Nissan Leaf Buyer's Guide - 3 Things To Check Before You Buy

[@thesmuler5627]

I’m certified EV / Hybrid Technician and I like your practical approach to buying these cars. Thanks giving good words to EV.

[@KennyGillis]

Much appreciated!

[@anothersomebody8195]

What does a 40 kilowatt hour battery cost? I can pick one up for 4600 after the federal credit, but have no idea what the all-in cost is of replacing a battery

[@thesmuler5627]

@@anothersomebody8195I usually usually swap for around 1600

[@thesmuler5627]

@ If you are upgrading it cost more, but I usually do those for about 1200

[@anothersomebody8195]

@@thesmuler5627 That seems reasonable. So a car would be 4,600, labor would be somewhere around 1,200. Would a 40 kwh battery be around 8k? I found someone that rebuilds the battery packs. Do you think they replace all of the cells... Or do you think they only replace the dead ones? Would it be better to just buy a brand new battery online?

[@dhouse-d5l]

As a lifetime petrol head I was dead against electric then last month my spouse bought a Leaf. I winged and whined. First trip out we couldnt find an appropriate charger BUT once we formalated a charging plan and did a few hundred miles....well guess what...Im now a toatal convert. Smooth, quiet, no smelly fuel and oil....I love it!

[@thesmuler5627]

@@dhouse-d5l No oil change either it still stinks though that’s electrical smell is a bit pungent but better than gasoline smell 😂

[@badbenito]

My 2014 Leaf is still running great. Best car I've ever had.

[@KennyGillis]

My 2013 is also the best car I've ever had! Thanks for watching.

[@04dram04]

I think there is an important correct to make here. You should buy a leaf with little life on the pack, if you can get it super cheap. Because you can use the money savings to buy a bigger battery from a wrecked newer leaf.

[@KennyGillis]

That is definitely another way to find a good deal on a Leaf. Have you done the battery replacement for a 2011 or 2012 Leaf? If so, how much was the battery replacement? Thanks for watching!

[@spearmap]

If you replace the battery with a 40 KWH battery (direct swap) you get really useful range. Also one maintenance activity is to replace the fluid in the transaxle which is easy to do.

[@chetmyers7041]

@@spearmap How often to change the Coolant?

[@spearmap]

@@chetmyers7041 This may explain. kzbin.info/www/bejne/roLHkmdraJajorM

[@MPBrewster]

That's what I'm wondering. I see like 3 coolant reservoirs in some of these EV's. There has to be some maintenence there.@@chetmyers7041

[@SirBillyMays]

I have a 130k kilometer (81k miles) 2012 model leaf, used to be my fathers from new but it was handed to me when he upgraded. It's a wonderful city car. I still have 9/12 battery bars (so around 100km of range) which is plenty for city use. Biggest repairs have been suspension and brake related - they wear out over time, but also get hit quite hard with rust. The original paint is also very thin, so body panels can quite easily rust. Be especially mindful of the underside of the car and the rear. Here in Norway, used Leaf parts are plentiful and cheap. Not sure they're so cheap it makes sense importing to the US, but it honestly might be worth asking someone to take a look, if you own a Leaf and know a Norwegian. I had to replace my original 12v battery just a week ago. 11 years old, the original flooded lead acid battery started giving up the ghost. When the 12v battery gets old the car starts acting a bit erratically, but still drives just like normal. For me, I would sometimes have to press the start button twice to engage the high voltage system. I would also get the ABS and ESP warning lights every now and again. All was resolved with a new, cheap FLA (

[@Avydeverux]

I am considering buying a Leaf, and thanks to you I now know that one I was considering has 5 bars and another has only 3.

[@KennyGillis]

Glad this video was helpful!

[@IrnBruNYC]

Thank you, this is so helpful. I want an EV, but I like small cars, and the only EV I could possibly afford in 2023 is a used Leaf.

[@KennyGillis]

You can find some pretty cheap Leafs. Avoid the 2011 and 2012. I love my 2013!

[@harrisfogel6992]

Used Chevy Bolts are great. The Feds stipulated new batteries as per the recall, so it's like getting a new car.

[@anothersomebody8195]

​@@harrisfogel6992can you share a little more info on this?

[@marybilderback4030]

Great video for 73 yr old grandma looking for a car

[@charlesbelanger1940]

It would be also important to try the AC at full blown cold air cabin air recycle and then full hot heating without ECO mode to make sure that PTC heater Still Working great ! It may break very rare but this might be a backordered part (PTC heater)

[@KennyGillis]

Charles, thanks for additional information. I'm sure this will be helpful for buyers.

[@greg23842384]

I know the first gen what phone to heater issues this was sorted when leaf received foot hand brake

[@greg23842384]

Prone

[@mb_a5383]

Been driving my leaf for 6yrs now (bought it in 2016 for $6995 and it had all 12 bars SOH), oh, and it had just under 30k miles on it and I'm still on the factory brakes (thanks to the regenerative brakes and a lot of one footed driving) To date I have spent $0 on maintenance, I'm on my 3rd set of tires and I've changed the wiper blades 5 times so far. The SOH (state of health) of the battery, like yours, is down to 10 bars and I'm getting close to 70k miles on the OD. I think your video is very helpful to newbies however at the same time... The only reason I was able to get such a great car at such a great price was because the average person didn't know anything about EV's and would not buy one. I bought mine at a dealer who had put new tires on it but still, no one was interested even though it looked brand new (it was a lease turn in) Your video, helpful as it is, will likely encourage others to buy one of these hidden gems which can only result in the price(s) going up. So.. good video, but bad for future owners who will not likely find these gems priced quite so low as before.

[@KennyGillis]

Hi Michael, that's awesome that you have had a good experience with your car similar to me. I agree the prices have gone up quite a bit recently. I did release a video a couple of weeks ago about shopping for a Leaf that better reflects the market in 2022: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIq1epuJir97f6s Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@madmotorcyclist]

I have one of the original Nissan Leafs (now 11 years old #712). So far maintenance wise I have had to replace the water pump (just recently), a flat tire, one accessory battery and two key fob batteries. The battery still fully charges (13 bars) and I get about 70 miles of range today out of it (it's been garaged and I babied the battery). Not too many miles around 13k since I only do short trips on it (which it is perfect for). I expect to get at least another five years out of it.

[@jameslovering9158]

40k driven miles 3 sets of tires ?

[@mb_a5383]

@@jameslovering9158 yeah, I didn't go into it cuz it was already looking like a novel but I had a 4 inch screw go through both the tread and sidewall of one of the tires and since that set was already about half worn, I replaced all 4 (one of my quirks, I can't stand mis-matched tires). Good catch though

[@drod5157]

Nice Review!

[@Ray.842]

Also a 4th thing when buying one. Make sure the touch screen works correctly! They cot £4800 from a main dealership, very expensive!

[@ogrum92]

I just checked out your review, great job! I was checking out a 2013 model the other night and it made an unusual noise when the heat was turned on. I'll google it along with another issue I wondered about. Thank you very much!

[@Akira-gi6vz]

Your odd yet but attractive demeanor is a nice way to enjoy this “to the point”video thank you!

[@KennyGillis]

I appreciate that!

[@sunnypvalencia]

Great video. probably the most helpful video i've seen on what to look for in a used EV.

[@mistercmt]

VERY INSIGHTFUL! Thank you for this video, now I am considering Nissan LEAF.

[@anthonycraig274]

In the U.K. London, the used LEAF has shot up in price. The cheapest i can find one for(2011) is $8,000. a few weeks ago I was lucky to get a fantastic 2017 example with 24kwh. The battery is in a perfect state of Health SOH. I only planned to get this as a temporary car as I wait for my Model Y. I am so impressed with it, that I am going to keep it. I seriously love this car. Oh the cherry on top, TAX, Parking, Traffic zones, electricity is all FREE.

[@seanpeacock5595]

I looked for a reasonable priced one near me in Alberta. Not one within 1,000km.

[@KennyGillis]

The prices have definitely jumped up on these cars in the last 2 to 3 months! It's a little crazy. I feel like I could almost sell mine for 9 or 10 at the moment. Bought it for $6500 two and a half years ago.

[@hoffinger]

Always a good idea to check everything. Power windows, door locks, radio, cd, Etc.

[@manuellozano523]

Excellent coverage simplistic to understand. Thanks!!

[@KennyGillis]

You're welcome!

[@Medmann48]

Today We bought a used 2016 Nissan Leaf S from a local Ford dealer. We ended up with a deal of $7,000.00 out the door. This ford dealer was familiar with the Federal Tax Credit & gave that to us up front. That dropped the out the door price to $4,900.00, how can you beat that? & this car still has 11 Bars of the 12 original bars.

[@EARTHKEENING]

How many hours it take to fully charge at home plug ?

[@Medmann48]

@@EARTHKEENING Since it only has the 24KW battery it only takes about 10 hours to charge using the standard 120V 60HZ AC plug in my garage.

[@ziczac818]

Best video i've seen about the Nissan leaf by far, Thanks!

[@KennyGillis]

Wow, thank you!

[@linakaneda449]

Looking to buy one soon and as a first time EV driver this was so easy to digest, thank you!!

[@KennyGillis]

You are welcome!!

[@lawrenceakini9507]

Thank you. I had wished viewed this KZbin before purchasing my 2012 Leaf.

[@trishfillet4991]

I just bought a 2011 and took it back to the dealer the next day because the battery is bad. I’ll get my money back but it’s a real shame because this car is so fun to drive! Thank you for providing the details about the indicator light. If the battery life is good, and you just need a solid commuter car, it’s a good investment.

[@KennyGillis]

I agree, the best commuter. So cheap, especially if you have free charging at work!

[@upcloseimage]

Haha! I love the questions around the 7 minute mark... haha I bet some people still ask those questions!!! This was a very helpful video, thank you! We had a 2013 Leaf and regret getting rid of it.

[@williamhurst7766]

True! I purchased a 2019 Nissan Leaf SL Plus new in 2019. This vehicle currently shows 100% battery capacity on dashboard indicator. at about 40,000 miles. I have done zero maintenance other than rotate tires and 1 cabin filter. Vehicle drives perfectly and is as good as it was on date of purchase. For comparison, my wife purchased a 2019 Subaru new about the same time I purchased my Leaf. Subaru has been ok, but we did have to replace the thermostat, plus, dealer installed it incorrectly, and the vehicle almost ran HOT. That is in addition to normal ICE vehicle oil changes, etc. I have become to where I hate to go to gas station with the Subaru.

[@KennyGillis]

That is awesome! We also just added a 2019 Leaf SV to the fleet. Got it cheap because of hail damage and 60k miles. It drives amazing and we love the longer range. It's the 150 mile, 40kwh. Love the Leafs!

[@DanBlackRacing]

Good video. I considered buying a leave a few times. Especially since my current employer offers free charging, but I drive and use my pickup truck so frequently during the week. I'll buy an EV they make a simple pickup truck that can go 500 mi on a charge while pulling a trailer and not cost $50,,000. 😂

[@NEEGROPLEASE]

I just brought a 2019 best video I’ve seen about these cars thanks

[@KennyGillis]

Thank you!

[@ourcolonel1685]

Finally! A honest and simple car review. Thank you. Want an ebike? Get the Jetson Bolt Pro. I just did. Great fun!

[@KennyGillis]

I'll check out the Jetson, thanks!

[@richieannarelli5714]

I own a 2017 1st Gen I average 60 miles a day I bought it as a work car testing Imo's a good feeling making a little difference in the world

[@billbollins]

Great vid Kenny with useful tips, I didn't know any of these before watching your vid.

[@item6931]

Bought a 2017 Leaf from a dealer. Battery health shown was 85%. But on a full charge could only get 60km. Took it to a mechanic - apparently the dash had been reset in some manner. It now shows the real battery health: 3 bars. But apparently only Nissan has the diagnostics to prove when the reset occurred and they won't for inexplicable reasons, so don't have conclusive evidence the dealer did it. Still going to court on the weaker than desired evidence though, as 60km range is almost unusable.

[@KennyGillis]

Hello, I'm really sorry to hear this. I have not heard of this before where someone has manipulated the dash readout for battery health. Have you tried other dealers in your area? Good luck and please keep me posted on what happens here.

[@rahularora9868]

Thanks for the video. It might be a good idea to get it on a hoist and inspect if there's any rust.

[@jamesanderson6769]

I just bought a 2013 with 9 bars for 3k. I haven't used it besides driving it home, but I love the way it handles.

[@KennyGillis]

That's a steal! I love my 2013. They do handle really well. The suspension is tight, but not too much and it's pretty light for an EV because of the small battery pack.

[@warnasYTmusic]

Here are three MORE things I'd check: - Does it FAST charge (ChaDeMO). Can't test this at home, so make sure you are prepared during test drive. - Does it come with a charge cable (from your orange charge port (type 1 / SAE j1772) to a 'Mennekes' or whatever public charging stations in your area use. SO that should be different on both sides and both should be female. This what you'll use when NOT charging at home and in some cases when you are charging at home but you have a charger that comes without an attached cable. These cables don't come cheap, about €200. - Does it come with the 'granny charger', which is also type 1 / SAE j1772 but goes to a big charge box which plugs into a wall socket. You may need this once or twice a year only, but boy will you be glad it's there. Should come with the car. As to the brakes: they will rust before they wear out. Noisy/grinding brakes means something has rusted. Replacing that is not the biggest deal in the world. I've had it done after about six years and any garage can do it. Does need to be factored into the price. Also look at the tyres: worn tyres cause a lot of noise (usually masked by the engine) and influence the range. You'll want low resistance tyres. Also check: does it come with 2 keyless entry keys & does it drift left or right whilst driving.

[@KennyGillis]

Thanks Niet!

[@naeemmisr]

Drift left or right ? Can you pls explain this ?

[@hoffinger]

​@@naeemmisrthe car track straight. If it doesn't it can be a number of things. The least is a tire that is bad. The worst is a bent chassis.

[@Tanya_Rich_Actor]

@@hoffingeraren’t most cars deliberately made to swerve slightly away from the road if you take your hands off wheel? I was told this is to stop it from heading into on coming traffic if you fall asleep 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@SuitYourselfT]

@@Tanya_Rich_Actorwhen you go to get your car inspected the check the "wheels" to make sure it would drive straight and doesn't drift. it pops up on the little screen in their booth. you might be thinking of how tesla autopilot turns off or something if you don't hold the wheel. not sure what you're thinking of exactly

[@vincewhite5087]

I sold rotation pumps & compressors for over 30 years. Ones that had electric motors, the motors could have ran for over 30 years & were still great.

[@KennyGillis]

I always think about these radon systems with electric fans in homes that run nonstop for decades.

[@dalegrantham4514]

Thanks, U saved me $4000 on a 2011 with 6 bars left.

[@KennyGillis]

That’s awesome!

[@anthonycraig274]

The most important thing about buying a LEAF or any EV is battery health. Everything else can be easily fixed pretty cheaply, battery is most of the cost of the car.

[@KennyGillis]

Agree!

[@IsThatSpaceCowBoy]

And will make sure to check all the stuff you mentioned definitely gonna bring it to get charged on my test drive

[@skywind007]

Also, use Leaf Spy to check for faulty cells. Even if you have 10 bars out of 12 for battery life, just one faulty battery cell can burn out and cause a total failure like a Christmas tree light set goes out if one bulb dies. On the cell chart page, look out for any number greater than 50 mV (millivolts). Don't buy a Nissan leaf with a cell difference of greater than 50 mV. Other than that, go for it. It's a good purchase with little risk.

[@maureenhiggins3564]

Thanks, tho a correction is that Leaf’s DO have a single gear reduction and differential for transmitting power from the motor to the drive shafts that uses a splash lubrication system. Its oil has specified change intervals of 30k miles. If not changed regularly, unnecessary wear & tear will result & present as slipping. So something else to watch for…

[@KennyGillis]

Thanks for adding this information!

[@Flaming360Spider]

You the man bro I didn’t know about the battery life bars 👍

[@KennyGillis]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@shaonian]

I've owed a 24kwh, a 30kwh and now a 40kwh (Japanese imports) None of them have broken down but... The 24kwh often got error codes when fast charging and there was noise from the left front wheel The 30kwh was perfect. The 40kwh has noise from the left front wheel and propilot sometimes cuts out when it's cold.

[@samusaran7317]

May never have broken down but the battery degrades like milk left out.

[@shaonian]

@@samusaran7317 Yes, each one started about 90% and went down to about 80% before I traded it in. Nissan chucked away their early lead with their useless battery technology.

[@violetta6280]

@@shaonian Over what period of time and how many Km/miles did it take to go down 20%?

[@shaonian]

@@violetta6280 The 30kwh started at 92% (August 2019), went down to 80% (May, 2022). Then up to 85% (June, 2022). Why did it go up? Because I did a lot of long trips and fast charging. Why does that make it go up? I don't know. It's always like that with the leaf.

[@KennyGillis]

Mine has stayed at 10 bars for the last 3 years. I don’t usually need to charge to 100% so most of the time just to 80%.

[@DifferentGeordie]

Thanks for this helpful info

[@wkmcmahan]

good video. I mostly agree. Look at the other comments. a lot of good stuff there to !

[@KennyGillis]

Ok great, thanks!

[@georgewoodland1766]

Let buyers know that best to drive in B mode to get the regen braking and longer range. I’m averaging 5.1 miles per KWH on my 2019 Leaf

[@vincekrizan9840]

Great job- thanks for the info

[@KennyGillis]

You're welcome!

[@familycool9976]

Wow thanks for this valuable information about this little car…!

[@KennyGillis]

You’re welcome!

[@russfox77910105]

I would say 4 - check tyre tread depth - if low get the dealer to change them! But thanks for the info!

[@KennyGillis]

Yes, agreed, definitely put your finger in those tire grooves and see how much tire life is left. Good tip! That's definitely #4.

[@tommorgan1291]

You should know my 2023 SV Plus fast charger connectors have been redesigned.My old hookups will not work. I have to get an electrician to install the newly designed 220--240 volt 50 amps dedicated garage junction box. Neither the Dealer nor Nissan will halp with the cost or even finding a source to make the switchover. BUT I love this vehicle!

[@KennyGillis]

That's good to know as I am building an EV from an older Porsche. I will have to figure out which connector to put on the car. I'm hoping J1772 sticks around for a while.

[@cdbuiles]

there is one, often overlooked, maintenance item on these vehicules. reduction gear oil. check your maintenance manual.

[@kernzilla]

cool channel, just subb'ed. we're looking to get into our first EV and likely will be a Leaf, vid was helpful, thanks!

[@av-999gaming3]

Nice Pura Vida T-shirt!

[@HeavyChevy3]

This guys cool, thanks 🙏🏿 for the info; I almost purchased one with 4 bars, if it wasn’t for your info I would have. Plus driving it the suspension was shitty and no warranty’s for the battery. I still plan on buying a Nissan leaf just not that one: 🤣 anyways thanks again for your channel.

[@KennyGillis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tychicusbell8787]

Awesome video!!!!

[@christinamarostica5924]

Awesome info!! Thanks!! :)

[@fuzzymonkey777]

Well said. Thanks.

[@T-Raycer]

Great advice I’m in the market but I am worried about getting a leaf as I was worried about battery cost

[@ChrisSonPEI]

I'm looking at a 2017 with 9/12 bars. But it's for a second car, only for use close to home. I think I'll still get it, even with that battery life, because it will be only for going about 30km at a time.

[@KennyGillis]

Go for it! You’ll love it.

[@rosanag1]

Very useful info. Thank you.

[@MyAdventurr]

Saved me from buying a lemon! Thanks! Noticed the battery health bars were

[@richieannarelli5714]

I'm thinking about upgrading to the 2023 Nissan Leaf Plus

[@KennyGillis]

Those are nice cars!

[@takeonetheater]

Great Video, you now have me subscribed> was looking on CL found a 2014 with 56k from Arizona great price 4500 but the battery capacity reads 5 Bars! Nearly useless when it comes to range

[@Uajd-hb1qs]

If I had to get an electric car, I’d go for this. Being early, it should be relatively simple except for the digital display but most importantly, it’s cheap. Looking online, they’re between 3-7,000 pounds compared to the cheapest new electric car being £22,000. Simplicity is what I want but the only other simple EV I like is inefficient and unreliable as well as being rare, so I’m hoping this will be the best option.

[@andytaylor6893]

Also check the heater works (expensive dash out job) and there are no leaks into the footwells (can be a bitch to trace) and that you have both the charging cables.

[@wynjones1305]

Looking for a leaf. Thanks for the info!

[@KennyGillis]

You're welcome!

[@ibrahimcalanderlebbe1373]

Thanks bro, God bless you.

[@Ragtime95]

The disuse of brake pads in electric cars is actually an issue, as they gotta be changed more often because they rust away.

[@eiletstone]

Yes always buy a leaf with 12 bars on the battery, but the only way to check this is that the seller as fully charged the car battery so you can check that it has 12 bars

[@KennyGillis]

Hi Philip, the car does not need to be fully charged to see the battery state of health. If you go to 1:40 in the video, you will see my car has 52% battery charge and you can still count the number of bars for the overall battery state of health. In this part of the video you can see my car has 7/12 for charge, and 10/12 for lifetime battery state of health. Thanks for watching and let me know if you have questions.

[@devonbritow3534]

Informative video, thanks.

[@yettsoman4364]

Most important thing for me...does a German Shepherd fit comfortably in the back without putting the rear seats down!😂

[@jimmytai1915]

Thanks, useful information.

[@PeaceChanel]

Thank You for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮ ❤

[@YouTubeBlueButterflies]

Thanks for your help

[@kiwiace625]

So second generation what percentage of battery life is ok to buy when fully charged please?

[@jimbo2629]

Very reassuring.

[@r.williams8349]

Thank u good video.

[@KennyGillis]

Thanks!

[@carlitopicache629]

Great info. Subbed.

[@KennyGillis]

Thank you!

[@RazVanPaulOfficial]

Thanks man!

[@Justaghost-b4l]

Imagine if we'd had these videos back in the 1970's. Folks would have been warning about the pinto, the Gremlin, and many others no doubt.Just think of all the life hacks they could have come up with that would have been, jaw dropping, a game changer or this changes EVERYTHING to enlighten us. Can't you just see the excited faces and wild gesticulations now.

[@lonelyp1]

Back then you could actually fix a car. I had a blue cloud Vega part time starting with an extra battery and jumping the starter with a long socket extension. The things we would do as kids back then.

[@archemity]

I just bought a 2015 with 46k miles and all 12 bars. Car only has one charge port, so no fast charge, that may have something to do with the battery being still 100% capacity.

[@KennyGillis]

Sounds like a great buy!

[@richieannarelli5714]

I still have my 2017 the best car ever owned by Nissan Leaf I have 83 Thousand Miles now you don't have to worry about driving one day and a muffler falls off and takes out two cars behind you😊

[@abwilson2011]

Hi Kenny, Thx for these videos...I have a 2013 with 7 bars of battery life left...is it time to replace or should I continue with this battery. Also, can the battery pack be upgraded to 64? And how much does it cost to replace. I know you mentioned that you have a friend who does this...I live in the Denver area too.

[@KennyGillis]

You're welcome. I guess it comes down to is the car not usable anymore? I can reach out to my friend and see if he is still doing Leaf battery installs. The tricky part is finding a good battery to put in there.

[@abwilson2011]

Thx, but I traded it in and got a 2020 LEAF…I know you said not to bother with a dealer but I wanted one that I could depend on for 10+ years and the price worked for me…thx so much for these videos and your response, most appreciated!!!

[@KennyGillis]

@@abwilson2011 You are welcome! Enjoy your new Leaf! I can understand going with the dealer as it may be hard to find the car you want sometimes private party.

[@vperez007]

Thanks for sharing

[@obi-wankenobi8446]

Thank you Anthony Keidis

[@richardgrumbine4867]

fairly bullet proof cars… if the battery is really bad… you can get refurbished batteries fairly cheap… 4 grandish depending on size and location… also DO check the heating and cooling system… they are not prone to failure… but are fairly expensive to repair…

[@NickiPostsTravelStuff]

Great video! Makes me want to buy a car now! If I do, I will be buying a Leaf! :)

[@KennyGillis]

Thanks! It's the Chipotle burrito of cars, so much bang for the buck, ha!

[@NickiPostsTravelStuff]

@@KennyGillis hahahahahhahaha

[@anthonycraig274]

@@NickiPostsTravelStuff In the U.K. London, the used LEAF has shot up in price. The cheapest i can find one for(2011) is $8,000. a few weeks ago I was lucky to get a fantastic 2017 example with 24kwh. The battery is in a perfect state of Health SOH. I only planned to get this as a temporary car as I wait for my Model Y. I am so impressed with it, that I am going to keep it. I seriously love this car.

[@NickiPostsTravelStuff]

@@anthonycraig274 Wow that's great to hear you love it! Glad it's such a good car!

[@narinderchander]

@@KennyGillis Fish and Chips for me, over here in England!

[@maggiemom09]

Just looked at 2017 model s - 65k Miles, battery life at 5 bars out of 12 ! cost was 4900-

[@lonelyp1]

I really want Nissan to make an electric sporty car Like the 280 Z they had only 290 E. I do love my 2019 Leaf, but I did like the older dashboard. I have been driving Leafs since they first came out and can't say I ever noted any battery degradation. BUT I recently got caught far away from home where I normally do all my charging. I had to use a charge point connection for the first time. And I ran that charge out and had to be towed I got SO FLAT the hazard light weren't even flashing. When I got it home and fully charged, I had lost 12 miles of range. Did using charge point do something to it? Or am I lucky it came back at all from being that dead.

[@velocityacoustics]

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

[@KennyGillis]

If it is 1 white bar of battery health, that would mean it has two red bars and 1 white bar for a total of 3 bars? Is that what you mean? Either way, anything less than 9 bars I would stay away from, unless the car is super cheap and you're only using to get to the grocery store etc.

[@velocityacoustics]

@@KennyGillis yes, total 3 bars

[@sabastianatwood7234]

What do you recommend for someone who bought a 2012 Leaf before seeing this video and later found the battery health at 7 bars? The range is currently about 40 miles and is enough for the daily commute, but it also seems to be slowly but steadily decreasing.

[@MrTruckerf]

How do they do in a Midwestern winter? Below zero temps, running the heater full blast and driving at night with the lights on could make for extremely short range.

[@KennyGillis]

I agree. I would go with a bigger battery model starting in 2018 unless you're not driving too far between charges.

[@bold58]

If I buy a leaf it would be for local around town and around the county driving . Which is most of my driving. I would keep my gas car for trips out of state and such . I make two or three out of state trips a year so the gas mileage would be minimal.

[@adoboutine1448]

Hey Kenny. I stumbled upon your channel when I am researching about used nissan leafs/leaves? Anyway, this video is so helpful specially for people like me who does not know much about leafs or EV in general. Question though. Does milage matter? Cheapest one I've seen so far here is a 2015 with a 158k km milage (around 93k in miles) battery health is 11/12 they sell it for 13k canadian. I live in Canada so the priing here might be different. The car drives solid though, no noise.

[@KennyGillis]

Hello! Thanks for watching. I just drove a 120,000 mile Leaf last week with 10/12 bars on the original suspension and steering parts and it felt very tight still. Time will tell with these cars, but I think that the 2013-2017 Leafs will go a long time if you take care of the battery. The price for the 2015 seems fair, especially if it is a SV or SL.

[@julieanne1587]

Whoa! What part of Canada are you in and is it feasible for you to buy a car in the US? I live in Oregon and bought my 2017 Leaf S with 19K miles for $13,990. Beautiful car, all 12 bars on batt. Tbh, I wasn't even looking to buy a car but when I saw this ad at a dealership, I had to take a look. Amazing deal but prices here are better than what you described. There's a Leaf specialty shop in Portland, OR, that sells used Leafs and installs batteries, too.

[@mardono1]

​@@julieanne1587 Hello. I live in Portland, please share the name and location of that used Leaf dealer. Thank you

[@upcloseimage]

@@julieanne1587 yes , please share the specialty shop info..

[@anothersomebody8195]

There's a 2014 leaf with 11 of 12 bars for $6,500 before $1,800 tax credit. I'm curious... What is the degradation life like? Does it plumet after getting to 9 bars... 8 bars.. 7? Or does it drop smooth and gradual? I commute 12 miles to work each way, so could I run it down to 6 bars over 10 years left in it, or will it drop to 6 quickly once it starts failing because it means there's a bad cell?

[@kathyfann]

Can we put larger or more batteries to increase the range and even solar because it’s just not enough for where I live.

[@KennyGillis]

If you have a 2011-2017 Leaf it is possible to put a larger battery, it's just pricey.

[@CarlosSanchez-vf3xd]

Can you install a new battery and if you can , for how much would it be done

[@kathyfann]

Where do we find a battery pack on the market besides the Dealership

[@KennyGillis]

Hi Kathy, this is a little tricky. Most people find batteries in wrecked cars because the cost from the dealer is so high, like over $10k. In some cases it is cheaper and easier to switch your car with one with a larger battery pack.

[@tictac9367]

How much would it cost to change the battery is there a better battery aftermarket with longer range for the 2012s?

[@KennyGillis]

I have a friend that can put the 2013-2016 24kwh pack in a 2011/2012 car. I can check pricing and get back. He’s an independent shop in the Denver area, I’m guessing $5k. Dealer would be much more.

[@tictac9367]

@@KennyGillis yeah thanks 5k is what im hearing im in los angeles that 5k one is around 80 miles on a full charge? How long does a full charge typically take off a regular outlet? Theres a free charger station close to where i live but i do not know if it has fast charging and also do not known of the 2012-2015 nissan leafs i am looking at for around 5k-8k all have fast charging capabilities some of them list they do but do you have any other videos explaining the whole charging part of the leaf

[@johnniegonzalez6940]

Thinking getting a leaf hate paying gas and ETC I rather keep my money

[@KennyGillis]

I hear you. It's so nice not to pay for gas right now!

[@thecuriousquest]

I see one that's for sale near me, a 2011 for just over 3k with 9 bars for the battery 😬. So tempting. Definite 10 or no go? Or would you bend the rules a little for something with 9?

[@KennyGillis]

I recommend not buying the 2011 or 2012 models because the batteries did not last as long as 2013 and later. Good luck!

[@andrewwolf4430]

Doesn’t the leaf have a single speed gearbox? If so it has lubricant that should be changed at intervals