The Nissan Leaf was the first mass-produced electric vehicle. It set the paradigm for the early adopter EV, providing anemic power with minimal range and looking like a bug-eyed space capsule. It perfectly suited the core EV buyer in 2010: someone who felt the Toyota Prius was not quirky or hardcore enough.
Competitors surpassed the Leaf. Tesla proved EVs could be cool and offer more than three times as much range as the Leaf. Chevrolet built the more fully baked Bolt EV. And the market now has a robust segment of entry-level electric crossovers. But Nissan has kept updating the Leaf. And the brand has clung doggedly to its main virtue against the competition: affordability.
The Nissan Leaf S is America’s cheapest EV in production, with a starting MSRP below $30,000. And if you’re looking to get from A to a reasonably distanced point B on a budget, a used Nissan Leaf could be an intriguing option.
If you’re in the market for a used Nissan Leaf, here are the questions you must ask (and potential pitfalls to avoid).
Gallery: 2017 Nissan Leaf
Which generation Nissan Leaf are you buying?
The main distinction between Nissan Leafs is generational. The first-gen Nissan Leaf (2011-17) was a pioneer. But it also put out 107 horsepower and offered a paltry 73 miles of EPA-estimated range with its 24 kWh battery pack. A larger 30 kWh pack added late in the model run bumped the range to 107 miles. Remember, those cars now deliver significantly less in range than they did then.
Nissan broadened the Leaf’s niche with the second generation (2018-present). The base 42 kWH battery now brings an EPA-estimated 149 miles of range. Nissan now offers the Leaf Plus, introduced in 2019, which bumps the power output to 215 hp and the EPA-estimated range to 212 miles with its 62 kWh battery.
Gallery: 2020 Nissan LEAF
How much does a used Nissan Leaf cost?
Used Nissan Leafs have a broad price range. You get what you pay for. First-generation Leafs tend to be dramatically cheaper. Older first-gen models, often with high mileage and diminished range, can be found for below $5,000. Later first-gen models with the 30 kWh battery may cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
Second-gen Leafs tend to be priced higher, between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on the age, usage and whether it was a Plus model. A used Leaf Plus model of recent vintage might crack $20,000. Almost every used Nissan Leaf should be beneath the $25,000 threshold for the used EV tax credit.
Is battery degradation an issue with used Nissan Leafs?
Yes. All lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time. That can be a particular concern for first-gen Nissan Leafs. These cars have been on the road for a decade or more, had relatively primitive battery tech, and were often used hard by their owners, who charged 100 percent frequently. A Leaf that began with 73 miles of range may top out in the 40s or 50s now.
Some pre-2015 Leafs suffered particularly bad degradation when exposed to extreme heat in climates like the American Southwest. Nissan used passive air cooling for the battery packs rather than liquid cooling, which many modern EVs use. Nissan introduced a more resilient 24 kWh “Lizard” battery in 2015.
What type of charger does a Nissan Leaf have?
Nissan sold differently configured Leafs. That can make a difference in how quickly the vehicle can charge. For Level 2 home charging, first-gen models came with a base 3.6 kW capacity and an optional upgrade to 6.6 kW. The latter now comes standard on second-generation Leafs. This rate is slower than the 11.4 kW home charging some EVs are capable of. But remember that the Leaf has a smaller battery.
Fast charging for a Leaf is relatively slow by modern EV standards. Leaf vehicles come with a 50 kW quick charge port. Leaf Plus models upgrade to a 100 kW high-output quick charge port. The Leaf uses the CHAdeMO plug for fast charging; it’s basically the only EV still using it. That leaves Leaf owners with comparatively few options for fast charging.
Does the used Nissan Leaf struggle in cold weather?
Early first-gen Nissan Leafs struggled with cabin heating demands, sapping the range in cold weather. Nissan added the option for a more efficient heat pump in 2013, listed on the Monroney as the “Hybrid Heater System.” It came on higher trims and as part of a cold weather package. Having that can help diminish winter range loss.
Testing has shown second-generation Leafs to be stouter than the original model in cold weather conditions. A 2019 Leaf outperformed several competitors, maintaining its range in cold weather.
Does a used Nissan Leaf have warranty coverage?
Yes. However, make sure to read the fine print. Nissan typically sold Leafs with a three-year or 36,000-mile comprehensive warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty and (on battery packs larger than the 24 kWh pack) an eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty. Most first-gen Leafs will be out of warranty. Most second-gen Leafs will still have some warranty on the battery.
Remember that the battery warranty does not entitle the owner to a new battery. Nissan scores its battery capacity out of 12 bars. Dipping below 9/12 bars makes the Leaf eligible for a battery warranty repair. The warranty only covers repairs to bring the battery back up to 9/12 bars.
