I’m currently in a Fiat 500e lease, ending in February.
With the current tax plan stuff, I’m pretty sure the $7500 EV credit will go away, and with it the lease credits as well. I’m not sure when the tax plan would kick in, but at least by leasing I can ensure that I get the equivalent discount/credit.
I spent some time today looking at the BMW i3. Nothing down, $350/mo plus tax for 30 mo 15k.
Also considered the 330e at around the same payment but it doesn’t qualify for a HOV sticker - pass.
The Chevrolet Bolt would be my top pick for range but I hate the interior quality and apparently everyone is looking for a Bolt so the deals are not as good as they were.
Leasing another 500e is an option but I hate being locked in for 3 years again (Chrysler leases are not assumable) but they are so cheap. Leases posted here are under $100/mo plus tax. That’s CHEAP. Someone who qualifies for the $4500 CA credit can drive this and get paid - insane.
Honda Clarity is interesting on paper but can’t find any at the dealers and oh man are they ugly. Big too - hard to park in SF or any urban area.
Of course, I’m on the list for the Model 3 which will happen eventually, but without a $7500 rebate it’s going to be a lot pricier.
So, not really a question, just documenting my thought process and deals.
Backing up LIMBO’s post above… the tax credit for EV’s has been extended. So, at this time… the rush to get a vehicle pre 12/31/2017 has gone…
I actually purchased the CLARITY… not the 90 mile range EV only version, but the 47 mile range PHEV version (I get free charging at work, and its enough for a round trip each day)… I didn’t like the range anxiety of the EV only vehicle. I just felt that for me in my circumstances, it represented better value (the Clarity) than similar vehicles such as VOLT and Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata PHEV’s, (Fusion and Hyundai PHEV’s had around 22 miles range only).
It came standard with a LOT of equipment for what you pay for it, I got the touring edition, and the rebates including the 7,500 just made it that much more of a no brainer to buy than lease… I never like the whole dealer approach of “the manufacturer has passed the federal Govt rebate on to you in the form of lower lease price”. With money being so cheap (1.5-2.5% from dealers and credit unions), I would rather just buy, get the rebates and trade or sell in 2 or 3 years if that’s how I felt like going… or, just hold the vehicle if I like it… Also… if you do a zero deposit… the rebates coming back can work for you…not hard to get your money making more than 1.9%. Yes… that DOES mean a bigger monthly payment though… but still… you also have the option of using other funds or credit carding around 9-10k in deposit and paying back when the rebates etc arrive if you prefer a lower repayment.
But, basically, after rebates…you are paying around 26,000 -27,000 for a touring edition PHEV Honda… its a great car for that price. and obviously you get the HOV stickers.
Just some more info or ideas to add to your thoughts
Oh… one last thing… I LOVE the size of the Clarity too… i chose it over a VOLT due to the fact the 5 people can seriously fit into it comfortably… and it still had good pick up… and an amazingly large trunk. It is DEFINITELY a step up in size over the Volt, and its trunk is way bigger than fusion etc.
Wow, some interesting responses and apparently one person who still thinks it’s 1952. Welcome to the forum, try to post something useful before you get banned…
Yes, it now appears that the tax credit will survive. That’s good.
The reason I started this thread is because in pure lease hacker terms, an EV can be among the most affordable of vehicles to lease, uses no gas (in most cases) and gets me into the carpool lane as a perk.
The cheapest one to lease is the one I have now, but I don’t want to live with one for another 3 years, so I’m exploring options and hoping others have BTDT.
Seachange, thanks for the post. I personally don’t think any of the PHEVs are good buys - maybe the Volt, depending on pricing. Range anxiety has not been an issue for me in almost 3 years, it’s all about knowing where you are going and planning accordingly. If I have to go beyond my range, I take another vehicle, simple. But I can see the appeal.
