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The pandemic and supply chain issues, among other economic challenges, have taken a toll on used car pricing nationwide. But each state has its own cost of living and fiscal elements that play into a household’s definition of affordability. This iSeeCars report shows how much more expensive used Nissan Leaf models are to buy across various states.

Each state has its own “least affordable to buy” model vehicle. It turns out that the priciest place to try and buy a used Nissan Leaf is the Sunshine state. See what else is behind this study and where else you should avoid buying a Nissan Leaf.

How iSeeCars defined affordability

How can there be a study about once-affordable used cars no longer being affordable in certain states when “affordability” can mean different things to different car buyers? Well, iSeeCars found a way to put raw data into the current car market and draw pricing trends across each state.

A red Nissan Leaf, which will become a used Nissan Leaf.
Red Nissan Leaf | Robert Hradil via Getty Images

The Car Affordability Index was created using the ratio between household income estimates and idealized earnings for car payments. Rooted in metrics provided by the U.S. Census Bureau’s ACS or American Community Survey, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Bankrate, the iSeeCars Car Affordability Index highlights affordability for both new and three-year-old used models nationally.

The least affordable used car in Florida

Ranking as the highest price used car in Florida, and in this entire affordability report nationwide, with a 55.5% jump above the affordability threshold, is the Nissan Leaf. The average three-year used vehicle price as of August of this year, buying a Nissan Leaf would cost $35,919. That’s $23,418 over the August 2019 used car price.

The Nissan Leaf, as Edmunds described, gets a lot right. This EV offers 149 miles of range or 215 miles, depending on your model. It’s loaded with useful tech and safety features, too. With its upgrade for 2023, the Leaf has a new front end and fewer trims, now with the S and the SV Plus. The S comes with a 40-kWh battery pack, while the SV Plus comes with a 61-kWh battery, providing super-smooth driving dynamics and quiet rides. But when you can buy a new Nissan Leaf for $28,040 to $36,040, it wouldn’t make much sense to spend more than $35,000 on a used model.

Other states that have higher Nissan Leaf pricing

Unfortunately, as popular as the Nissan Leaf has been, its price has surged beyond Florida state lines. In this study, it’s also the most expensive to buy in Ohio, at 48.4% above the used car affordability threshold. The August 2022 price tag of $33,845 is $20,193 over its August 2019 price tag.

If you live in Oregon, you should also expect to pay more for a Nissan Leaf. The Leaf is rated 34.7% above the affordability threshold, costing $35,325 to buy in 2022. That’s $21,762 over August 2019.

Most industry analysts predict that some of the economic effects will level out eventually. But for now, with continued supply chain concerns and inflation rates, some cars will be more expensive to buy in certain places. Keep this list in mind, especially if you’ve had your eye on a Nissan Leaf and you happen to live in Ohio, Oregon, or Florida.

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