Buying a Used Nissan Leaf
Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Bradford, Liverpool

Here at Eco Cars, we have years of experience in the electric car industry. If you are thinking of buying a used Nissan Leaf, this guide will help.

We offer all our products at an affordable price, and all our services are professional and top quality.

If you would like to find out more information, please contact us today by giving us a call or email, or search through our website.  

Buying any used car can be a daunting experience, but there are even more things to consider when going electric. Eco Cars have been following the evolution of electric cars since the 1990s. So, we know what to look for, what works and what doesn't.

Charging Cables

When acquiring a Leaf, it's crucial to examine that all the charging wires are included with the sale are undamaged and work to the level they should. They are not only vital to charging the car, but also very expensive to replace, especially if you don't realise until later on, as it could cause breakdowns.

The same principle extends to the SD card, which the infotainment system relies upon to work appropriately. These are customised to specific cars as well, for example, if you buy a Nissan Leaf, you need to have a Nissan Leaf SD card. If not, this could also set you back numerous pounds to replace.

Here at Eco Cars, we make sure all vehicles leave our site with all the necessary parts and equipment, all working correctly. We offer pre-sale servicing and will demonstrate all the parts to ensure you know what to do.

Charging Points

When purchasing a Nissan Leaf, buyers should also think about the cost of setting up the charger on their home premises. Considering that the Nissan Leaf charges as opposed to using fuel, owners wind up investing a lot less in electrical power compared to what they would on fuel.

Having a charging point at home for your electric vehicle would mean you can charge it whilst on your drive, and you won't need to stop and find charging points on your route to work, or on a family road trip. This will not only save you money but also save you time waiting around at charging points.

If you need any advice on how and why to set up a charging point on your home premises, please get in touch with a professional company today. Here at Eco Cars, we can give you the advice you need, so call us today!

Battery

The largest issue with electric cars, and mainly used electric cars, is how well the batteries maintain their capacity. If you acquire a vehicle that has difficulty holding battery charge, then you might want to consider the expense of changing the battery. 

This can be high, especially when compared to the price of getting a used EV. Specific models with poor depreciation values may see their value drop below the cost of replacing the battery.

Make sure you check the dashboard for the battery capacity bars. The first generation of 2011-2017 Leaf had 12 bars to indicate a good state of health for the battery pack. Over time, the capacity (and thus range) of the battery will deteriorate, and the bars will disappear. The first bar diminishes at 82% capacity.

We do expect battery manufacturers to offer retrofit EV batteries to older Nissan leaf in the future, as battery technology moves on, offering a greater range than the original Leaf.

Model

Check that the vehicle is  NOT a "Flex" Leaf. This was a leased battery scheme where Nissan owned the battery with a guarantee that if it dropped below 75%, they would replace the battery under warranty. The initial purchase costs from the dealership are reduced.  However, the battery lease was around £70 a month depending on the term and miles driven, heavily restricting the usage of the car. The flex option is not available on the 2018 Leaf.

The flex option is not available on the 2018 Leaf.

Is it Worth Buying a Used Nissan Leaf?

There are many benefits to buying a used Nissan Leaf, rather than a brand new one. Below are a few of the main benefits of buying a used electric car, and also what to watch out for.

How do I Buy a Used Nissan Leaf?

First, you must find an experienced and professional company that sells used Nissan Leafs. It is important to check the reviews to ensure the company has had successful sales, and you aren't buying from a dodgy company.

Once you have done this, you need to start looking for the Nissan Leaf of your dreams. Start watching out for the colours you prefer, and look into the mileage, previous owners and if the vehicle needs any repairs.

Then, go to your chosen provider and have a test drive of your vehicle. Make sure the vehicle has been serviced, and you can see a full-service history and latest MOT. Then, you are all set to buy your used Nissan Leaf.

What is the Range of a Used Nissan Leaf?

The range of a used Nissan Leaf averages at 73 miles. However, this will depend on how old the car is and how much it has been used.

If the previous owners used the vehicle for long journeys, then the battery life on the car will be relatively low.

It is important to check the range of your chosen vehicle with the seller, who will be able to advise you on the right specifications for you and your lifestyle. For example, if you drive short journeys around built-up areas, including busy city centres, then this car would be perfect for you.

This is because the Nissan Leaf features a 'start and stop engine,' which turns itself off when you stop at pedestrian crossings, or traffic lights, saving your battery life. It takes around 7 hours to fully charge your Nissan Leaf vehicle, but this would depend on the voltage you are using to charge your car. 

Can you Plug a Nissan Leaf into a Regular Outlet?

The answer to this question is yes you can; however, it isn't advised. A regular outlet won't charge your vehicle to its fullest potential and will take an extremely long time to charge. You need to make sure that your charging point is meant to be used for the type of electric car you have.

To charge you Nissan Leaf, you need to make sure you know how much charge you're going to need. For example, if you are going on a short journey, you may only wish to charge your vehicle for under an hour. If you want your vehicle to be fully charged, then you will need to leave your vehicle on charge for several hours.

If you need any help or advise on this, please get in touch with our friendly and professional company today. We can tell you all you need to know about the Nissan Leaf and its charging requirements. We have many years of experience in the industry and have gained expert knowledge so that we can give our customers the best service possible.

Are Nissan Leafs Reliable?

Yes, the Nissan Leaf is a very reliable electric car. It is said to drive smoothly and have notable acceleration. It is also one of the least expensive electric car models, so you are definitely getting a lot for your money.

Users of the Nissan Leaf have said the car provides a high-quality performance level and it is now one of the largest selling names in the electric vehicle field. The only noted downfall is about the interior design, which doesn't affect the reliability in any way.

If you would like any advice, or to find out more, please get in contact with us today. You can reach us via phone call or email, and a member of our friendly team will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Are you looking for used electric cars in Sheffield, Manchester, Bradford or Liverpool? We are electric car specialists working with customers throughout the UK. If you want to find out more about our used Nissan Leaf electric car deals, follow the link below.