this post was submitted on 03 Dec 2025
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Electric Vehicles

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I’ve found a 2023 leaf for some $10k, and with selling my ICE car, which is starting to cost more to maintain than it’s worth, it’ll realistically only cost me about $5k, maybe less. It’s got 33k miles on it, or about 10k/yr which is kinda high-average, but meh. The range in it is far enough to go all the places I’d realistically be going. (If not for making regular trips over 100 miles I’d get one of the ultra-cheap 2015 era EVs that can handle 60-80 miles..)

I probably want it even tho I’ve never test driven one. I’d obviously still do that but I think I kinda want it anyway. This one is located about 3 hours away, but it sounds like they may do inter-dealership trades up to this area, so maybe not a concern.

So what do I need to know? Can the tracking modem be disconnected? Do the batteries fail a lot? Does this model have a ton of quirks? Is it just cheap because people don’t want used EVs? Is this a horrible idea?

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[–] cymbal_king@lemmy.world 10 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (11 children)

Pre-2026 model Nissan leafs have very slow charging speeds, like 50 kW or less. And they might have an uncommon charging plug (chademo). If you plan to charge only at home or perhaps if your work has a level 2 charger, that could work. But road trips or other instances where you might like a fast charger will be excruciating.

Used Hyundai Kona EVs may be slightly more expensive but max charging rates are around 100kW. Hyundai Ioniq 5s and Kia EV6 or EV9 can charge north of 200kW, but that comes at a much greater cost.

Edit: adding to top level comment that Chevy Bolts are also a low cost option. They have more range, a more common plug, and similar charge speeds as Leafs.

I'm also a fan of used VW ID.4s for a car that balances middle of the pack pricing, >200mi range, and 170kW max charge rate

[–] SolarMonkey@slrpnk.net 5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (4 children)

Thanks for that info :) fortunately I don’t expect to need to charge on the road much, just at home, and it can take days between most of the time and I won’t know.

That’s why I wanted the 150mile range. The furthest thing I need to go to is just over 120 miles so it -should- be fine, I would think. Anything else I’ll just rent something.

But I’ll get an adapter all the same, if needed. The listing doesn’t say what kind, but I’m going to look at it Saturday, so I’ll keep that in mind :)

[–] bufalo1973@piefed.social 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

Remember that you have to go there and go back home, not just go. 120 miles means a range of 60 miles if you want to recharge at home.

[–] SolarMonkey@slrpnk.net 5 points 2 weeks ago

That's a super fair point. I’m definitely treating total range as one way. Most of the time I’ll use it, that’s perfectly fine to do, but I’m sure I’ll run into it eventually.

I loathe driving tbh, and would strongly prefer public transit, but that would be 3x as long as driving (roughly 11 hours to do a 2.5 hour-by-car trip) So when I have to drive more than an hour in a day, I try to find a way to not do that. I have friends at my destinations who would be happy for me to charge with them, if it means I visit more often and stay over :)

[–] cymbal_king@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Another low cost option is a Chevy bolt. They have more range, a more common charger type, and about same charging speeds as leafs

[–] SolarMonkey@slrpnk.net 3 points 2 weeks ago

Unfortunately none in my (exceptionally low) price range, within 200 miles of my state. At least not newer than 2016. Leafs are pretty common, tho this is by far the newest in my price range.. some bmw cube van thing is represented a lot..

[–] davidagain@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

I have a 2018 Leaf with a stated range of 150. From experience I never pan to make it more than 105 miles between charging.

It is an absolute joy to drive, though, and I love it more than any car I've ever driven, all others just don't compare.

If you often do this long journey, you'll probably want a longer range. Sadly I think that means something a bit less fun to drive, but still good.

[–] Dogyote@slrpnk.net 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

There's an app called a better route planner. You can tell it you have a 2023 leaf and then plan that 120 mile trip to make sure the leaf will make it. I've found it to be quite accurate.

[–] SolarMonkey@slrpnk.net 2 points 2 weeks ago

Good to know, thanks!

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