5K here 5K there and maybe even another discount of 3K for a total of 13K off. so ... that made me believe that it' was a purchase of 27K out of pocket cost for the car when it was now. That was back in 2017. Now I see two main points thanks to you.. the 12 bar thing and the version package. (SL) I paid 9K for the SL with 106K miles but the dang bars only has 9 bars and who knows if an additional bar is ready to drop off. Why the car does not have an SL etc. logo it is killing me. Oh and by the way, don't look for the spare tire or jack for they never came with the new car.

[@anothersomebody8195]

How is the battery holding up?

[@roamlikekane]

What's your opinion on upgrading the battery in a Leaf say, a 2015 with a 24 kwh up to a 62 kwh at $10K to $15K. Would it be worth it? Or would you put that towards a down payment on a new Ariya or Leaf for this matter? The 2015 has about 62 K miles on it.

[@jtyreetex]

are the tax credits only for buying a new vehicle? Any for used?

[@KennyGillis]

There are federal tax credits for used EVs if you get them from a dealer. Up to $4,000 or 30% of the price of the car, whichever is less.

[@dademujohn]

Good Job!!

[@nimabeee_playzyt3339]

Im looking for a used leaf too, i found a 2015 with 11 bars at a dealership but they want $11,477!! I just found a 2011 with a 2019 battery and its has 11bars for $7,795. I like the 2011, but im concerned about buying it since its got 80k miles so it could be worn down. Do you have any words of advice?

[@KennyGillis]

Hello! The 2011 with the 2019 battery seems like a good deal to me, especially if the 2019 battery is a 40kwh. I would not worry about mileage as much on EVs as much because the number one thing to look out for is the battery, so if the battery is in good shape, I would go for it. Other things to look out for is that it charges as it should and that there are no concerning noises when driving the car coming from suspension or steering. Thanks for watching and apologies for the slow reply!

[@nimabeee_playzyt3339]

@Kenny Gillis it's alright, I ended up going for the 2015 and got a better deal for it. It had no issues when driving besides a squeaky door that can be fixed with a little lubricant. My dad just wouldn't stop complaining about the stress on the car with higher mileage, so I ended up getting the lower mileage.

[@flolou8496]

@@nimabeee_playzyt3339 I saw this other review on a 2015 Leaf , needing rear shocks after like only 50K miles on it and the cost was like 899.00 at the dealership, so be on the look out for that repair, unless you can verify they've already been replaced,

[@tyam6483]

There's = There is