Reviewed: 2012 Nissan LEAF
4dr Hatch 107-horsepower Electric 1-speed automatic FWD
Why the 2012 Nissan LEAF?
Powertrain performance
It’s instantaneous; it’s powerful; it’s silent; and it’s vibration-free. All that you know when you push down on the accelerator, is the silent power push you back in your seat as the car takes off.
Fuel economy
You will NEVER fill up with stinky gas at a gas station again … you’ll only stop at a gas station to use the washroom and get a coffee. However, on the subject of “fuel”, it is very efficient with the clean electrons. And the feedback is excellent. You always have access to how well you’re driving technique is. Plus, you get more information when you look it up on Nissan’s LEAF website of your personal driving efficiency and how you did relative to other LEAF drivers in your country or around the world. When comparing purchase prices or lease payments, you must take into consideration that your electric bill will be ONE-TENTH the price of your gas guzzler’s gas bill. That means that your $300 per month gas credit card expense will become a mere $30 on your electric bill.
Warranty, scheduled maintenance cost
Furthermore, your maintenance costs will virtually evaporate.
- No Brake jobs every 30,000 to 50,000 Km;
- No exhaust system repairs;
- No expensive catalytic converter to replace
- No Engine job;
- No spark plug replacement;
Basically, maintenance is limited to tires and wiper blades. Brakes should last the life of the car because mostly, you’ll be using the motor as a generator to stop the car. The batteries are designed for the life of the car or, generally, 10 to 15 years.
Audio & nav systems
The Audio system is above reproach, especially since the engine is non-existent and the motor is silent. The Nav system not only finds your destination, but it finds all of the Charging stations along the way and near your current location or near your destination. The Audio and Nav system also keeps you informed of your driving efficiency, range remaining and maps out your range.
Why Not the 2012 Nissan LEAF?
Dealer practices
If you get your LEAF from Maple Nissan, do NOT let them sell you the “Green Package” because it’s not much more than $400 for Nitrogen in your four tires. That’s $100 per tire and is a clear rip-off. Do NOT get “taken”.