by RonDawg (Posted Sat, 27 Apr 2013 22:57:30 GMT)
As already mentioned, the Leaf is not $40k, never was. The 2012 SL was the most expensive at around $37k. Nissan lowered prices dramatically for 2013, to the dismay of many early adopters, and now the Leaf S is the second or third cheapest freeway capable EV available in the US.
Remember, the Leaf has an EPA estimated range of 73 miles. I tell people "50-60" miles between charges is reasonable so unless you are driving up a lot of hills (isn't Louisiana relatively flat?) and/or have a lead foot, the car will take you to quite a few places, more if you will be staying overnight and have access to at least 120 volt charging.
If you are looking at rate of return, when compared to an already paid off ICE (internal combustion engined) car that payoff will take quite a while. But there are also lots of intangibles...not worrying about the volatile price of gasoline, knowing you are not contributing as much to pollution (it depends how green your local electricity generation is), and the smooth quiet driving experience are some of those intangibles.
If you can afford the Leaf, and if it works for you (and your commuting distances are well within its range), don't let an extended rate of return discourage you.
PaperKitty wrote:
Yeah, but I would basically be buying an "around town" car, which my POS blazer already is. If I am going to sink almost 40k into this car, I would want to be able to go on trips with it with my kids.. and see mountains, or dolphins or something.
Now that my dreams are crushed, can you recommend a hybrid?
Now that my dreams are crushed, can you recommend a hybrid?
As already mentioned, the Leaf is not $40k, never was. The 2012 SL was the most expensive at around $37k. Nissan lowered prices dramatically for 2013, to the dismay of many early adopters, and now the Leaf S is the second or third cheapest freeway capable EV available in the US.
Remember, the Leaf has an EPA estimated range of 73 miles. I tell people "50-60" miles between charges is reasonable so unless you are driving up a lot of hills (isn't Louisiana relatively flat?) and/or have a lead foot, the car will take you to quite a few places, more if you will be staying overnight and have access to at least 120 volt charging.
If you are looking at rate of return, when compared to an already paid off ICE (internal combustion engined) car that payoff will take quite a while. But there are also lots of intangibles...not worrying about the volatile price of gasoline, knowing you are not contributing as much to pollution (it depends how green your local electricity generation is), and the smooth quiet driving experience are some of those intangibles.
If you can afford the Leaf, and if it works for you (and your commuting distances are well within its range), don't let an extended rate of return discourage you.