Buying a 2nd hand Leaf

Alun

Might be in the market for a second hand Leaf in the near future so have been scouring autotrader, carzone, donedeal etc. etc.

One thing I've been wondering is that in the past I've always avoided some of the, shall we say, shadier second car dealers, for obvious reasons when buying an ICE car, but would those reservations apply also to buying an EV? I'm tending towards that not being the case, as there's little to nothing majorly mechanical to go wrong with them, so a car bought from them would be as safe a buy as from a main dealer, say.

The other thing is that a lot of them are clearly UK imports. Given that the display on the Leaf appear to be purely electronic, can they be converted 100% (speedometer, odometer, etc.) to km and km/h?

slave1

Alun wrote: »

The other thing is that a lot of them are clearly UK imports. Given that the display on the Leaf appear to be purely electronic, can they be converted 100% (speedometer, odometer, etc.) to km and km/h?

Yes, 100% and easily done

slave1

Alun wrote: »

One thing I've been wondering is that in the past I've always avoided some of the, shall we say, shadier second car dealers, for obvious reasons when buying an ICE car, but would those reservations apply also to buying an EV? I'm tending towards that not being the case, as there's little to nothing majorly mechanical to go wrong with them, so a car bought from them would be as safe a buy as from a main dealer, say.

I'd still insist on an independent inspection, regardless of lack of ICE components the car could still have been in a tip

unkel

What's your budget Alun and what Leaf were you thinking of buying for your budget?

Also, is it your only car or your second car? And what is your planned driving pattern for it? Knowing you from other forums, I am sure you've already done a lot of homework, but might as well run it by some in this forum with direct experience with Leafs or other EVs

Zenith74

slave1 wrote: »

I'd still insist on an independent inspection, regardless of lack of ICE components the car could still have been in a tip

FWIW I really struggled to find somebody to get this done in the UK. The usual suspects (Dekra, AA etc. do not do electrics). I eventually got through to some sort of vehicle inspection engineer but he wanted big money for it. In the end I figured I knew enough about cars to be able to pick up anything hugely wrong, bought two Leafs on this basis in the end and delighted with both. One came from a small secondhand car dealer and the other from CarPeople (huge secondhand car supermarket).

Assuming the car suits you distance needs you'll love it! If you can stretch to the Tekna spec I would highly recommend it!

waynegalway

Nissan dealer will do a full inspection for about €80. If the mileage is close to needing a full service and you’re fairly sure you’ll buy the car if it checks out okay, then get the dealer to do the full service for you. That’ll cost about €130, but will include a full check up.

I had mine inspected for €80 and then it was due a service around 3 months later. So I spent €210 when I could have just spent €130. The risk is if you decide to not buy the car, then you’ve serviced it for someone else. In that case, maybe agree that the seller will split it with you. Or maybe you could cover the €80 and they can cover the additional €50?? I’m sure you could work something out if the seller is genuine.

Alun

unkel wrote: »

What's your budget Alun and what Leaf were you thinking of buying for your budget?

Budget would be a max of around 15k, and would like a high spec model with all the toys, either a Tekna, and SVE or SV with cold pack.

Also, is it your only car or your second car? And what is your planned driving pattern for it? Knowing you from other forums, I am sure you've already done a lot of homework, but might as well run it by some in this forum with direct experience with Leafs or other EVs

It'd be a second car for my wife, predominantly for her commute which is only 15km each way. Probably the furthest she'd go would be the airport from Bray. If she needs to she can always borrow my petrol ICE for the day.

I should add it's a bit of a heart versus head thing at the moment ... she has a very nice red MX-5 which she loves in the summer with the roof down, but less so on a wet, dark and windy winter's evening! It's been very reliable I must say, but the tax is pretty high on it. We may well wait until the spring when resale prices for convertibles are a bit higher.

Alun

waynegalway wrote: »

Nissan dealer will do a full inspection for about €80.

How do you arrange something like that? Does the car have to go to the dealer or will they come out to where the car is?

waynegalway

Alun wrote: »

How do you arrange something like that? Does the car have to go to the dealer or will they come out to where the car is?

I met the seller just up the road from the dealer, then drove it there myself. Left it there for a couple of hours, then called back for it. Exactly like a service, really.

The seller in my case was more than happy to facilitate this, as he was confident the car was good.

Make sure whoever inspects it has a good look at the rear tyres. Uneven wear will mean spending a couple of hundred euro on shims.

unkel

Alun wrote: »

Budget would be a max of around 15k, and would like a high spec model with all the toys, either a Tekna, and SVE or SV with cold pack.

It'd be a second car for my wife, predominantly for her commute which is only 15km each way. Probably the furthest she'd go would be the airport from Bray. If she needs to she can always borrow my petrol ICE for the day.

In that case I would keep some of the budget and go for a 2014 or so SVE for around the €9k-€11k mark and I would try and find one as cheap as possible. It will keep its value well. Are you prepared to bring it in from the UK yourself or do you prefer to buy it here? If the latter, there is a well respected indy who sources and brings in EVs from the UK and sells them on with warranty for very reasonable prices

Alun wrote: »

I should add it's a bit of a heart versus head thing at the moment ... she has a very nice red MX-5 which she loves in the summer with the roof down, but less so on a wet, dark and windy winter's evening!

Is it an early one? If so it will have no depreciation. In fact it should go up in value as it approaches its 30th birthday and the advent of €56 per year vintage insurance, and maintenance is going to be minimal. She could keep it and possibly insure it as a second car on a classic policy (and maybe just tax it for 3 months in the summer). If it's a newer car still worth quite a lot, the above unfortunately would not apply and I guess she would have to sell it.

rolion

Can't tell you what to get...but if i have to chose again,in your budget, i will love to get a colour neutral friendly Tekna,24kw (love the 40kw if doable) and a 6kw onboard charger...
Spare some change for the charger,around €1,000 with grant included.
If you have time,get a bluetooth ODB dongle and Leaf Spy and check the health of the car.Otherwise,just follow your senses...
Enjoy it...

unkel

rolion wrote: »

Spare some change for the charger,around €1,000 with grant included.

What?

You overpaying for stuff again?

You can get a charger installed for about €600, so completely free with the grant included.

rolion

unkel wrote: »

What?

You overpaying for stuff again?

You can get a charger installed for about €600, so completely free with the grant included.

Sorry... let me repeat that with a breakdown.
Charger around €700,cables and isolators and other bits + labour makes it at around €1,200 then once you get the grant back, you have it at around €500ish.

Mine, cost me around €1,500 as i went with nice overpaid features such a dedicated inside box for smart meter and RCB and with a nice waterproof box outside.
Also,i spent around €230 on a 5m cable Level2 to Level1 adapter.
Waiting for the grant back to spend on a nice alarm and/or gps tracker.

randombar

From what I've heard on here mostly. Aren't you better off waiting until April to get the next year in the UK?

Anyone have any idea what the best price for the new model is at the moment? Very nice looking car.

unkel

rolion wrote: »

Sorry... let me repeat that with a breakdown.
Charger around €700,cables and isolators and other bits + labour makes it at around €1,200 then once you get the grant back, you have it at around €500ish.

First you say it was net €1000, now you say it is gross €1,200 minus €600 subsidy, so net €600?

I still say you can easily get it done for free (net)

Buy a new or second hand EVSE at a good price (I saw a German made ABL recently on adverts for €200 - this is the unit installed for free by the ESB under the old scheme, I have it and it is excellent). Materials less than €100 incl. VAT for 6mm2 T&E cable, ducting and a 40A RCBO) and about an hour, maybe two to install (say €150 incl VAT). Total €450, so well under the grant, so a free install (QED)

Zenith74

GaryCocs wrote: »

From what I've heard on here mostly. Aren't you better off waiting until April to get the next year in the UK?

The price of secondhand Leafs has been creeping up for the last year or so, so to be honest I don't think there's likely to be much value in waiting in this case.

KCross

rolion wrote: »

Charger around €700,...

What charge point did you buy for €700? Seems overpriced but maybe it has some USP... what is it?

rolion wrote: »

cables and isolators and other bits + labour makes it at around €1,200

€500 for misc pieces and labour.... again, very expensive. Was it a difficult job or a long run or something because €500 for that is way too much unless its a difficult job. I think you said you used SWA cable so that would have added to the cost but not enough to justify a €500 install fee.

rolion wrote: »

...i went with nice overpaid features such a dedicated inside box for smart meter and RCB and with a nice waterproof box outside.
Also,i spent around €230 on a 5m cable Level2 to Level1 adapter.

What are the things I've bolded above? EVSE's are rated for outdoor use so why do you need a waterproof box outside?
What purpose do they serve?
Could you post a pic maybe?

rolion wrote: »

Also,i spent around €230 on a 5m cable Level2 to Level1 adapter.

I vaguely remember someone on this forum saying that these adaptors are not recommended particularly if they are used in an outside environment but also simply because they bypass some of the safety mechanisms of the charging protocol. I'm open to correction on that but you should check that out.

Why do you need it anyway? Have you two EV's or something?

Alun

Anyway, to return to the original question ....

Yes, I think a 141/142 24kWh SVE/Tekna Leaf would be more than adequate for our purposes, the only thing I'd be concerned about would be the future resale value of what would be the bottom-of-the-rung Leaf in terms of capacity and charging speed (assuming it's a 3.3kW charger) with capacities increasing all the time.

I've seen plenty around, but not at the 9-11k price point unkel mentions, unless I'm looking in the wrong places that is. As I said I'd be happy to go a bit higher than that if necessary.

Regarding the MX-5, it's far from a classic, it's a 2006 NC model, and in great condition for it's age, but we'd not be in a position to keep 3 cars going, parking space being the major consideration, so if we did get an EV it'd have to go, sadly.

TheBully

slave1 wrote: »

I'd still insist on an independent inspection, regardless of lack of ICE components the car could still have been in a tip

That’s not possible, EV drivers don’t drive fast enough to be involved in a tip

unkel

Alun wrote: »

Yes, I think a 141/142 24kWh SVE/Tekna Leaf would be more than adequate for our purposes, the only thing I'd be concerned about would be the future resale value of what would be the bottom-of-the-rung Leaf in terms of capacity and charging speed (assuming it's a 3.3kW charger) with capacities increasing all the time.

No need to worry about resale, as long as you buy well. Almost all second hand EVs have actually been going up in value (negative depreciation) in the last year or so. This year everyone knows we will all be going EV soon enough. But supply can not even begin to cope with this. Recipe for strong values.

Alun wrote: »

I've seen plenty around, but not at the 9-11k price point unkel mentions

Electricautos.ie (owned by Phil Fitzgerald - widely respected in Irish EV circles) had a 141 SV last week for €9k. With warranty. Keep an eye on the bargain alerts thread in this forum. Last month he had a 141 SV for €8.4k (bodywork needing some attention - we never saw the pictures it was sold very quickly)

Zenith74

Alun wrote: »

I've seen plenty around, but not at the 9-11k price point unkel mentions, unless I'm looking in the wrong places that is. As I said I'd be happy to go a bit higher than that if necessary.

Yeah I'd say 9-11k (assuming he meant Euro) is probably a little optimistic unless you get very lucky.

I was looking for 2014/2015 Tekna's with low mileage (<30000km as it will still feel nearly new) and in the more popular colours (ie. not white or flat red). Both were from dealers and were €12-12.5k 6 months ago. Looking on Autotrader there now, the cheapest one to meet these criteria is €14k. I'm sure some will pop in below that, and of course you can negotiate down, but I think getting one below €12k in this spec would be a real challenge.

Regarding the 3/6kw charger, I have one of each and honestly it makes very little difference unless you're relying on a destination charger as part of your weekly routine. If you're charging at home most nights and doing the odd longer journey (where you'll DC charge, not 3/6kw AC) then it will make little difference. If I had the choice I'd take a 6kw, but I wouldn't rule a suitably priced car out because of lacking it.

unkel

I'm not known to pay over the odds for anything

But if you are picky with the colour, the spec, warranty from a dealer etc, and you don't want to bring a car in yourself, then you might be looking at well more than €11k easily. Above examples prove that cheaper cars can be done too.

Several for under the £9k mark on Autotrader. Like this low mileage 141 Acenta (SV) from a dealer with warranty for £8.995 asking price

Linky


Get it for £8.8k and you'd bring it in on Irish plates for a touch over €10k

Zenith74

unkel wrote: »

Linky

Oh the horror of those wheels, they're what give Leafs the Noddy look

Alun

Zenith74 wrote: »

Oh the horror of those wheels, they're what give Leafs the Noddy look

Yeah, not mad on those wheels, plus it's black. Had a black car once, never again.

On price, most SVE/Tekna spec ones I've been seeing have been around the 14k mark.

Found another guy in Leopardstown Heights who's importing them Next Eco Cars. They have a nice looking 152 Tekna in red that looks interesting.

https://www.nextecocar.ie/

Lots of photos, which I like, including of all 4 alloys!

rolion

@Alun

Got my 142 Tekna for €10,500.
Love it,all running perfect except that after a short while i lost the 12th bar on the battery.

Keep looking around and from what i have seen on some cars,dont go "lower" than a Tekna,the amount of techie inside drives you nuts.

Also,i know may sound nuts,put the cash as a deposit and get a loan / lease the newer model with a 40KW battery...YOU will not regret it...

Enjoy it...

barneyrub

unkel wrote: »

Electricautos.ie (owned by Phil Fitzgerald - widely respected in Irish EV circles) had a 141 SV last week for €9k. With warranty. Keep an eye on the bargain alerts thread in this forum. Last month he had a 141 SV for €8.4k (bodywork needing some attention - we never saw the pictures it was sold very quickly)

Was a 142 And the bodywork attention was v little so I happily bought it from him.


Would recommend giving him a buzz....very helpful

unkel

Nice one, barneyrub. You bought yourself a zero depreciation car. Well wear :cool:

randombar

rolion wrote: »

@Alun

Got my 142 Tekna for €10,500.
Love it,all running perfect except that after a short while i lost the 12th bar on the battery.

Keep looking around and from what i have seen on some cars,dont go "lower" than a Tekna,the amount of techie inside drives you nuts.

Also,i know may sound nuts,put the cash as a deposit and get a loan / lease the newer model with a 40KW battery...YOU will not regret it...

Enjoy it...

So is it worth going the bit extra for the 40KW? What kind of prices are we talking?

Gumbo

GaryCocs wrote: »

So is it worth going the bit extra for the 40KW? What kind of prices are we talking?

A bit extra??!!!!
141 tekna is about 10k. The 40kwh is 35k......

rolion

Gary...i can't tell you that.
My initial budget went over by 2k...i was on my way to buy the Leaf from Naas and while on the phone with the Tekna seller, he made his point between inside differences regarding comfort....
Now,in cold Morning,my wife really appreciates a warm "sexy" seat for her boom and a warm welcome from heated steering wheel. Only thing I'm not happy is not having electric memory seats as I hate squeziing in and keep adjusting them.

One major advantage between a L24 and the L40 is the technology and you'll avoid "range anxiety" sickness. Mine does 110 and is about 90 shorter than what ill love...even charging it once at two days still not great as wife cold person, turns heat on, range buffer / safe zone gone and calls stressed voice begin to appear...

Today,with your 15k cash, I'll put up front deposit and get the loan for the best cost effective Tekna L40...i see it as an advantage as you may have to get a smaller loan amiunt...different game if the 15k are loan, then go with the money you have available within common sense and future less stress financially...compared with my previous car, I'm saving €60 every week...

I know you are hate me know...but that car will keep you at least 5 years and you'll feel much more happy...not sure about wife...mine still drives in "ECO" mode and complains that is slow...

randombar

rolion wrote: »

Gary...i can't tell you that.
My initial budget went over by 2k...i was on my way to buy the Leaf from Naas and while on the phone with the Tekna seller, he made his point between inside differences regarding comfort....
Now,in cold Morning,my wife really appreciates a warm "sexy" seat for her boom and a warm welcome from heated steering wheel. Only thing I'm not happy is not having electric memory seats as I hate squeziing in and keep adjusting them.

One major advantage between a L24 and the L40 is the technology and you'll avoid "range anxiety" sickness. Mine does 110 and is about 90 shorter than what ill love...even charging it once at two days still not great as wife cold person, turns heat on, range buffer / safe zone gone and calls stressed voice begin to appear...

Today,with your 15k cash, I'll put up front deposit and get the loan for the best cost effective Tekna L40...i see it as an advantage as you may have to get a smaller loan amiunt...different game if the 15k are loan, then go with the money you have available within common sense and future less stress financially...compared with my previous car, I'm saving €60 every week...

I know you are hate me know...but that car will keep you at least 5 years and you'll feel much more happy...not sure about wife...mine still drives in "ECO" mode and complains that is slow...

Thanks for the detail.

Would be borrowing for most of it.

Currently have a petrol Corolla hatchback. Running brilliantly but boot is very small and sick of the price of petrol going up.

In and out of town every day. About 30km per day.

Probably 40 or 50 a week.