Used Tesla or new Bolt/Leaf?

[redpoint5]

Found a private party Tesla S with a reconstructed title asking $29k.

2013
41,000 miles
85 kWh battery
Smart air suspension
Tech package
Free Supercharging
3rd row jump seats
Premium sound
Black/Black

My rule of thumb with reconstructed titles is to target 70% of normal private party value. KBB said private party is about $35k, and Edmunds $31k. Splitting the difference would be $33k, and my 70% rule would make my offer somewhere around $23k.

That's the territory I can purchase a new Bolt or Leaf after all incentives are factored in. I might be able to get down to ~$20k or so on a new Bolt or Leaf.

Would you rather own a 2013 Model S for $23k, or a new Leaf for $20k?

I figure if we have another kid I'll want the extra room of the Tesla. Wonder if I can throw an infant car seat in those jump seats?

[oil pan 4]

How far do you have to drive?

I can look at mine for car seat hookups. I think it has them.

What incentives do you get for buying a used EV there?

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

How far do you have to drive?

I can look at mine for car seat hookups. I think it has them.

What incentives do you get for buying a used EV there?

I don't go more than 150 miles 1 way, but if I did, the Supercharging network would be handy. Still not sure I'd take an EV on a long road trip even if chargers are located conveniently. Kind of a moot point as my intention is to do all local driving with it.

I'm selling the Prius plug-in so my wife doesn't kill me for having too many vehicles. I've got the itch to plug in though, so an EV of some sort has been on my radar for years. Never figured I'd get a Tesla because I don't like spending much on a vehicle. $20k is pushing the limits for me. Most I've spent to date as a single guy is $17k, then $13k on the Prius when I was married.

I'm a big fan of reconstructed vehicles because people have a hard time getting financing, which reduces my competition for the vehicle. I've had good experiences so far with reconstructed vehicles. Normally I wouldn't consider a Tesla, but it's being sold private party and has a branded title, so it doesn't get any sweeter than that for me.

Anyhow, the new Leaf still has the full $7,500 federal tax credit. Oregon offers $2,500 for a new EV, and another $2,500 to modest income people for a new or used EV.

I wouldn't get any incentives buying private party, but they could substantially reduce the price of a new vehicle which is why I might be able to get a new Leaf for $20k or less.

[Daox]

Model S for sure. The Leaf hasn't taken the depreciation hit yet. I would imagine its much more car. You have access to the supercharger network. Probably a bunch more stuff.

[redpoint5]

Normally I'd agree, and I figured I would never own a new vehicle no matter how wealthy I ever become, but with ~$12,500 possibly available in subsidies, that covers the first couple years of depreciation. Used EVs are selling close to the same price as new ones, minus the subsidies.

In fact, I bet there is a little money to be made turning around and selling a new EV on the used market after taking the subsidies. It's against the rules, though those are squishy. I think the rule is you have to intend to own the vehicle for a couple years.

[oil pan 4]

Do you have a tesla dealer near by?

[ME_Andy]

A new Leaf would be last on my list, at least until their battery longevity is better. I'd go for Tesla #1 or Bolt #2.

[oil pan 4]

Battery life seems decent if you live in a mild climate.
My 2014 battery is still at 86% capacity.
From 2014 to 2018 it was in Illinois and it does pretty good in eastern NM where the summer days don't get too hot and the nights get down to about 70.

My leafs original 2011 battery got fried by socal heat in less than 3 years. As it was bought in L.A. and stayed there till 2013 as a lease, then when the dealer replaced the battery the guy bought it and moved to ill.

[redpoint5]

The unknown is the new Leaf battery longevity. I haven't visited forums recently, but perhaps a year later some data is starting to be collected. Some EV owners will track it on a monthly basis and chart the results.

Don't really care if a Tesla dealer is nearby since the car has no warranty and I'd be doing all repairs myself. Maybe that fact alone should have me take more than my standard 30% reduction... though it all comes down to what the seller is willing to accept. Based on Rich Rebuilds videos, repairing a Tesla as an owner sounds like a PITA. Then again, I expect any manufacturing defects should have shaken out by now.

[oil pan 4]

So far each leaf battery is better than the last.
The original 2011 and 2012 battery sucked.
The 2016 30kwh appears to be the best.
The newer 40kwh battery is still too new to know how it stacks up.
The only thing that may be bad about the 40kwh battery is Nissan put too many kwh in too small a box with no active cooling. But if it doesn't get real hot there it shouldn't be a problem.