The ultimate EV bargain? Grab a Nissan Leaf from just £3500
Acceleration is typical of an EV – brisk and instantaneous from a standstill, but tailing off quickly at motorway speeds. The 214bhp e+ is better in that respect than the 148bhp standard model and quick off the mark (0-62mph takes 6.9sec).
In a world full of new EVs, especially larger crossovers, it’s easy to forget one of the original pioneers. But unless you need a longer range and quicker charges on the go, a used Leaf is an excellent choice, especially given its strong reliability record and very affordable prices.
An owner’s view
Mark Christie: “I bought my 2019 Leaf Tekna in September last year. It had only done 12,000 miles and was in like-new condition, complete with new-car smell and no notable battery degradation. I’ve since doubled that mileage figure and it has become one of my favourite cars I have owned. It hasn’t caused me any problems and remains really cheap to run. When on a long journey, I still don’t have too much trouble finding a Chademo charger.”
Buyer beware…
Battery: Longevity has proven vastly superior to the original but, because the Leaf lacks active liquid cooling, the battery can get hot during repeated fast charging, which will degrade its capacity. Use the dashboard graphic to check battery health bars or plug in an OBD2 scanner with the LeafSpy app to get a definitive look at the battery’s state of health (SOH).
Suspension: Water can collect in the front strut tops, which can lead to premature rust on the suspension components. Inspect this area for standing water or corrosion and get it as clean and dry as possible. Apply lithium grease yearly to repel water.
Charging: If you will be relying on public chargers, ensure you can still find a Chademo connector locally before taking the plunge – or buy a CCS adapter from a reputable maker online for roughly £500.
Also worth knowing
Standard equipment is generous across the entire range. Base Acenta trim includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, automatic lights with high-beam assistance, automatic wipers and adaptive cruise control. You also get a 7in infotainment touchscreen with a DAB radio, a reversing camera and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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