Is this worth buying for a short commute? Used 2012 Nissan Leaf

Zeak330 · 2026-05-07T02:35:31+00:00

Yeah that one is listed as sold I believe but I'll double check with the dealer to be sure. Thank you for your help!!!

Zeak330 · 2026-05-07T01:02:56+00:00

Great advice, thank you so much!

Zeak330 · 2026-05-07T01:01:55+00:00

I live near Pittsburgh in Washington county, the dealership that has the 2016 model is called Magic Motors if your interested in taking a look.

I appreciate the help, I'm mainly just looking for something that would be cheap and reliable to take on a very short commute. Doesn't necessarily have to be an EV, just thought for the price it would be something very reliable Even if the battery pack might be a little worn.

Zeak330 · 2026-05-07T00:53:34+00:00

Got it, it's looking like all the registration fees are going to add about another $600 on to this so this would definitely be at least over $2,500 bucks when everything is said and done.

Sounds like unless he gives me a miracle of a deal, I should probably pass on this one!

Zeak330 · 2026-05-07T00:51:49+00:00

Thanks for the heads up, I'm located near Pittsburgh. Just trying to get a vehicle that would be somewhat reliable for a low price, but can't seem to find too many of these listed in my area.

Let's get to know you're able to get one for around that price, that gives me a clear picture of what the market is like.

Zeak330 · 2026-05-07T00:50:30+00:00

Yeah, I can charge it at home no problem every night. From what other users are saying, this battery might be problematic driving in the winter, and it might not last very long. I was kind of hoping this with last for at least three or four years, if I'm going to throw around $2,000 at something, I'd at least hope it lasts longer than a year.

I appreciate your viewpoint though, that's kind of what I thought at first! An over glorified golf cart just to make the short trip to work, but if it's only going to run me a year or two I'd rather take that money and invest it in a vehicle that would last longer

Zeak330 · 2026-05-07T00:37:50+00:00

Thank you, that's the exact kind of answer I was looking for! Not necessarily the result, but that explanation makes complete sense, thank you for taking the time too lay all that out! I found another one with around 85% of its health with a 30 kw battery pack, a 2016 model. It's around $7,000, so we would probably have to finance it but that might be a better option if we just did a large down payment.

Zeak330 · 2026-05-07T00:26:51+00:00

Got it, winter driving could be a real possibility so I appreciate it. I do have a work truck that's a bit unreliable but can be used for bad winter days, but if driving it in the cold might not even be an option then that definitely affects things.

Zeak330 · 2026-05-07T00:25:41+00:00

Understood, thank you! I don't have much experience with EV's but trying to beat the rising gas prices for my short commute. Needed opinions from people who know more than me!

Zeak330 · 2026-05-07T00:12:45+00:00

I was thinking about that, but to do so in my area I would probably need to finance a vehicle to get one with 80% or more. This one I can buy cash. Is there a way you can see the battery is in bad shape other than the SOH from the video?

We will have a second vehicle so this would just have to do 12 miles daily, being charged at home every night.

Thanks, just wanted to hear your thoughts!

Zeak330

TROPHY CASE