Used Nissan Leaf 2011-2018 review
The Nissan Leaf is easy, fun and comfortable to drive. Just make sure you can live with the limited range
- Used Nissan Leaf 2011-2018
- Used Nissan Leaf 2011-2018
- Used Nissan Leaf 2011-2018
- Used Nissan Leaf 2011-2018
- Used Nissan Leaf 2011-2018
What's the used Nissan Leaf like?
We can say the future’s electric, but that future really started to arrive in 2011. That was when Nissan first offered the Leaf in the UK. It was not only one of the first large volume electric cars to go on sale, but also, by dint of being a family-car-sized hatchback.
For a first-generation electric car, most models have a pretty useful range, too, although the later 30kWh model that was introduced during the 2016 refresh is considerably better than the early 24kWh Leaf. As with all electric cars, battery range is dependent on a number of factors, including how the car is used and even the weather, so you may not match the official figures in everyday use. Ideally, you will need some off-street parking or dedicated space to charge the car overnight, too. Otherwise, you'll have to rely on the public charging network, and this might not fit into everybody's daily routine.
Pros
- Easy to drive
- Cheap to run
- Plenty of room for families compared with other electric cars
Cons
- Small boot
- Can take a long time to charge
- Range drops in cold weather
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There is a further factor to consider when purchasing a Leaf, new or used, and that is whether its battery is included in the cost of the car or whether it’s leased separately for a monthly sum. Battery life is ultimately limited and how long it lasts can also vary according to use. Leasing means not having to worry about the cost of replacing the battery.
Those points are worth considering before you decide whether an electric car fits into your lifestyle. If it does, the Leaf must be considered one of the very best of them. It’s quiet, comfortable, and good to drive. Pre-2013 examples have a more supple ride around town, while Leafs built after this date have slightly firmer suspension setup to improve stability at motorway speeds.
Equipment levels are generous, though; even an entry-level Leaf Visia comes with a fair amount of standard features, including climate control, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, all-round electric windows, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and keyless start and go.
For a more rounded specification, we’d recommend the Acenta trim if you can find one. It adds cruise control, power-fold door mirrors, a driver’s armrest and automatic lights and wipers. You also get better infotainment with sat-nav and Nissan Connect EV, as well as plusher interior trim.
The top-spec Tekna grade features lots of toys, but it commands a hefty price, even in a used example. Only those really keen on having every last piece of kit, such as the high-end Bose audio system and heated leather seats all round, should opt for this.
The changes made in 2013 also extended to the interior because you could specify a matt black dashboard, which wouldn't reflect sunlight as much as the earlier cream one, which tended to also look grubby unless you kept a fastidious cleaning regime. Space is par for the family car course upfront, but the steering wheel only adjusts up and down, so some may not find a comfortable driving position. Six-footers can fit in the back, but the boot is on the small side for a family car, and it has a high lip to lift items over.
If you're interested in finding a used Leaf, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.
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Tips & Advice
Ownership cost
What used Nissan Leaf will I get for my budget?
A good example of the Leaf will start at about £5000, at the time of writing for a 2011 car. Upping your budget to between £6500 to £7000 will net you a 2013 car, while the improved 30kWh battery pack-equipped version starts from £10,000. That is the least you'll need to buy a late 2017 car as well.
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Tips & Advice
Our recommendations
Which used Nissan Leaf should I buy?
Engine
Both versions of the Leaf offer the same perfectly adequate straight-line performance, but 30kWh examples have a far greater maximum range than the 24kWh car. The bigger battery is worth having if you can afford it, because it'll take you 100-120 miles per full-charge.
Specification
Since you can't have the bigger of the two battery options with entry-level Visia trim, we'd go for the mid-range Acenta; this comes with plenty of equipment and isn't as expensive as top-tier Tekna.
Our favourite Nissan Leaf 30kWh Acenta
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Tips & Advice
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Nissan Leaf?
The smaller Renault Zoe is a great electric car. Lease its battery and it makes a great used purchase and is exceptionally cheap to buy and run. It’s quiet and easy to drive, and its range is excellent. It didn’t fare as well as the Leaf in our last reliability survey, however.
One premium alternative is the Volkswagen e-Golf. VW says it has a battery range of 186 miles, but admits that’ll drop to around 125 miles in the real world. You can charge it through a three-pin plug, too, although it’ll take 13 hours for a full charge. It takes four hours for a full charge via a dedicated quick charger. It’s great to drive, but it is pricey.
So is the other premium electric car, the BMW i3, but it's undoubtedly very luxurious. The i3 uses state-of-the-art production techniques to offset its weight and offers a range of around 124 miles. You can even choose a range-extender option that incorporates a tiny petrol engine to top-up the battery pack when charge (and range) run low.
The first-generation Kia Soul EV is a funky-looking car that combines an instant hit of torque from its electric motor with the ability to cruise happily on the motorway at 70mph. However, its realistic range is very short at around 70 miles, and it’s not the most comfortable, especially on a bumpy road. An all-new version, utilising the technology from its sibling, the e-Niro, is now available, and this has a far longer range, in the region of 250 miles.
If you're interested in finding a used Leaf, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.
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How reliable is the Nissan Leaf ?
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