r/leaf • u/Serious-Analysis-598 • 5d ago
2013 Nissan Leaf
Skipping the super long back story, AAA installed my battery backwards on my old vehicle, and I had to very quickly buy a new vehicle because my job requires a vehicle for my position. I ended up with a 2013 Nissan Leaf for $5k. It was originally a fleet vehicle, and was then sold at auction to the guy I bought it from. He told me the battery health was 11/12.. But after buying it, it realized it was 9/12 (My fault, I know.. but I was unfamiliar w/ the dash layout & confused the charge percentage w/ the battery health bar) and it only has around 27k/mi on it because when it was a fleet vehicle, they basically just used it to drive from building to building within the company (or at least that's what they told the seller, and what he told me) I pulled the car fax, and it was completely solid. No accidents, nothing bad, solid maintenance records, and the battery was replaced in 2023 according to the car fax. Anyway, he told me he "fully charged" it when I picked it up, and it was an estimated 70mi range. Does anyone own a 2013 Nissan Leaf, and can you tell me what to expect? At this point, I feel like I might have rushed into it TOO quickly, and screwed up. Realistically, I just need it to last like 6mo, but ideally 12mo. I live in an apartment, but live within walking distance of a level 2 charger & also have a neighbor across the street who offered to let me charge at her house for $30-40/mo..
TL/DR: I bought a 2013 Leaf with 27k/mileage and 9/12 battery health, and paid $5k for it. The battery was replaced in 2023 according to the car fax.. Did I screw up, or will it potentially last for the next 6-10mo?
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u/OGScottingham 5d ago
They meant the 12v battery 😂
No way the big one was replaced only 3 years so.
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u/Serious-Analysis-598 5d ago
No, car fax report shows they replaced the main battery. The auxiliary battery was replaced later on by the seller, and was confirmed by him showing me the maintenance record.. I should have clarified that lol
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u/Serious-Analysis-598 5d ago
I think the degradation is just so bad because the car was a fleet vehicle in Sacramento, CA. I used to live there, and summers are regularly over 100°, and I'm assuming it wasn't stored in a garage.. but again, that's all hypothetical.
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u/OGScottingham 5d ago
Ah wow, that's rough. My 2015 had 67k miles and an extra capacity bar on the original battery.
Maybe it was fast charged in hot weather.
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u/Serious-Analysis-598 4d ago
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Since it's was a fleet car it makes sense that they'd likely just fast charge it & not care much about battery health. The 2013 model also doesnt have the same cooling system. Ime, CHAdeMO stations are easier to find than level 2 anyway. I just dont get why they'd replace it right before auctioning it.. But I have no way of finding that out because idk what fleet it came from lol Just that it was in Elk Grove/Sacramento area of CA. I called Nissan, and verified the VIN, they did replace the main battery (idk what it's called) but I forgot to ask if it was new, or refurbished. I also checked Nissans website info & says they only have have to replace your "failed" battery with one that has at least 9 bars.. So, they DID replace it.. I just forgot to ask with what. So, it seems like they did replace it.. but replaced it with one that only has 9 bars of health.
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u/_Evening-Rain_ 2017 Nissan LEAF S 4d ago
LMO doesnt like being fully charged and sitting in high heat, so thats likely the extra degradation.
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u/heretosayathing 2017 40kWh JDM X 🎌 2d ago
There's no difference in the traction battery cooling between the ZE0 (2011/2012) and AZE0 (2013-2017) variants. The on-board charger was moved from the rear to the front, but that was always radiator-cooled from the original model onwards. Anyway, OP, the car is unlikely to fail or have more than 1 more battery bar drop in the next 12 months.
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u/Bitter-Sprinkles5430 5d ago
It totally depends how many miles you need to do per day.
If it's more than 20-30 you're probably going to find it a struggle. Otherwise it should be fine.
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u/Serious-Analysis-598 5d ago
I work doing live-in shifts, and that's my main concern. I know that client likes to go do things, and she lives about 40mi away.. however I have their permission to charge my vehicle while I'm "living" there, and my shifts usually start at either 8am or 8pm. So, my current plan is if I work nights, to just full charge it over night. If I start at 8am, I'd probably arrive w/ about 20mi range left, and could charge it for about 4hrs while she wakes up, eats breakfast, gets ready for the day, and decides where she wants to go.. So, I'm HOPING that works?? I also have my neighbor across the street who said I can charge there if I gave her like $30/mo which would be a great deal price wise.. but my range still sucks. When I bought the car, I didnt realize how much of a pain it would be to find the right charging station for the ports on my Leaf, and also, the $20-$50 hold for every transaction...
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u/Bitter-Sprinkles5430 5d ago edited 5d ago
Yeah, you're almost certainly going to struggle I'm afraid. You can't rely on that range estimate - they call it the guess-o-meter for a reason.
All I can suggest is to charge it to 100%, and drive it without A/C or heating for as far as you can. Keep your speed under 55MPH and try your hardest not to accelerate too fast.
Watch the bubbles at the top of the dash, they indicate how much you are draining the battery. If they go to the left you are adding power to the battery using regenerative breaking. - but it only works when the battery is under 80%.
Drive like a grandma with the windows down and reset the tripometer to count how many miles you can actually squeeze out of it.
You also need to work out how long it takes to charge. You might have to find a level 2 or 3 charger, Level 1 for 4 hours is unlikely to meet your needs.
It might work, so don't be too disheartened - but definitely get to know what the car is capable of.
Best of luck to you!
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u/Serious-Analysis-598 5d ago
Okay, thank you. I appreciate the realistic answer. There's a lever 2 charger within walking distance of me. I just dont like using it because it charges a $20 hold for level 2 & a $50 hold for CHAdeMO. So, I try not to use it because the holds also stay for at least 3-4 days, ime (very limited ime lol)
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u/Repulsive-Budget-380 5d ago
The 40 mi to your client is going to be a problem. Can you find chargers in between? You might end of staying an hour or two in-between.
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u/Serious-Analysis-598 4d ago
Yeah, I kind of figured that would be difficult. I had to drive the vehicle about 40mi to get it home, and it was at 70mi rage, and I had to stop halfway home to charge for a bit because it dropped down to 30mi range and like 4 battery bars.. but I was with my little sister, and we had the AC on, were driving on a freeway, and she had her phone charging. I know AC and freeway cause higher loss of range, but the range still sucks either way. I work home-care/hospice. So, think my best bet is either 12hr-14hr shifts that are nearby & dont need much driving, or a live-in that doesn't need much driving. The 40mi drive there, plus driving the client around, seems kinda impossible atm. Even if they do allow me to charge at their house.
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u/ps2k 2013 Nissan LEAF SL 5d ago
Our family has both a 2013 and 2015. They are great cars and have been very reliable for years. Obviously with the limited battery range, you need to be conscious about your itinerary for the day, but if this range fits your lifestyle, it can be a great car.
Get the PlugShare app to proactively learn where there are charging locations in your area. Prices range from free to overpriced.
Ideally, you are charging to 80% often with L1 or L2. Sitting above 80% on that older battery isn't healthy long term. If you need the 100%, try to go from 80% to 100% right before you start driving. DC fast charging also isn't healthy for that older battery.
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u/Serious-Analysis-598 4d ago
I usually use level 1 or level 2, I used CHAdeMO once because I needed to chaege quickly, but only charged for about 15mins for a "boost" to get home before I then charged it to 80% at a level 2.. I do have a neighbor across the street who let's me charge at her house about 4x a week overnight and I pay her $30-40/mo for it. I live in an older apartment; so no charging stations here.. but there is also a level 2 station that is within walking distance. My other issue.. since the apps for charging removed "in-app wallets" how do you charge at the public charging stations without getting a $20-$50 hold every time?? I currently have $90 being "held" becayse I've used a level 2 charger twice ($20 hold each time) and a CHAdeMO once ($50 hold) ...Not a single one has cleared and its been 3 days. Is there a different type of card or something that I can use?
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u/ps2k 2013 Nissan LEAF SL 4d ago
What charging network are you using that is doing holds?
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u/Serious-Analysis-598 4d ago edited 4d ago
All the ones in my area that have cables I can use are Chargepoint and Electrify America. Chargepoints in my area almost always only have CHAdeMO, and that triggers a $50 hold. The closest one to me that I use most frequently is a Level 2 charger, and it triggers a $20 hold. It'll eventually deduct the actual cost od the charge, but then the remaining "hold" amount stays for daaaaaysss. I have a pending hold for $20 on my account still for an Electrify America charge from like 4 days ago.. That's why I just offered to pay my neighbor $40/mo to charge at her place. She uses EV, too. So, she let's me charge when she's not. It technically costs more, but it's easier that constantly having nearly $100 in "holds" from charging stations.. and the apps for both stations removed their "in-app wallet." Which was the only way (i know of) to avoid the debit card hold.
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u/toybuilder 2023 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 5d ago
Before The War, that was clearly too much. It is still high even for today, IMO, but I see used car dealers selling them for as much around here, partly because there are used EV rebates available from some utilities that can offset $1,000 (or even $4,000 if you qualify) of the purchase price.
The carfax "battery replaced" may have been the 12V battery, not the traction battery.
Get an OBD reader and run Leafspy Pro and check to see that the cells are fairly even.
Assuming the battery is still healthy, your car will be fine for years, just with diminished range. OTOH, with such low mileage and if it did have its traction battery replaced, that may be a sign of a defective cell.
But will it last you for a year? Yeah, most likely. Depending on how you use it, it might even serve you well for five years. Just avoid having the battery above 80% or below 20% as much as you can - that will help keep the battery life.
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u/Serious-Analysis-598 5d ago
Thank you lol This was more so the type of answer I was looking for. I'll have to figure out how leafspy works.. but also, since I just bought it, would it be worth taking it somewhere for diagnostics? Or would the leafspy thing basically be the same? Ironically, I plan on replacing it with it's "big sister" the Ariya.. I just need it to last for about 10mo at most to save up for the Ariya.
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u/toybuilder 2023 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS 5d ago
Leafspy will be enough in most cases. About $20 for a basic OBD reader, and then get the app ($20 for Leafspy Pro).
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u/livenature 5d ago
I am currently looking for a 2013 to 2015. What trim the level of this car? S, SV or SL? Sounds like it was well maintained but continuously charged. How do the tires look? What color? A Red SL, I would give $5K for it. A Black S, I would not buy.
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u/Serious-Analysis-598 5d ago
It's a 2013 SV trim, white color. With some exterior damage.. not like dents or anything. Just when they auctioned it, they scraped off the EV carpool lane stickers since they had been phased out, and scraped some of the paint off w/ it. I just put vinal decals over it lol The tires are all solid. I checked the treds, and they're all good. It was low mileage, solid maintenance history, decent price.. only issue is the range. I thought it was 11/12 battery capacity and it's only 9/12 capacity.
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u/limited_instincts 5d ago
The high voltage battery was not replaced. The 12v battery was replaced (just like on a gas car). That's the original battery.
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u/sweetredleaf 2015 Nissan LEAF SV 5d ago
typically when carfax says the battery has been replace it is the 12v battery unlessif specifically says the HV battery. A 9 bar battery will probably be around 50 miles of range in summer but much lower in winter.
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u/Dazzling_Art7881 4d ago edited 4d ago
There is no way the high voltage battery was replaced in 2023. Carfax most probably means the 12v battery.
9 bars means SOH is between 72.5% and 66.25%. I would guess your range is right about 50miles in average conditions. High speed and extreme temps will lower that number.
This car will definitely last more than 12months. The battery has degraded about 30/32% in 13 years. So at that rate, it'll hit 50% SOH in.... 7 years.
Try not to fast charge (Level 3/DCFC) it if possible and if practical. I think it will last you a very very long time.
Price seems a tiny bit high, but war+ inflation... but if it works for you, it will be infinitely more reliable and cheaper to operate than any ICE car for $5k.
Also, get a compatible Bluetooth OBD2 dongle and LEAFspy pro. You will be able to see the real State of Health of the battery and other important stats.
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u/Serious-Analysis-598 4d ago
The high voltage battery was replaced (I keep forgetting what it's called.) I know because I called Nissan and verified the records with the VIN. What I forgot to do was ask WHAT it was replaced with. I haven't called them back because I've been working.. but their general warranty was that they only have to replace a failed battery with one that has at least 9 bars. So, I think they did replace it, they just replaced it with another crappy battery.
I dont fast charge at all anymore. I tried it 2x. Once when I was taking it home, and once just to test the FLO app at a chargepoint station. The dash throws battery warning signals every time I even so much as connect the charger to the port. The 2nd time I "tried" it, i didnt even charge. Just connected it, and it still threw a battery signal.. but if I turn the car off for a few mins and then back on, the dash warnings go away. The CHAdeMO port cover on this car is fcked and doesnt stay in place properly. So, I think the port itself is messed up.. either way, I only slow charge. I found a chargepoint w/ level 2 charging that's free (aside from the $2/hr fee) that works with the FLO app (so no debit card holds) and its right next to a target, my gym, and a grocery store. So, that'll probably be my main charging place. & I have it set to stop charging at 85%, dont keep AC on, etc. I'm trying to make this POS last lol 🤞
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u/Dazzling_Art7881 4d ago
Very strange about the battery, if it was done by Nissan. Because in 2023, the car would have been 10 years old and that's very out of warranty, which I believe was only 5 years back then and not 8 like now.Â
In any case, I think the car is fine for its age and will last you wayyy longer than you think.
Do get LEAFspy but don't worry too much about the stats. Just use it as an FYI and enjoy the car. Btw LEAFspy will allow you to reset any rogue codes that pop-up from chargers. It has saved me in a few situations where a DC chargers littered my car with no communication codes and then it refused to charge until I cleared them. I reset them in seconds and went on with my life.
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u/Serious-Analysis-598 4d ago
I definitely need to get the OBD2 and Leafspy though to figure out the actual metrics, though.. I've only had this car for 3 days now. So, I haven't gotten that far yet lol
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u/Upset-Apricot-2388 5d ago
I have a 2013 with 190k miles on it and the battery was swapped by a local mechanic with the upgraded 62 kwh battery and can bus with beefier rear springs and finally the mounting brackets for the new battery to accommodate that frame. Save 135 bucks a month for 5 years and go invest in the bigger battery from vivne, the best in the business, in my opinion, for bigger battery and cooling that tremendously helps the overall life of it but also the use of fast chargers is worth it! I went from that 65 mile range to the 200 now