The WSJ ran an article today on the bargains available on used Nissan Leafs and Chevy Volts. The combination of low gas prices, government incentives (hard to sell a used one when a new one has a big kicker from Uncle Sam), and some concerns about battery longevity have caused some very serious depreciation. (Avg actual prices paid)
2012 Chevy Volt: New $42,021. Today $12,997 (down 69%)
2012 Nissan Leaf: New $36,643. Today $10,220 (down 72%)
The "conventional" gasoline sisters of these cars (Cruze and Versa) are down "only" 54% and 50% respectively.
Lots of them are coming in now off their leases, and the manufacturers are having to take big hits due to the surprisingly low remaining value of the vehicles.
At these prices, the plug-in Leaf especially might be a good little car for cheap around-town driving. Gas prices won't stay low forever, after all. The Volt is technologically interesting and more versatile on paper, but I think the maintenance risks are higher. Neither is especially attractive (IMO) if you plan to hold onto them for 15 years, but they might make sense for the right person.
No sign that the Teslas are going for bargain prices.
2012 Chevy Volt: New $42,021. Today $12,997 (down 69%)
2012 Nissan Leaf: New $36,643. Today $10,220 (down 72%)
The "conventional" gasoline sisters of these cars (Cruze and Versa) are down "only" 54% and 50% respectively.
Lots of them are coming in now off their leases, and the manufacturers are having to take big hits due to the surprisingly low remaining value of the vehicles.
At these prices, the plug-in Leaf especially might be a good little car for cheap around-town driving. Gas prices won't stay low forever, after all. The Volt is technologically interesting and more versatile on paper, but I think the maintenance risks are higher. Neither is especially attractive (IMO) if you plan to hold onto them for 15 years, but they might make sense for the right person.
No sign that the Teslas are going for bargain prices.