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Buying a Used Nissan Leaf 24 kWh

  • Designer
  • Jan 13
  • 3 min read

How to Use LeafSpy, and Why It’s Great Value

Buying an electric car can feel like a leap into the future — especially if you’re doing it on a budget. The used Nissan Leaf 24 kWh has become a favourite among city commuters, and it’s easy to see why. With prices around £2,500, low running costs, and fuss-free charging, it’s a compelling option for anyone wanting to go electric without breaking the bank.


Why the Nissan Leaf 24 kWh Is a Great City Car

For around £2,500, you’re getting one of the most affordable EVs on the used market. What makes the Leaf ideal for urban use?

  • Practical range: Around 70 miles per charge is plenty for most daily commutes, errands, and short trips.

  • Low running costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel, and home charging is easy with a dedicated EV charger.

  • Cheap road tax: Just £25 per year keeps your fixed costs low.

  • Zero emissions in use: Perfect for city driving and congestion zones.

  • Smooth, quiet drive: Instant torque and no gears make traffic a breeze.

All of this adds up to a car that really makes financial sense if your driving is mainly local.


What to Check Before Buying

Even great deals deserve a thorough check. Here’s what to look at when you inspect a used Leaf:


1. Battery Health Is Everything

This is the most important part of a Leaf — and the part most likely to show wear.

  • Confirm the range on offer (your car’s around 70 miles). That’s typical for a 24 kWh Leaf with some age, but you want to make sure it’s real.

  • Ask for charging history and previous usage patterns if possible.

  • Look for hotel mode use (high current charging that can age the battery faster).


2. Use LeafSpy to Get Real Data

LeafSpy is a must-have for buyers. It connects to the car’s data system and reveals what’s really going on under the hood.

With LeafSpy you can:

  • Check the State of Health (SOH): This shows how much of the original battery capacity remains. A healthy Leaf might still show 80 – 90% SOH; lower figures mean reduced range.

  • See actual capacity: LeafSpy shows actual usable battery capacity in kWh, not just the estimated range.

  • Monitor cells: You can spot if any battery cells are significantly weaker — a possible sign of future issues.

  • View history: Charging patterns and temperature data help you understand how the car was used.

Using LeafSpy turns guesswork into real insight — and helps you negotiate if capacity is lower than expected.


3. General EV Checks

Don’t forget the basics:

  • Tyres, brakes, suspension: These wear like on any car.

  • Interior and accessories: Make sure the infotainment, A/C, and other systems work.

  • Charging port condition: Ensure there’s no damage or corrosion.

  • Service history: Routine checks are still important for long-term reliability.


Charging Made Simple

One of the biggest perks of the Leaf is how easy it is to charge:

  • Home charger: Plugging in overnight at a wallbox gives you a full “tank” of electricity by morning.

  • Public chargers: Plenty of slow and rapid options around UK towns and cities make topping up easy when you need it.

  • Low operating cost: Electricity is cheap compared to petrol/diesel — great news if most driving is local.


Real World Value

At around £2,500 — with low road tax (£25), minimal fuel costs, and affordable servicing — the Leaf is one of the best value EVs on the market for commuters. Even with a 70-mile range, most city drivers won’t notice limits in daily life, and the savings quickly stack up.


Final Thoughts

The Nissan Leaf 24 kWh proves you don’t need to pay a fortune to drive electric. With sensible checks (especially using LeafSpy), you can buy with confidence and enjoy:

  • A cheap, efficient city commuter

  • Affordable running costs

  • A comfortable and practical EV experience

If your driving is mostly local and you want to switch to electric on a budget, the Leaf is hard to beat — and at £2,500 it’s truly a smart choice.

 
 
 

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