OK so the forum has another new owner. Received our new 2014 I Miev earlier this week from Minnesota. I got such a great deal it could have been a disappointing car and I could still be happy overall. It’s far from disappointing so far. In fact every time I turn around I’m “re impressed” with it.
I was on the reserved list for a Leaf since 2010 and test drove one in early 2012 (I think) when they finally made it to NM. Besides the $36k price tag, we just didn’t like it. It drove fine, I kept on going when the salesman was trying to get me turned back to the dealership. So I got a good thorough test drive. To many blind spots for my taste though. The real deal breaker (straw . . . camels back) was the “fold down” rear seat. A half wall behind it right through the cargo room that we use frequently. Plus it had the feel of trying to be a luxury car inside and missing the mark. Like Vegas hotels IMO. So back to square one waiting for new arrivals to our area to give a chance. The I Miev wasn’t on my radar because I had read so many scathingly bad reviews of it. Plus, I was completely unaware of it being available to test drive in my area (Mitsu marketing at it’s best).
I was somewhat hesitant right before the purchase. Skeptical wife, all those bad reviews and a super short test drive in a dirty 2012 . . . in raspberry. Sorry, but I hate that color! But with the info on this forum and other sources (mostly linked from it) I decided to go ahead. You guys were right, my wife loves it now that she has gotten to know it a bit. And you were right again, she has named it too. Already she wishes she had her own (yikes, I know how that ends). Now I get it, it is a basic-ish car. That works great for me. I’m a practical transportation kind of guy. Not, a what I drive defines me kind. I don’t care how much money one makes, many cars are just beyond excessive IMO. We could afford luxury cars, BMW, Mercedes, even a Model S (just barely). I just don’t understand putting that level of resources into transportation? Much better things to spend it on like solar panels, property, good clean fun!
Anyway, I love this car. Great visibility and amazing utility. It reminds me of the tent in “Harry Potter” which looked like a pup tent on the outside, two rooms picnic table and lots of room to walk around inside. There is nothing cheap about it (unless one likes Vegas hotels I suppose) and it’s got it where it counts most, in the engineering. Spunky, handles great, very comfortable, Plenty of giddy up. And mixed range so far looks much higher than the EPA estimate. Of course, I do get 42 MPG in a honda EPA rated at 33 Mpg. The key is in ones’ braking or lack there of. I get off the line quick and up to the speed limit briskly and then glide along with a very steady throttle foot, reading traffic and lights to avoid braking. The I Miev is responsive to the same treatment, I do miss shifting though.
Couldn’t be happier and thanks for that little push of encouragement (you know who you are).
Aerowhatt
I was on the reserved list for a Leaf since 2010 and test drove one in early 2012 (I think) when they finally made it to NM. Besides the $36k price tag, we just didn’t like it. It drove fine, I kept on going when the salesman was trying to get me turned back to the dealership. So I got a good thorough test drive. To many blind spots for my taste though. The real deal breaker (straw . . . camels back) was the “fold down” rear seat. A half wall behind it right through the cargo room that we use frequently. Plus it had the feel of trying to be a luxury car inside and missing the mark. Like Vegas hotels IMO. So back to square one waiting for new arrivals to our area to give a chance. The I Miev wasn’t on my radar because I had read so many scathingly bad reviews of it. Plus, I was completely unaware of it being available to test drive in my area (Mitsu marketing at it’s best).
I was somewhat hesitant right before the purchase. Skeptical wife, all those bad reviews and a super short test drive in a dirty 2012 . . . in raspberry. Sorry, but I hate that color! But with the info on this forum and other sources (mostly linked from it) I decided to go ahead. You guys were right, my wife loves it now that she has gotten to know it a bit. And you were right again, she has named it too. Already she wishes she had her own (yikes, I know how that ends). Now I get it, it is a basic-ish car. That works great for me. I’m a practical transportation kind of guy. Not, a what I drive defines me kind. I don’t care how much money one makes, many cars are just beyond excessive IMO. We could afford luxury cars, BMW, Mercedes, even a Model S (just barely). I just don’t understand putting that level of resources into transportation? Much better things to spend it on like solar panels, property, good clean fun!
Anyway, I love this car. Great visibility and amazing utility. It reminds me of the tent in “Harry Potter” which looked like a pup tent on the outside, two rooms picnic table and lots of room to walk around inside. There is nothing cheap about it (unless one likes Vegas hotels I suppose) and it’s got it where it counts most, in the engineering. Spunky, handles great, very comfortable, Plenty of giddy up. And mixed range so far looks much higher than the EPA estimate. Of course, I do get 42 MPG in a honda EPA rated at 33 Mpg. The key is in ones’ braking or lack there of. I get off the line quick and up to the speed limit briskly and then glide along with a very steady throttle foot, reading traffic and lights to avoid braking. The I Miev is responsive to the same treatment, I do miss shifting though.
Couldn’t be happier and thanks for that little push of encouragement (you know who you are).
Aerowhatt