Could've bought Model 3 for this and spend $300 for third party buttons. It has software thats actually somewhat hackable and car is far more capable. But I understand it's hard to recommend Tesla these days lol.

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alchemist1e9 5 days ago | parent | next [-]

Ignoring any PR or political motivations, I’d argue the Leaf is a better choice for many people. I’m biased as I have one, quite similar, but let me give a pros from my perspective:

- a traditional car feeling, knobs, buttons, the way cars have been for decades prior

- very very reliable. basically never needs anything except wiper fluid. no software updates or crashing. I don’t have stats but might be one of most reliable cars

- compact and easy to park

- compatible with comma.ai

- LeafSpy diagnostics to monitor it

- nice hatchback format with fold down rear seats

- ~220 mile range is plenty for around town use and trickle charge overnight

Overall I’m very happy with it and while constantly tempted by Teslas I think I wouldn’t like them as much.

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geerlingguy 5 days ago | parent | next [-]

Also CarPlay, which was on my shortlist of features I actually cared for in any newer car. Silly of Tesla to not support it out of the box (IMO).

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lotsofpulp 5 days ago | parent | next [-]

I thought not having Carplay was a dealbreaker, then I tried shopping other brands and they wanted $15 to $25 per month for remote start, so I went with Tesla. Plus Tesla had dash cam recording, which somehow no one else has yet? And of course, don’t have to deal with a stupid dealer with Tesla, just bought sitting on the couch at home.

Anyway, not having CarPlay has not been an issue. Although, it would have been nice to have.

	▲	dzhiurgis 4 days ago \| parent [-]
		I’m picking up mine today from repairs. Some kids crashed their ute into me and left me fake details (I found them anyway via OSINT). Since I have full video insurance waived excess and going after them.

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dzhiurgis 5 days ago | parent | prev [-]

CarPlay is trash tho. Had a rental again last weekend. It’s core feature - google maps wrapper - is just barely useable. Sure it does other things, but it’s not worth the hassle.

	▲	saagarjha 4 days ago \| parent [-]
		CarPlay is much better than the alternatives.

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mbreese 5 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

After dealing with Tesla service, I’d also put having a large and varied dealer network with potential third party service locations as a plus for the Leaf. The word potential is doing a lot of work here - having competitive service options is still an EV issue, IMO. But Tesla service is expensive and difficult to navigate. Texting with a mechanic can work, but a quick 2 min conversation with a person would have saved me multiple headaches. Part of the cost issue may be the ways the cars are built vs the actual shop costs, but parts costs for repair are likely to be higher for a Tesla, even with volume. I suspect getting a Leaf serviced should be easier/cheaper.

	▲	dzhiurgis 5 days ago \| parent [-]
		Tesla parts are notoriously cheap and you aren’t forced to use Tesla service.

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dzhiurgis 5 days ago | parent | prev [-]

[flagged]

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vannevar 5 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Could also have bought a used Chevy Bolt in this price range, with CCS, ~250mi range, and CarPlay.

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alchemist1e9 4 days ago | parent | next [-]

For some reason when I charge at public chargers a very common vehicle next to me are those Chevy Bolts. If you’ve never compared them side by side you will be surprised, the Leaf is a MUCH nicer car, the Bolts just look way cheaper and lower quality vehicles.

I also don’t get this CCS drama, I have yet to come across an actual fast charger station that doesn’t have CHAdeMO in addition to the CCS connection. Maybe in my area of midwest all the charger stations were installed during the dual standard being the standard.

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WorldMaker a day ago | parent | next [-]

The 2026 Bolt moving to the Ultium platform may also improve some of the interior quality (because the battery platform will be cheaper again). It is probably a couple months still before we can easily test drive one to get a good feel, but I am curious to see what they do with the new model, especially because GM is especially returning it to be their cheapest EV.

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vannevar 3 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I drove both before I bought the Bolt. The Leaf does have a nicer interior. While I wouldn't say it's a huge gap, it was noticeable. But the Leaf also felt heavier and more sluggish. In the end, the extra range, the CCS charge port, and the better driving feel (at least to me) made me prefer the Bolt.

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alchemist1e9 4 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I’m wrong about CCS, can’t edit this long after so replying here to myself to clarify.

I’m dumb, of course I always see CHAdeMO because my charger app is set to that for DC fast. Duh … a friend said unset filters and yeah there are more CCS DC fast.

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geerlingguy 4 days ago | parent [-]

Yeah, in St. Louis metro, I think there are only like 2-3 CHAdeMO chargers, period.

On the trip to Chicago, I only see 4 plugs on the way, and those are all at dealerships... which often have cars parked in front of them, so I can't really rely on those being available :D

	▲	alchemist1e9 4 days ago \| parent [-]
		I’m looking on the Chargepoint App and I see some CHAdeMO DC Fast in both Springfield and Bloomington. They tend to be in strip mall parking lots near Home Depots and Walmarts. That said having a CCS adapter working is very interesting and I will be following your experience as I have similar a Leaf to you (2021 SV Plus) https://github.com/geerlingguy/electric-car/issues/9 I am very happy with my 2021 Leaf. It’s a very solid around town and commute vehicle. Anyone comparing it to Bolts doesn’t understand the Nissan build quality is just much better, Leaf is in a different league of design, refinement, and reliability. One thing I would recommend is a set of winter wheels and tires if you’re in St Louis. I’m on the fence about buying a comma.ai Comma 3x to try with it. The ProPILOT Assist built in is pretty helpful on long distance highways and the Comma 3x adds a bunch of interesting capabilities. My hesitation is partially insurance related, I’m not sure what Geico will say about it if you’re in an accident for example when it was engaged. fwiw I’m confident after reading your post and watching you video you made the right choice for you and your objectives.

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turtlebits 4 days ago | parent | prev [-]

The Bolt EV has 100 miles more range and IMO a better interior.

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dzhiurgis 4 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Safety rating and HEPA air filters?

Tesla isn’t excellent with kids in back either.

	▲	vannevar 3 days ago \| parent [-]
		NHTSA crash ratings for the Bolt are slightly better than the Leaf. I don't know about the HEPA air filters.