When I first thought about writing a review for my 2015 Nissan Leaf, I wanted it to be a list post. List are easy to create and straight forward. Not to mention its quick.
After I drafted my 25 Reasons Why I Love My Nissan Leaf, I was not satisfied. I thought it was too condensed and didn’t do the car justice. The Nissan Leaf has so much more value and I wanted readers to really appreciate and enjoy the review as much as I enjoy driving my new Nissan Leaf.
I’ve owned my 2015 Nissan Leaf S model for exactly one month. I first thought about leasing it when our second vehicle started to give us some trouble.
We were attracted to the Nissan Leaf because of the talk about the tax incentives, both federal and state. We were aware that the state we live in, Georgia, will be terminating their tax credits on the purchase of alternative emissions vehicles on July 1, 2015.
A good friend of mine also leases the Nissan Leaf and she had nothing but good things to say about it. The one thing that she did say that made me walk into the Nalley Nissan dealer on the afternoon of Mother’s Day was, “It practically pays for itself.” I had to find out how good this deal really was.
The Federal government provides a credit of $7,500 which comes directly off the list price of the car. The $2,500 state credit offered by the State of Georgia, comes when you file your taxes at the end of the year.
It made good financial sense for us to lease the car. Not only will the less than $250 lease payment be covered after alleviating one of our gas guzzlers, but the tax credit will also cover the additional expenses.
Just a few days after my visit to the dealer, I was in possession of the 2015 Nissan Leaf S in slate gray. The first couple of days with my car was a major adjustment. I previously drove a 2005 Lexus RX for many years. Getting acquainted with the Leaf required some changes in my driving habits and routines.
The car is 100% electric and requires charging. You can drive almost 80 miles on a full charge. The first two days I drove it without needing to charge it. I was surprised how far I was able to drive. I was also a little nervous because charging stations are not everywhere like gas stations.
Luckily the Nissan Leaf came with 2 years of unlimited charging at Charge Point network stations. They have have quick charge stations centrally located at Atlantic Station and Phipps Plaza which are within the city of Atlanta. They also offer unlimited charging at all of the Nissan dealers around the perimeter, so I’m never too far from a charge. These quick charge stations can charge your car in 30 minutes. Sounds like a lot, but really it’s a noticeable difference.
I typically charge my Leaf at home by plugging up the power cord to the wall outlet in the front room. I thought it would be an issue that I didn’t have a garage or a carport, but the cord is long enough to plug into the wall inside my home from our driveway.
It does take over 12 hours to go from a low battery to a full battery when you’re using a standard 120v outlet. If I need a full charge quicker than I just go to the nearest QuickCharge charging station.
The S model that I have is the most basic model yet it is packed with so many features. To be honest, I don’t miss my beloved Lexus RX. The only thing that I don’t have in this car that I had in my Lexus is a moon roof, leather seats, and navigation. Everything else is here in my Nissan Leaf.
Heated seats in the front and back. Heated steering wheel. Wireless bluetooth connection that is voice activated and can access my phone book for handsfree dialing. Keyless entry. And automatic windows and locks.
I admit, at first I didn’t like the black cloth seats that’s standard, but it keeps the car cool during the day. When my Lexus is parked in the driveway in direct sunlight it’s scorching when I get in to drive. When I park my Leaf in the same spot, it’s not as hot.
The Nissan Leaf also comes with 3 months of complimentary Sirius Satellite radio. It’s already installed so there’s nothing to setup. I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy having so many options of commercial free radio. I will definitely extend my plan.
The rear view assist camera was also a pleasant surprise on the Nissan Leaf. It’s in all the models including the basic S model as a safety feature. The vehicle is very quiet and it important to be able to see whats behind you especially if you are in parking lot. A person walking pass cannot hear your car, there is no engine. The camera helps to make sure you don’t back into anyone.
My Nissan Leaf has lots of punch. I love to drive, and this car is far from your boring environmentally friendly vehicle. This car has pickup. I can easily maneuver my way around trucks on the highway or zip past a car that’s operated by a distracted driver. I love how much power is in this little vehicle. It’s why I first chose Nissan.
The Leaf is a great car for my lifestyle. I don’t drive a lot on the highway, I mostly do a lot of street miles. Driving back and forth between the kid’s schools, activities, gym, supermarket, and home. It’s a good car for sitting in carpool, zero emission so you don’t feel bad about leaving your car on.
My kids love the car. We have plenty of space in the backseat for two booster seats and our large book basket in the the center. They enjoy getting dropped off and picked up in mommy’s new car.
The hatchback on the Nissan Leaf is quite spacious. I thought I would loose cargo space coming from a SUV but I have lots of room in my Nissan Leaf. I can pack all of our luggage, sports gear, fold out chairs, and thrifting hauls in the car. Not to mention the back seats can fold down to expand the cargo space. Now thats what I love about my Nissan!
Driving my Nissan Leaf has been a great experience so far. It’s changed the way I think about driving. I’m more aware about my role in keeping the environment clean. I’ve begun to think of other ways to reduce my carbon footprint.
You will either love or hate the Nissan Leaf. My husband is not a big fan of the car. He says its perfect for me but not for him. I think that some people aren’t ready for this type of change.
Driving the car makes you more aware of how many miles you are driving and where you want to go versus where you need to go. You are feel less inclined to jump on the highway, it burns your battery faster. Some people don’t want these restrictions placed on their driving. But it’s not really a restriction, it’s just the natural response to driving an all electric vehicle.
The one thing my husband does really love about my Nissan Leaf is the HOV lane access that comes with the Alternative Fuel License Plate. It cost $80 to get this special plate from DMV but its a huge benefit for our family.
Thanks so much for checking out my review of the 2015 Nissan Leaf. Be sure to leave your comments and questions about this post below.
Wow! That was a great review. Thank you for sharing, Katrina.
Your welcome Raisha!!
A friend of mine just got one and she LOVES it! With 3 kids this isn’t really an option for me right now, but as they get older and get their own rides, I would definitely look into something like this!
It fits 3 in the back comfortably. Are they in car seats or boosters?
I wish the GA tax credit was extended. I’m seriously thinking about leasing the leaf, but not until August.
If you hear about an update, let me know!
Yes I sure will Joyce!
I’ve seen these around and was curious about owning one. I think the idea of having the find a charge station is what has kept me from considering it! But I love how roomy it looks! Glad you are enjoying your new car!
Thanks for checking it out!
Wow! Seems like a very, very cool car. I’ve always wondered about the electric cars. Now, you’ve made them even more appealing to me.
Whitney
I truly enjoy this car and feel really good about leasing it!
Do you still have this? Do you love it? Did you ever compare the cost of gas verses any power bill increases? My husband is considering buying this but he works around buckhead area/Lindbergh. He’s concerned about finding charging stations at work bc his commute is an hour each way.
Yes I still have it and love it. No I don’t recommend for long commutes. It really is a get around town car and not a commuting car. I plan to upgrade to the new model with more mileage on a full cha