The majority of cars on the road are powered by gasoline, and that’s not likely to change for a long time. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t alteratives, like other combustible fluids, or electricity. Today we’re going to take a look at two small hatchbacks that don’t use a drop of gasoline between them.
We looked at a couple of low-mileage sedans yesterday, and it was no contest at all. The green Ford Taurus simply ran away with the vote. It’s not that the Mazda 323 was a bad car at all, but it wasn’t presented well, and its potential for greater reliability and better gas mileage wasn’t worth the extra price. If it were cleaner, or a manual, it would have done better, from the sounds of it.
I saw a lot of those Tauruses when they were new, and they were of absolutely no interest to me then. I got pretty sick of seeing them, frankly. But looking back at them now, I have a more sympathetic view of them; they’re nice, comfortable, handsome cars. I’d happily drive this one. I’m a huge Mazda fan, and have been for years, but that 323 is just outclassed here.
Gasoline took over as the dominant fuel for automobiles early on, but that doesn’t mean cars haven’t been powered by other things. Diesel fuel has never been as popular in the US as it is in Europe, except in full-size trucks, but it definitely had a moment in the late 1970s and early ’80s, when gas prices were high. And in recent years, thanks to advancements in battery technology, electric cars have gome from weird experiments to viable transportation. Today, gasoline is off the menu; we’re going to take a look at an old diesel survivor, and a modern mass-produced EV, available for the same low price.
1982 Chevrolet Chevette Diesel – $2,500
Engine/drivetrain: 1.8-liter OHC diesel inline 4, five-speed manual, RWD
Location: Hillsboro, OR
Odometer reading: 116,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives great
This rare little number was posted in Slack by Brian, and as soon as I saw it, I knew where it was. I’ve seen this car street-parked in Portland before – unless there’s another diesel Chevette running around with blue Panasport-style wheels on it. I suppose it’s possible, but unlikely. These little T-cars are getting really rare these days, and the diesel-powered ones were never common to begin with.
If the standard gasoline-powered Chevette is just too powerful for you, this is your car. In place of the standard 1.6-liter pushrod engine, this car features an Isuzu-built 1.8-liter diesel engine making all of 51 horsepower. A five-speed manual comes standard to make the most of the meager power band, but believe it or not, Chevy offered this car with an automatic. I can’t even imagine what that’s like. This one has the five-speed, and the seller says it runs and drives great, thanks to a lot of recent work. It just completed a road trip from Portland to Tacoma and back, averaging 50 miles to the gallon, according to the seller.
Inside, it’s typical malaise-era GM: shoddy construction, bleached plastics, and probably squeaks and rattles galore. The seller doesn’t give us a clear view of the front seats, which is probably telling. It looks like they’re wearing cheap covers, and they’re probably not in great shape unerneath. But it’s all there, and the seller says everything works.
It has been painted flat gray on the outside. It was originally light blue, and in fact, I think it was still blue when I saw it. I’m not sure why it was painted; it’s not rusty. Maybe the seller just didn’t like it in blue. It has louvers on the rear window, and a homemade spoiler that looks like garden edging. The upturned exhaust pipe is silly, but I’m curious to hear what it sounds like.
2013 Nissan Leaf – $2,500
Motor/drivetrain: 80 kilowatt electric motor, single-speed gear reduction, FWD
Location: Alameda, CA
Odometer reading: 113,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives great
There has to be a first for everything, and as far as mass-produced all-electric cars goes, that honor goes to the Nissan Leaf. Nissan wisely didn’t stray too far from typical small-car architecture or feel for the Leaf; it’s just a little hatchback that happens to have an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack in place of an engine, transmission, and fuel tank.
The problem with used Leafs is range; the old battery packs can degrade and lose range, reducing the car’s usefulness to almost nil. This Leaf’s range isn’t quite as bad as David’s old one, but it isn’t great either; the seller claims a typical range of about 60-70 miles on a full charge. It runs and drives well, though, and really, 60 miles of range is enough for most people to do some running around. I know that would get me to Costco and back, anyway.
One of the nice things about the Leaf is that it is just an ordinary car with an electric motor. This looks not unlike a Nissan Versa inside, except for the lack of a shift lever and the video game instrument panel. There’s no everything-on-the-touch-screen minimalism bullshit here. It’s in good condition, too.
It’s in good condition outside too, and it’s the best color for a Leaf. I always liked this blue. I still think the styling of the first-generation Leaf is weird, and apparently I’m not alone; the second generation was much more conservatively styled, so much so that it could be mistaken for a Versa. There’s no mistaking this car for anything else.
Can you get by without gasoline? Sure. Would you want to, if these were your only alternatives? I’m not so sure I would; I think either of these would have me missing my V8 in no time. But a V8 isn’t an option for you today – you’ve got an early ’80s diesel or an early EV to choose from. Which way are you going?
The Leaf won’t even get me to work & back in the winter.
Whereas I’m trying to figure out how I can explain buying the Chevette to my wife.
Having had a leaf, 60-70 miles is fewer than you think. A couple errands around town can get you there. Plus it’s not like you want to be rolling into your driveway with 2 miles left, so let’s be honest and say it’s more like 50-60 miles of usable range.
Many memories of doing math trying to see if the post office would have to wait until tomorrow.
It’s still the better option, however it’s something I’m not willing to deal with again. Garden trim spoiler it is.
“There has to be a first for everything, and as far as mass-produced all-electric cars goes, that honor goes to the Nissan Leaf.”
The Baker, Riker, and innumerable other electric cars circa 1900-1920 beg to differ.
Picture this: it’s 1985, you just turned 16, and you, in your painter’s cap and sunglasses with the leather side shields, just got your driver’s license. You have a mix tape you made of all of your favorite tunes, and a new copy of 1984 because the last one got all spaghettied, along with a mid sized Sanyo boom box, and you’re going to drive to school.
And your parents happily/with some concern turn over the keys to the car that they bought new a few years earlier for dad to drive to and from work, knowing that they’d give it to you when you turned 16.
It will be this car.
Take your upvote for the perfect citation of Vuarnet sunglasses.
Also, your one genuine Polo polo shirt that your spent most of your saved up allowance/paycheck on, and purchased at the department store from the wood paneled Polo section.
It’s cold and the heater is busted so don’t forget your Members Only jacket and Isotoner driving gloves.
My first paycheck was mostly spent on a pair of corduroy OP (Ocean Pacific) shorts. Royal blue with red stitched logo. I was in a rednecky area, but close enough to the beach that surf and skate wear was kind of the thing.
I effing LOVED my Jamz shorts…
First mod: neon pink dual windshield wipers.
And don’t forget the pink radio antennae to complete the look.
Finally some good options, I went with the Leaf since battery swaps are common now but my heart calls for the Chevette, something about being diesel, manual and old.
Take the slowest car around and make it worse! I never owned a Chevette regardless of powerplant, and I don’t have aspirations of changing that at this stage. The Leaf would actually be somehwat useful in our house, as my mostly-retired wife has a part time job about a mile from our house, and it’s more than capable of doing the grocery runs and various local trips.
I picked the leaf because I would not want to drive more than 30 miles in a Chevette anywhere.
Hell, the chevette will probably give you carbon monoxide poisoning in 20 miles
If your organs have not already shut down from the shaking and discomfort.
Or died of boredom
I had to pick the Chevette, it’s awful to the max and that’s quite wonderful.
It would fit in the driveway and I’d have it rolling coal on demand. A better Costco experience and they sell Diesel to boot.
If it wasn’t 3000 miles away in a foreign country it would be mine.
When I think longitudinal RWD stick-shift, this sure as hell isn’t what I envision.
I’ll risk the Leaf’s pathetic range in the hopes that I when the battery eventually fails I can find a refurbished one for an acceptable cost. It’ll get out of it’s own way and I’ll be able to survive an accident with a Vespa. The dying EV range isn’t a deal breaker since I wouldn’t dare road trip in that miserable little Chevette anyway.
excellent post!
Nissan Leaf. You’ll never have a more engaging driving experience than when you’re white-knuckling the steering wheel, watching the battery percentage drop faster than the grains of sand in an hourglass, praying you can regen just enough juice to make it home.
It’s actually kind of fun to have a shitbox EV, as long as it isn’t your only way to get around.
This must be a definition of fun I’m not familiar with.
https://travel-shark.com/type-2-fun/
Something something… David Tracy… Type 3… Something something…
I had a shitbox 2013 Nissan Leaf and it was my only way to get around. After the battery died and left me stranded on the side of the road for 3 hours, I swore off electric cars for the time being.
I did think of buying a bad one and doing a body swap. It’s ideal for an occasional-use second car. A guy on the faces book swapped a 1962 Dodge D100 truck onto one!
Is there a name for when you “tow” another car by driving behind it and pushing it with your bumper? Because just the other day I saw a Leaf being “towed” that way. It wasn’t hard to imagine the reason that was happening.
If you give this vote a few weeks, the Chevette will very slowly catch up and pass the Leaf.
Ooh, fun options! The Leaf is an awesome option for a second car to do 90% of my driving dirt cheap. However, I currently only have one parking spot, and no electrical outlets near it, so at least in my current situation that’s out. Plus, to be honest, I don’t think I’d enjoy the image of driving an old Leaf. The Chevette, on the other hand, looks right up my alley! Manual, RWD, slow, and efficient! I’d be happy to be seen driving that, and you’d get some fun noises and lots of driving engagement!
My commute is super short, so the low range on the Leaf isn’t a problem.
But…
My commute is super short, so the Chevette doesn’t need to get to speed, really. And it’s a manual, so… Chevette.
I can’t believe I’m voting for a Chevette, but here we are.
The sensible choice is the Leaf. Wade of Dankpods/Garbage Time/whatever-other-channels-he-has really likes his and how there’s nothing to break down. It also cannot drive itself, is humble, and isn’t very powerful. It’s the Anti-Tesla of EVs.
So I chose the Chevette. Shim the fuel pump enough to wake it up without imitating a Duramax with a 4 inch exhaust, throw “My Chevette” into the tape deck, and just enjoy the vibes. “Zero sixty…some-tiiiimes…”
Good music reference!
I’ll take the slow rolling Chevette over the one chore to do list a day Leaf. I mean 60 range is okay for one trip but God forbid you need to go to the hardware store and the grocery store on the same day.
I really wanted to vote for the Leaf, but all I can think is how it’s just going to steadily get worse, ultimately leading to an expensive fix.
I’ll take the ‘Vette.
Same – I live in a semi-rural area. I could easily eat the 60 mile range just running errands and doing weekly grocery shopping.
LS swap the Chevette. (I’m joking)
LS? Nah. Olds diesel 350 swap all the way! Period correct and maximum misery!
LS swap the Leaf
Well an aluminum block LS isn’t all that much heavier than the 4 banger.
There’s so much to be found in a simple EV that gets you far enough. My wife drives no more than 15 miles a day, but in up to 10 different trips. The Leaf would be perfect for her.
This is a very tough call.
The Chevette could be lightweighted and ecomodded to a high degree. The homemade spoiler is probably specifically for that purpose, raising the car’s highest trailing edge to intersect with the Huchco taper. Fifty miles per gallon is just the beginning with these little guys.
And the Leaf can take, with just a bit of work, a replacement battery pack from the second-gen Leaf. Imagine: a first-gen Leaf with a genuine 200 miles of range. Granted a top-tier GenII Leaf pack with that kind of capacity will set you back about $12-15,000, but at the end of $20,000 you have a compact EV with good, competitive range and not too many miles on the clock. That’s not too bad compared to trying to find something similar as a new car – you won’t drive away without having spent at least $30k.
I’d take the Leaf. I’ve been driving a RAV4 Prime for nearly a year now and EV miles, man, I’m telling you…you get used to the silence and smoothness.
I have driven my parents hybrid Camry and while I like the EV mode, I genuinely prefer the stimulation of the engine lugging with a perfect clutch release and the deep growl it makes when cruising back roads.
“Imagine: a first-gen Leaf with a genuine 200 miles of range. Granted a top-tier GenII Leaf pack with that kind of capacity will set you back about $12-15,000, but at the end of $20,000 you have a compact EV with good, competitive range and not too many miles on the clock”
For that kind of money and PITA I’m imagining far better options. Like a Bolt with a liquid cooled battery.
From Carvana
$21k for a 2024 Ariya with 27k miles
$17k for a 2025 Leaf (but why) with 15k miles
$19k for a 2023 Kona / Niro EV with 18k Miles – so many of these things.
$14k for a 2020 Bolt ‘ Premier’ with 73k miles
$16k for a 2019 E-Golf with 51k miles Just buy a new 12v or carry a spare.
$20k for a 2019 Audi e-tron with 51k miles it’s a Premium Plus.
$20k for a 2016 Model S with 90K miles
So many better options…
“at the end of $20,000 you have a compact EV with good, competitive range and not too many miles on the clock”
It is easy to find a Bolt or Model 3 with ~200 miles of range for well under $20k. Plus, even with an upgraded battery the Leaf would still have the stupid CHAdeMO port so fast charging isn’t possible.
As much as I like the 1G Leaf, there is no practical reason to upgrade them. They are great cars if you only need to drive short distances, though.
You can buy a 2025 Leaf with about 12K miles for about $14k. I can’t see how a battery swap makes sense. I’m honestly surprised at how cheap they are… They do ‘only’ have the 40 kW/h battery so the range is not the 200 miles you mention for a 62kW/h battery swap (with rear springs too) though.
$14K for a year-old Leaf? I’m not finding that at all, but I am finding 2023-2024 Leafs around the $19-20k mark, which really does challenge the business case for my battery swap idea. Besides that, the newer Leafs are way easier to look at than the first-gen models.
Okay, I’m feeling more heavily swayed by – I’m almost reluctant to say it – the Chevette.
https://www.drivelineca.com/pre-owned-cars/detail/2025-Nissan-LEAF/1447083?utm_source=GVehicleAds&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=dealersync-google-ads&store=08822358990590835456&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21818264534&gbraid=0AAAAA-UIO24pI1H4n-mPRW8p6_yhKlxIK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItL2hoqT1kgMVMCNECB0GVj3uEAQYBSABEgIoFvD_BwE
This does seem to be the low end of the market $15-16k is more common
To be honest I was with you on Battery swaps, they seemed like a great idea, but then i saw how cheap they are nearly new, no pun intended but I was shocked at how reasonably priced they are.
All the above said the Leaf in question still has a good use case for the right person. It would work for me. I had a 2019 E-Golf with a 100 mile range, right before Covid, but was able to sell it for more than i bought it for so I leased a Niro EV instead.
Holy alternate powertrains, Batman!
Great options here today. Fantastic selections!
As much as I’d love to go green here, a car with 30 miles of range just isn’t a viable car, and that diesel Chevette will probably be running well after the apocalypse.
Thank God the Shitvette has a manual. I remember these, and they were slow as hell with the regular gas engine, so the diesel can’t help. Also, the Leaf at some point might go into negative miles available.
My grandpa bought one after someone totaled his old Ford truck in the early 80s. He hated it with a passion, but it came in handy for my driver test.
I’ve always wanted a Vette, and now that I’m squarely middle-aged, why not? Let’s see if they perform as well as their reputation.
Get your jorts and white leather New Balances ready!
And put the crying dolls in the back seat.
Talk the Chevette down to $2K and take it the Grassroots Motorsports Challenge. While making great mpg to get there and back.
(No experience with diesel, I’m assuming it’s easy to find?)