Shopping for a Second-Hand Nissan LEAF

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“What’s it prefer to buy and personal a second hand electrical automotive?” I requested Pat Pheeney at one in all our latest EV proprietor meetups. He’s the proud proprietor of the 9-year-old Nissan LEAF that stood out within the carpark. We met on the Cake & Espresso assembly on the Pelican Waters Powerboat Membership a number of weeks in the past. He graciously accepted my request to share his story with CleanTechnica readers.

Having paid the going price of AU$15,000 for it in 2023, he thinks it’s most likely solely price round AU$10,000 these days, “if that.” He blames the cheaper Chinese language EVs (with longer vary and extra tech) getting into the Australian market (see our newest stats right here) for the depreciation. Outdated tech depreciates quickly. “The discharge of $35,000 to $40,000+ Chinese language EVs has made the older LEAFs much less beneficial I believe.”

A fast Google search tells us {that a} 2016 Mannequin LEAF will be had for about AU$10,000–15,000, so Phil is correct on the cash. In fact, “costs differ primarily based on trim stage, situation, mileage, and battery well being. For instance, a primary mannequin could be round $10,000, whereas higher-end variations might be nearer to $15,000 or extra. The 30 kWh battery fashions can have points, so checking the battery well being report is essential earlier than shopping for.” Carsales.com lists 63 on the market, so there may be loads of alternative. 

Anyway, sufficient from me — let’s hear Phil’s story in his personal phrases:

By Pat Pheeney, as instructed to David Waterworth

“Why did I select to go electrical? I’d like to say it was environmental issues, nevertheless it was extra primary than that. As I’ve aged, I’ve been having bother engaged on my automobiles, as my arthritis & basic getting older made it tough to do something main. And as a mechanic from the ’60s & ’70s, once I look below the bonnet of present automobiles, I don’t recognise a lot. So, I believed that if I acquired an EV, I wouldn’t even be tempted to fiddle with it. And perhaps the truth that I might gas it up for nearly nothing from the home solar energy may need had some bearing on the choice. And it was my likelihood to play with a brand new (to me) toy!

“I’d had 4 wheel drive traybacks [utes] for round 50 years, however after coming to reside on the town, had no want for one. In 3 years, I had solely clocked up 2,000 km, so I believed I’d promote & get one thing a little bit smaller. I had been studying about EVs for a variety of years. In 2021, I had been watching with anticipation the build-up to the discharge of the BYD Atto 3, which was supposedly going to be launched below $40,000, which I believed might be a very good major automotive for us to exchange our related sized turbo diesel SUV. The Atto 3 was lastly launched in 2022 at a worth of $47,000, which was too costly for us, so, as a result of the one different EV various (in our worth vary) was the MG ZS EV, which we dismissed due to the driving vary, we changed our previous SUV with a brand new Chinese language petrol SUV. (And to date, no regrets).

“In 2023, I used to be scheduled for a coronary heart operation, so I once more began trying to changing the truck with one thing smaller that I didn’t should climb into, so I began EVs once more. As my price range solely ran to purchasing a second-hand automotive, it was a toss-up between one other ICE automotive of which there have been a lot or a Mitsubishi i-MiEV (scarce) or a Nissan Leaf (not scarce).

“So, for the reason that Leaf was the one automotive in my worth vary, I take a look at drove a pair and was fairly amazed on the smoothness & energy. I dismissed two due to both age or battery degradation and bought a 2016 mannequin with a 24-kWh battery nonetheless with 77% battery life (SOH). It had carried out 85,000 km. The Leaf reveals the SOH (State of Well being) on the dashboard in a collection of bars, which could be very helpful. You may get a extra correct studying of the SOH utilizing a cheap Wi-Fi or Bluetooth OBD dongle & a telephone app.

“Due to the restricted vary of the automotive (perhaps round 120 km), it was at all times going to be a automotive for simply driving across the Sunshine Coast, [north of Brisbane in Queensland]. And it matches the function of purchasing trolley and taxi admirably. And, sure, since you actually need to know, with the again seats and passenger seat down, it should match 2.4m lengths of 70mm x 35mm timber wall studs inside. (A Tardis on wheels.)

“Buddies have been impressed with the quietness and roominess. I as soon as stopped at an intersection and I used to be requested if it had stalled! A few folks have stated they’re interested by an EV for his or her subsequent automotive, however I’ve additionally had questions on what occurs to the batteries once they get previous, which I can’t reply, but additionally statements by individuals who have by no means even pushed an EV, ‘Yeah however they catch hearth simply!’

“I cost at residence with a granny charger that simply wants a traditional family 10 amp energy level. As a result of it solely has a small battery, it doesn’t take lengthy to place in a 20–30% cost. I solely cost when the solar is shining to make the most of my photo voltaic panels, and except a cloud passes over, it doesn’t use any energy from the grid.

“It has been and continues to be an ideal little automotive for an area runabout, and has exceeded my expectations. However as a result of I’m beginning to discover it a little bit tough to climb up out of the seat at occasions, I’ll quickly be trying round for a second-hand SUV EV within the close to future, and since an SUV has increased seats, it ought to be simpler to slip out and in of. There are a number of beginning to trickle onto the market now, however they’re nonetheless retaining their worth. However no matter it’s, it should undoubtedly be an EV, as a result of I can’t see myself going again to an ICE automobile.”

I requested concerning the professionals and cons.

“Professionals: Can cost at residence for little value; goes like a rocket (not the explosive kind); fairly roomy; clean & quiet; and, brings a smile to my face.

“Cons: Restricted driving vary; and … no, that’s about it!”

Thanks for sharing, Phil. I’d recommend you share along with your sceptical buddies the EV hearth information at EV firesafe and the various tales concerning the reuse of EV batteries. Right here’s one instance from an enterprising engineer in Brisbane. 

With one in six new automobiles being bought in Australia having a plug, and the pending firm and authorities automobiles coming off lease, there may be positive to be a wider collection of second-hand EVs accessible for value-conscious patrons like Phil in our vivid and electrical future.