Is a used Nissan Leaf a good buy?

If you’re looking for a capable and relatively affordable electric car that's going to lower your running costs, we have some electrifying deals on the latest Nissan Leaf.

It's one of the few second-generation electric cars on sale in 2021, which means Nissan has been able to fine tune the recipe since the launch of the original Nissan Leaf, bringing greater battery range, more technology and faster charging.

The electric car market is evolving rapidly, with more and more new models being launched and the technology involved becoming increasingly well suited to drivers' needs. The growing competition means prices are gradually coming down relative to petrol or diesel alternatives, while the quality of electric cars is undoubtedly improving.

The likes of the MG4, the excellent Kia e-Niro and Volkswagen ID.3 are among a host of popular electric cars competing with the Nissan Leaf and targeting a more mainstream market of buyers.

If an electric car appeals, there are no better deals available than those currently available on a selection of used Nissan Leaf models. This more recent generation has been on sale since 2018 and offers around 170 miles of range (the distance you can travel on a single charge) in its most affordable guise, while more expensive Nissan Leaf e+ versions boost that number to around 240 miles.

There is a constant stream of new electric cars hitting the roads now. With the upcoming UK ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2035, manufacturers are keen to get their electric offerings up and running.

So if you feel like you'll need more battery range to cover a long commute, there are plenty of newer models available that might be better suited to you, these models may be substantially more expensive than the Nissan Leaf, though.

Read our full Nissan Leaf review

Which used Nissan Leaf should you buy?

All Nissan Leaf models share the same format with an electric motor powering the front wheels and a large battery under the floor. However, the second-generation Nissan Leaf we’re focusing on is available with two grades of battery - one version that prioritises value and the other that offers greater range per charge and costs a little more.

Standard 40kWh models offer 150hp and up to 168 miles of range on a full charge, while the upgraded Leaf e+ has a 62kWH battery which gives you greater power - at 217hp - plus up to 239 miles of range, according to official figures. Both are quick when accelerating from a standstill, but the standard Leaf will do 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, while the Leaf e+ can outrun some high-performance hot hatchbacks with its 6.9-second 0-62mph time.

In everyday driving, both versions feel relaxed and easy to drive, but having the greater range of the Leaf e+ is likely to make it more attractive to those who often cover longer distances. However, if you’re on a budget and do most of your driving in towns or cities, then the cheaper 40kWh is a perfectly practical choice. Bear in mind, too, that the car with the smaller battery is also quicker to charge.

Using the sort of 7kW wall charger many owners choose to fit at home will allow you to charge the standard battery from zero to full in 7 hours and 30 minutes, while the Leaf e+ battery requires 11 hours and 30 minutes. Do bear in mind, though, that most drivers rarely deplete the battery fully, so it’s usually just a case of topping up overnight. If you stop at a 50kW rapid charger station while you're driving, meanwhile, you can get an 80% charge in 60 minutes or 90 minutes respectively.

What used Nissan Leaf trim levels are available?

The Nissan Leaf range is nice and simple to understand with only three main trim levels echoing other Nissan models: Acenta, N-Connecta and Tekna.

Nissan Leaf Acenta

The entry-level Nissan Leaf Acenta includes plenty of standard kit, as even the cheapest Leaf runs on attractive 16-inch alloy wheels and features Nissan’s Safety Shield pack with lane departure and blind spot warnings plus automated emergency braking, as well as a rear view camera, cruise control, automatic wipers and a push-button start.

Inside the cabin you get an eight-inch touchscreen media system in the centre of the dash for entertainment functions and the built-in sat-nav, while the six-speaker sound system is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making it easy to pair your phone.

Nissan Leaf N-Connecta

Next up is the mid-range Nissan Leaf N-Connecta trim grade, which adds various useful extras to the Acenta spec. Outside, you get larger 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows and 360-surround cameras with moving object detection to help you when parking and manoeuvring.

Additional comforts inside include part leather effect trim, plus heated seats and a heated steering wheel, which gives the car a more upmarket feel.

Nissan Leaf Tekna

The top-of-the-range Leaf Tekna adds Nissan’s ProPilot suite of driver assistance systems, part leather seats, LED foglights, electronic parking brake and an upgraded Bose audio system.