Nissan Leaf - Underappreciated/valued
Discussion
Over the festive break I managed to convince my dad to upgrade from his 2011 Skoda Yeti 1.2TSI, a fantastic car that has been pretty faultless over the 13 years of ownership, 85k miles and due to it's flexibility a fair amount of load carrying abuse.
The main reason safety features.
As you may have likely guessed he upgraded to a Nissan Leaf N-Connecta with the pro pilot plus pack, essentially a Tekna without some minor bits and pieces. What did he pay £13k for just over 7,000 miles on a late 72 plate. They gave him almost £3k for the Yeti...
In my humble opinion there is no better value sub 100 mile a day daily driver as this. I have driven a number of electric cars owned an I3S and currently have a series hybrid, I'll confess I prefer electric drive for daily duties. Like I say I helped my father choose the car went on a couple of test drives and have helped him acclimatise to the change over the last few weeks.
The car has ample space for 4 and five at a squish with a big boot, it's nippy enough, comfortably does 100 miles whatever the weather has every safety option, quite a few technology ones, the right mix of physical and digital controls. Basically I don't think I can fault it for the task at hand.
OK it's old EV tech the range isn't great, it doesn't charge quick but so long as you don't do more than 100miles a day and charge over night whats the problem. My dad loves it.
What has been a bit of a revelation for me though, given all of the above, is actually supposedly more advanced/expensive cars just aren't significantly better at doing the task of transporting people and stuff about safely. In fact I would say you are paying for compromise, often form over function or chasing pointless numbers. It's certainly made me think.
All I can say is if you are looking for a cheap good new mode of family transport go give one a go, they don't make them anymore and there are some good deals on final pre-registered ones in dealerships.
The main reason safety features.
As you may have likely guessed he upgraded to a Nissan Leaf N-Connecta with the pro pilot plus pack, essentially a Tekna without some minor bits and pieces. What did he pay £13k for just over 7,000 miles on a late 72 plate. They gave him almost £3k for the Yeti...
In my humble opinion there is no better value sub 100 mile a day daily driver as this. I have driven a number of electric cars owned an I3S and currently have a series hybrid, I'll confess I prefer electric drive for daily duties. Like I say I helped my father choose the car went on a couple of test drives and have helped him acclimatise to the change over the last few weeks.
The car has ample space for 4 and five at a squish with a big boot, it's nippy enough, comfortably does 100 miles whatever the weather has every safety option, quite a few technology ones, the right mix of physical and digital controls. Basically I don't think I can fault it for the task at hand.
OK it's old EV tech the range isn't great, it doesn't charge quick but so long as you don't do more than 100miles a day and charge over night whats the problem. My dad loves it.
What has been a bit of a revelation for me though, given all of the above, is actually supposedly more advanced/expensive cars just aren't significantly better at doing the task of transporting people and stuff about safely. In fact I would say you are paying for compromise, often form over function or chasing pointless numbers. It's certainly made me think.
All I can say is if you are looking for a cheap good new mode of family transport go give one a go, they don't make them anymore and there are some good deals on final pre-registered ones in dealerships.
I had taken a look, and done some research into a getting a Leaf about 10 months go, but then Honda threw that eNy1 deal out and I went for that. 
Too many people decry its range, the Leaf, when it's ample for huge numbers of people, me included, and it's nice to see somebody with a positive report on them.
I though they were still making them though, but wiki days March 2024 it ceased in Sunderland.
Too many people decry its range, the Leaf, when it's ample for huge numbers of people, me included, and it's nice to see somebody with a positive report on them.
I though they were still making them though, but wiki days March 2024 it ceased in Sunderland.
Moonpie21 said:
Over the festive break I managed to convince my dad to upgrade from his 2011 Skoda Yeti 1.2TSI, a fantastic car that has been pretty faultless over the 13 years of ownership, 85k miles and due to it's flexibility a fair amount of load carrying abuse.
The main reason safety features.
As you may have likely guessed he upgraded to a Nissan Leaf N-Connecta with the pro pilot plus pack, essentially a Tekna without some minor bits and pieces. What did he pay £13k for just over 7,000 miles on a late 72 plate. They gave him almost £3k for the Yeti...
In my humble opinion there is no better value sub 100 mile a day daily driver as this. I have driven a number of electric cars owned an I3S and currently have a series hybrid, I'll confess I prefer electric drive for daily duties. Like I say I helped my father choose the car went on a couple of test drives and have helped him acclimatise to the change over the last few weeks.
The car has ample space for 4 and five at a squish with a big boot, it's nippy enough, comfortably does 100 miles whatever the weather has every safety option, quite a few technology ones, the right mix of physical and digital controls. Basically I don't think I can fault it for the task at hand.
OK it's old EV tech the range isn't great, it doesn't charge quick but so long as you don't do more than 100miles a day and charge over night whats the problem. My dad loves it.
What has been a bit of a revelation for me though, given all of the above, is actually supposedly more advanced/expensive cars just aren't significantly better at doing the task of transporting people and stuff about safely. In fact I would say you are paying for compromise, often form over function or chasing pointless numbers. It's certainly made me think.
All I can say is if you are looking for a cheap good new mode of family transport go give one a go, they don't make them anymore and there are some good deals on final pre-registered ones in dealerships.
Couldn't agree more. I have the Tekna and regret not going for the Connecta. Currently its going for about £170 per month. The amount of kit it has is incredible for what is essentially an entry level car. Heated front and rear, 360 cam, heated steering, propilot etc. And yes, it is big, actually LONGER than Honda's ENY:1 https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/nissan-le...The main reason safety features.
As you may have likely guessed he upgraded to a Nissan Leaf N-Connecta with the pro pilot plus pack, essentially a Tekna without some minor bits and pieces. What did he pay £13k for just over 7,000 miles on a late 72 plate. They gave him almost £3k for the Yeti...
In my humble opinion there is no better value sub 100 mile a day daily driver as this. I have driven a number of electric cars owned an I3S and currently have a series hybrid, I'll confess I prefer electric drive for daily duties. Like I say I helped my father choose the car went on a couple of test drives and have helped him acclimatise to the change over the last few weeks.
The car has ample space for 4 and five at a squish with a big boot, it's nippy enough, comfortably does 100 miles whatever the weather has every safety option, quite a few technology ones, the right mix of physical and digital controls. Basically I don't think I can fault it for the task at hand.
OK it's old EV tech the range isn't great, it doesn't charge quick but so long as you don't do more than 100miles a day and charge over night whats the problem. My dad loves it.
What has been a bit of a revelation for me though, given all of the above, is actually supposedly more advanced/expensive cars just aren't significantly better at doing the task of transporting people and stuff about safely. In fact I would say you are paying for compromise, often form over function or chasing pointless numbers. It's certainly made me think.
All I can say is if you are looking for a cheap good new mode of family transport go give one a go, they don't make them anymore and there are some good deals on final pre-registered ones in dealerships.
I’m on my second (both Tekna) and agree with everything you’ve said. The technology may be a bit dated now but that means you have physical buttons for the controls and, whilst it has all the modern safety/nannying stuff, it’ll only come on when you request it. It’s big enough whilst still being fairly compact and very comfortable, plus quite nippy.
For my usage I have always averaged over 4m/kwh and tyres last 40k. Range only really drops off when it gets down to near freezing. Chademo has not been an issue, I’ve probably used public chargers 4 or 5 times.
I’ve leased mine so depreciation has not been an issue but I’d consider buying another as they’re such good value for what you get.
For my usage I have always averaged over 4m/kwh and tyres last 40k. Range only really drops off when it gets down to near freezing. Chademo has not been an issue, I’ve probably used public chargers 4 or 5 times.
I’ve leased mine so depreciation has not been an issue but I’d consider buying another as they’re such good value for what you get.
We're at the other end of the spectrum and looking at "shed" Leafs to replace our 15-year old Peugeot 107 which we'd been holding onto so the kids could learn to drive a manual, but they don't seem to be interested in that any more! Prices still seem to be coming down and you get a lot for the money, especially in Tekna trim!
Chris
Chris
Moonpie21 said:
Over the festive break I managed to convince my dad to upgrade from his 2011 Skoda Yeti 1.2TSI, a fantastic car that has been pretty faultless over the 13 years of ownership, 85k miles and due to it's flexibility a fair amount of load carrying abuse.
The main reason safety features.
As you may have likely guessed he upgraded to a Nissan Leaf N-Connecta with the pro pilot plus pack, essentially a Tekna without some minor bits and pieces. What did he pay £13k for just over 7,000 miles on a late 72 plate. They gave him almost £3k for the Yeti...
In my humble opinion there is no better value sub 100 mile a day daily driver as this. I have driven a number of electric cars owned an I3S and currently have a series hybrid, I'll confess I prefer electric drive for daily duties. Like I say I helped my father choose the car went on a couple of test drives and have helped him acclimatise to the change over the last few weeks.
The car has ample space for 4 and five at a squish with a big boot, it's nippy enough, comfortably does 100 miles whatever the weather has every safety option, quite a few technology ones, the right mix of physical and digital controls. Basically I don't think I can fault it for the task at hand.
OK it's old EV tech the range isn't great, it doesn't charge quick but so long as you don't do more than 100miles a day and charge over night whats the problem. My dad loves it.
What has been a bit of a revelation for me though, given all of the above, is actually supposedly more advanced/expensive cars just aren't significantly better at doing the task of transporting people and stuff about safely. In fact I would say you are paying for compromise, often form over function or chasing pointless numbers. It's certainly made me think.
All I can say is if you are looking for a cheap good new mode of family transport go give one a go, they don't make them anymore and there are some good deals on final pre-registered ones in dealerships.
Yes, its easy to park too. A very good turning circle as well, which makes life simpler in tight spaces (doing a 180 on a mini roundabout for example)The main reason safety features.
As you may have likely guessed he upgraded to a Nissan Leaf N-Connecta with the pro pilot plus pack, essentially a Tekna without some minor bits and pieces. What did he pay £13k for just over 7,000 miles on a late 72 plate. They gave him almost £3k for the Yeti...
In my humble opinion there is no better value sub 100 mile a day daily driver as this. I have driven a number of electric cars owned an I3S and currently have a series hybrid, I'll confess I prefer electric drive for daily duties. Like I say I helped my father choose the car went on a couple of test drives and have helped him acclimatise to the change over the last few weeks.
The car has ample space for 4 and five at a squish with a big boot, it's nippy enough, comfortably does 100 miles whatever the weather has every safety option, quite a few technology ones, the right mix of physical and digital controls. Basically I don't think I can fault it for the task at hand.
OK it's old EV tech the range isn't great, it doesn't charge quick but so long as you don't do more than 100miles a day and charge over night whats the problem. My dad loves it.
What has been a bit of a revelation for me though, given all of the above, is actually supposedly more advanced/expensive cars just aren't significantly better at doing the task of transporting people and stuff about safely. In fact I would say you are paying for compromise, often form over function or chasing pointless numbers. It's certainly made me think.
All I can say is if you are looking for a cheap good new mode of family transport go give one a go, they don't make them anymore and there are some good deals on final pre-registered ones in dealerships.
It's pretty solid on the road, well planted and never skits around which makes it a comfortable, predictable drive. For a use case like you've described, its a perfect purchase due to the incredible value for money and overall capability you get.
Kind of why I bought an ID3 afterwards, just wanting something with more range. After driving the Leaf, I wanted something with a small footprint, a good turning circle, decent passenger space, easy to park and to get around town. Its surprising how many EV's actually fail to tick these boxes, yet after having a Leaf, I didn't want to give those things up, hence why I ended up in the ID3. Lots of similarities in how its packaged.
soupdragon1 said:
Yes, its easy to park too. A very good turning circle as well, which makes life simpler in tight spaces (doing a 180 on a mini roundabout for example)
It's pretty solid on the road, well planted and never skits around which makes it a comfortable, predictable drive. For a use case like you've described, its a perfect purchase due to the incredible value for money and overall capability you get.
Kind of why I bought an ID3 afterwards, just wanting something with more range. After driving the Leaf, I wanted something with a small footprint, a good turning circle, decent passenger space, easy to park and to get around town. Its surprising how many EV's actually fail to tick these boxes, yet after having a Leaf, I didn't want to give those things up, hence why I ended up in the ID3. Lots of similarities in how its packaged.
How is it kitwise? I hear germans don't include a lot of features others (S.Koreans/Japanese) do as default.It's pretty solid on the road, well planted and never skits around which makes it a comfortable, predictable drive. For a use case like you've described, its a perfect purchase due to the incredible value for money and overall capability you get.
Kind of why I bought an ID3 afterwards, just wanting something with more range. After driving the Leaf, I wanted something with a small footprint, a good turning circle, decent passenger space, easy to park and to get around town. Its surprising how many EV's actually fail to tick these boxes, yet after having a Leaf, I didn't want to give those things up, hence why I ended up in the ID3. Lots of similarities in how its packaged.
I'm liking to hear this.
I'm in the situation now where i'm looking at 'Leaves' and either going to go for a cheap UK built MK 1.5 or spend a bit more to get a mk2 version. The goal would be the 62kw version but thats still a bit out of my price range (although ones with mega mileage do appear now and again.
I'm in the situation now where i'm looking at 'Leaves' and either going to go for a cheap UK built MK 1.5 or spend a bit more to get a mk2 version. The goal would be the 62kw version but thats still a bit out of my price range (although ones with mega mileage do appear now and again.
Rocking a Gen 1 24kw Leaf (later model, UK built) for school run and tip duties, £150 p/a to insure and 7.5p/Kwh charging overnight on the granny charger (on octopus ev tariff for wife's car) is a no-brainer. Pre-heating and no de-icing it in winter is worth the annual MOT cost. 11bars of battery and SOH at 85%ish.
Pistonheadsdicoverer said:
How is it kitwise? I hear germans don't include a lot of features others (S.Koreans/Japanese) do as default.
I ordered the 'Family' trim for that very reason. Off the top of my head, I got extra:Matrix headlights
Glass roof with electric blind
30 colour cabin ambient lighting pack
Lane/traffic jam/emergency assist (part of the radar cruise set up I think)
Heated seats and heated steering wheel
Alcantara seating material
Autonomous parallel and reverse parking
Reversing camera
Keyless entry
I then personally added Derry alloy wheels and the pro performance motor (bringing it to just over 200BHP)
But, that was back in 2021 I ordered it, and I didn't actually receive it until 2023, due to supply chain issues. The facelift car has different trims now, so I'm not sure of the base specs anymore. Back then, the 'Life' trim was pretty sparce on options. Saying that, things like LED headlights were standard, just not matrix. So all depends what you are after really.
If anyone considers one, check out the stereo. Its terrible on my car. Sure, its got carplay/android auto, DAB and stuff, but the actually quality of the amp and speakers is poor. You would want an upgraded stereo system, one thing where I missed a trick when speccing my car.
Owned our Leaf from new, bought over a decade ago. (2014 Acenta)
Range on a good day is 80 miles, 50-60 is the figure I work on, and that is plenty for at least 95% of our journeys.
One wheel bearing is the only non-consumable cost in all of that time. Battery around 80% and still drives beautifully and so comfortable to be in.
Worth £2.5k tops, and given that the fuel savings on Octopus Go represent (using ballpark figures) around £1,000/year, I find it almost impossible to believe that anyone who has enough space for one of these wouldn't simply buy one, even as an extra car.
Range on a good day is 80 miles, 50-60 is the figure I work on, and that is plenty for at least 95% of our journeys.
One wheel bearing is the only non-consumable cost in all of that time. Battery around 80% and still drives beautifully and so comfortable to be in.
Worth £2.5k tops, and given that the fuel savings on Octopus Go represent (using ballpark figures) around £1,000/year, I find it almost impossible to believe that anyone who has enough space for one of these wouldn't simply buy one, even as an extra car.
soupdragon1 said:
Kind of why I bought an ID3 afterwards, just wanting something with more range. After driving the Leaf, I wanted something with a small footprint, a good turning circle, decent passenger space, easy to park and to get around town. Its surprising how many EV's actually fail to tick these boxes, yet after having a Leaf, I didn't want to give those things up, hence why I ended up in the ID3. Lots of similarities in how its packaged.
I find it funny, I think the Nissan Leaf has probably been a stepping stone for many to go on and try other electric cars...As a silly question, subjective of course. Do you feel that the ID3 represents as much value as the Nissan Leaf? Style is a completely different question, but I am guessing VW want a bit of premium over the Nissan and the ID3 doesn't have things like a 360 camera. Just interested on your thoughts as you have had both.
edited to add
I get you changed primarily for range, I guess looking back was that really required or a nice to have?
given their limited range, the mk1s are holding their value strongly compared to other hatchbacks. I think at 28k new they were an "interesting" choice, but at around 5k they're a lot of car for local only duties. clearly there's a market there that's recognised this, I would guess the multi-car households where other options exist for longer journeys.
Moonpie21 said:
soupdragon1 said:
Kind of why I bought an ID3 afterwards, just wanting something with more range. After driving the Leaf, I wanted something with a small footprint, a good turning circle, decent passenger space, easy to park and to get around town. Its surprising how many EV's actually fail to tick these boxes, yet after having a Leaf, I didn't want to give those things up, hence why I ended up in the ID3. Lots of similarities in how its packaged.
I find it funny, I think the Nissan Leaf has probably been a stepping stone for many to go on and try other electric cars...As a silly question, subjective of course. Do you feel that the ID3 represents as much value as the Nissan Leaf? Style is a completely different question, but I am guessing VW want a bit of premium over the Nissan and the ID3 doesn't have things like a 360 camera. Just interested on your thoughts as you have had both.
edited to add
I get you changed primarily for range, I guess looking back was that really required or a nice to have?
I'm terms of value to money, I think both cars are now good buys on the used market for what they offer. ID3 still more expensive like for like though, but the question becomes, what do you need from the car. Leaf is even better value it fits your requirements.
I bought another leaf MK1 for my son, to help him practice driving as a learner and when he passes his test, a great car for him. It's safe, predictable and easy to drive so a great car for a new driver too, with plenty of room for friends.
The Leaf was an absolute pioneer - driving one in 3014 felt like driving the future, even if that future was full of Nissan quirkiness and bad design choices. The drivetrain? A revelation - once you have an electric motor instead of a gearbox you don’t want to go back.
I do find it odd that Nissan still sell them - a 15 year old car with practically Stone Age technology considering the developments in that time. Used? Go for it if the deal is cheap. People rocking the original and it works for them? Fabulous.
I do find it odd that Nissan still sell them - a 15 year old car with practically Stone Age technology considering the developments in that time. Used? Go for it if the deal is cheap. People rocking the original and it works for them? Fabulous.
JustGetATesla said:
The Leaf was an absolute pioneer - driving one in 3014 felt like driving the future, even if that future was full of Nissan quirkiness and bad design choices. The drivetrain? A revelation - once you have an electric motor instead of a gearbox you don’t want to go back.
I do find it odd that Nissan still sell them - a 15 year old car with practically Stone Age technology considering the developments in that time. Used? Go for it if the deal is cheap. People rocking the original and it works for them? Fabulous.
Although it is stone age in some ways though it is remarkable how little the tech has come on in practice. The Leaf ended with a ~40Kwh battery which is the same size as this year's COTY new 2025 Renault 5. The Leaf's economy is about the same (or better, they all have heat pumps as standard) as a 2025 EV. The winter range drop off isn't particularly worse than anything else. The 40 and 62 models seem to be showing about 90% health at 100k miles and 5 years which is around the same or better as a Tesla Model 3. Yes I know the battery isn't heated/cooled but the difference to the end user experience in the UK is remarkably small.I do find it odd that Nissan still sell them - a 15 year old car with practically Stone Age technology considering the developments in that time. Used? Go for it if the deal is cheap. People rocking the original and it works for them? Fabulous.
The thing which shows its age is the car its self in ride, handling and general feel. The actual end user EV experience isn't a lot different to anything else apart from the Chademo charger and the relatively slow fast charge speed.
CABC said:
given their limited range, the mk1s are holding their value strongly compared to other hatchbacks. I think at 28k new they were an "interesting" choice, but at around 5k they're a lot of car for local only duties. clearly there's a market there that's recognised this, I would guess the multi-car households where other options exist for longer journeys.
Thats where they work really well, for all the local journeys, but where there's another car. I had one on loan for two days from Nissan, probably around 2014/2015, when I was commuting 35 miles each way, with one junction on the motorway. It didn't work for thatGassing Station | EV and Alternative Fuels | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff