It’s not rare that auto makers that offer leasing options for their cars would try to do their best to get their customers to actually purchase the car at the end of the leasing period. Different companies do this in their own unique ways, and we’ve heard about some creative solutions before. But more often than not, it just comes down to giving the potential buyers a good enough incentive to spend a little extra money on the car – and in the case of Nissan, that’s a $5,000 sweetener thrown in at the end of the leasing period.
The company has done the maths, and the deal is actually not a bad one at all, all things considered – the Nissan Leaf is not a bad model, it has various great qualities, and considering the average leasing price, getting a small chunk knocked off from the final purchasing price can be a great deal.
The deal is more specifically aimed at the 2012 and 2013 editions of the hatchback, for which the leasing period is ending right now. And as their owners are rushing to sign a new lease for the 2015 model, the company is trying to get them to instead buy the vehicles they had been leasing until then.
For many drivers, this can actually be a good deal, at least for those who’re not specifically interested in the 2015 edition of the car and just need to have something reliable that they have already gotten used to. While the improvements in the 2015 Leaf definitely are noticeable and worth the extra money, they’re by no means necessary for the average driver, and it’s perfectly acceptable to get the older model instead.
Current reports indicate that the average payoff amount for a 2013 Nissan Leaf is around $20,000 at the end of the lease, and this is not a very good deal for a buyer considering whether they should keep a 2-3 year old model around instead of upgrading to a new one. However, lowering that price by a quarter could definitely help people look at it in a new light, and more people might end up signing for a buyout instead of looking to upgrade to the 2015 edition.
On the other hand, the company is going to be facing the exact same problem in a couple of years, but at least then the market will have started shifting to electric vehicles and hybrids so it could be an easier situation for the 2015 model.
I was offered this for my lease.
But with the battery range down to about 60 miles per charge, compared to 90+ in the first year, no thanks.
The LEAF after 2 years, is too crippling in range. Range anxiety exists with the LEAF. Glad I leased instead of buying. I know people who regret their LEAF after just a year and a half because the amount of miles they have lost in range so soon, and Nissan says this is normal and the 8 year battery warranty does not apply.
I’m currently looking at the Mitsubishi, as I know people driving them, and they really like it, and say they have had no problems like I have seen with the LEAF.
I’m either going to lease another LEAF, to get full range again, or consider a Kia, Ford, Mitsubishi or go back to gas, as I need more than 60 miles per day. 90 is plenty.
Have you considered putting the 2016 2nd Gen Chevy Volt on your list of options? 50 miles EPA Electric range before the gas engine takes over. No range anxiety. The 2016 Volt is expected to start shipping in August. Also the upcoming 2017 Chevy Bolt which is expected to have around a 200 mile EV range.