Shortly to be buying a LEAF!

sh0597

Trunk_z wrote: »

So, from what I've found out, PCP is similar to a lease in the way that I might use it, except there is a small chance I might get lucky with it and be able to use it as a deposit for the next car.

From what I could find out about leasing a LEAF, it is quite a lot cheaper to use the PCP finance option.

My concern is this, as we know things are improving all the time, range is increasing etc...
Suppose that I build up no equity in the LEAF over the 2 year period, when I go to hand it back, I walk away with nothing.
If I get a used one and then try to sell it in 2 years time, will it still be as worthless as the PCP one?

This raises 2 questions:
1) Which one would hold the most value for me to release after 2 years for another car?
2) Where could I find more information about finance on a used car? I have only ever bought them outright!

This buying a new car is all... new!

Thanks thus far,
Chris

I wouldn't recommend buying an electric to be honest. Used should be cheaper than new though.

Trunk_z

An electric car fits well with our lifestyle for the time being, we have a second car which can fill in for the LEAF when it can't manage a journey.

Remembering that I am on a website which has tools to calculate loan repayments, I thought I'd give it a whirl!

Supposing that a used LEAF is about 15k, with the same deposit as I was going to have on the new LEAF (2.5k), this would mean a loan of 12.5k. Apparently Sainsbury have an interest rate of 3.8% over a 2 year period. This would result in repayments of £541 /month.
If I changed the parameters for 4 years, rather than 2 years (0.1% more interest), then it comes out at £281 /month.

It would seem that the monthly cost is higher compared against a new LEAF - but it depends what it can be sold for in the future... that is the sticking point!

sh0597

Go on autotrader and there are several advertised for under £10k

Trunk_z

sh0597 wrote: »

Go on autotrader and there are several advertised for under £10k

After looking at the options etc... it works out better for us to get the top spec model, rather than the base model with the options we want. There were a few of the top spec (Tekna) models for about 13k-14k.

forgotmyname

£13 - £14k and less than 2 years old? Beware one listed on ebay as a private seller yet shows 2 on the pictures. They seem to have sold a lot of cars to be a private seller.

Thats the problem with them. You buy a new one now £26k? In 2 years or less its only worth £11k ish. Losing £10 - £14k for 2 years motoring.

You said it fits your lifestyle. Is your lifestyle throwing money away?
In the current situation the leaf is not a car MSE would approve.

Too expensive and resale values are shocking.

topdaddy_2

Surely leasing the battery would be better if you are leasing the car rather than pay for it all out only to return it after two years?

JonathanA

We had a 7 day trial of the Leaf recently, and we were very impressed by it. Used, they are about £10k cheaper than new at 12 months old, that might be a better route to go down.

The thing that decided it for us was the battery range realistically wasn't more than 80 miles and whilst the car would have been perfect for 95% of the time, our other car is very high mileage, and I need to know that if that doesn't work and I have to go a long way for work, I have a car I can just get in and go. But, if the technology continues to improve, and the range extends further, we would definitely go for a Leaf. I think the word I used to describe it was revelation, it was very impressive and for people whose journeys are mainly short, it would be ideal.

Look around for nearly new cars on Autotrader and then work out the finance rate, I think it might be cheaper, although Nissan at the moment are fitting free fast chargers and offering a petrol car for up to 2 weeks a year on new. I'd still go for nearly new personally!

Good luck with your choice!

JonathanA

Another thought, have a look carefully at the difference between firm levels between the Acenta and the Tekna. We had the Acenta on test and it was very well equipped. Didn't have leather seats but I'm not fussed for those. That will make a difference to the overall price.

sh0597

I don't think the technology is likely to improve greatly. EV's aren't MSE cars imo.


Would like to know what people see in them?

harveybobbles

sh0597 wrote: »

Would like to know what people see in them?

People see them as money saving, yet forget that they have just had to shell out over 20 grand for a remote control car.

The OP says their current car is high mileage and they would like something to be available for if their current car fails..

Surely it would be cheaoer to have a full service done on the current car and fix anything? Could even get taxis to work every day and still be cheaper than the 20k price tag of a Leaf.

I see two Leafs where I life. One was broken down at a set of traffic lights and the other was being driven like it was stolen.

I just don't get the whole EV or LPG stuff.

Seems like utter nonsense to me.