Nissan’s Turning Over A New Leaf: COTD

The Nissan Leaf has always been an oddball in the EV world. It was one of the first truly mass-market modern EVs, but had quirks that turned buyers off. Since then, the Leaf has seemingly always been playing catch-up, and it isn’t doing so hot on the sales floor.

Matt wrote a review claiming the base model Leaf is the best one and should sell better. Arch Duke Maxyenko:

So you’re saying that Nissan dealers are struggling to turn over the new Leaf?

Manwich Sandwich:

I beLeaf they are trying very hard to do that!

Jay Vette:

This is the best comment. Everyone else can Leaf now.

We asked you about the worst thing that happened to your car that wasn’t a crash. Grayvee280:

On a dark and stormy morning around 2001, I was driving down the freeway on my way to work in a 1977 280Z. She was mint, working AC, silver with black interior. I had just installed a new Clarion CD deck, amp and limo tint. Bass was so tight my rearview mirror was useless.

Anyway, It was raining pretty good, and I had just gotten into the exit lane going about 55 when the air turned, what I can only describe as shiny red and green. All the hair on my body stood up, and then blinding light and BAM! The loudest sound I have ever heard in my life. I had no idea what had happened. All 4 of my tires were blown out, but the old L28 was still running like a champ. I nursed it to the shoulder. Bewildered, I got out to check the damage. The guy driving behind me stopped to render aid and explained that lightening had struck my radio antenna. He watched it arc and all 4 tires blow up. The original Z was manual everything but for some reason had this ridiculous 4 foot tall electric antenna. It melted like a candle to the body. I had blood coming out of my ear, and I was near deaf for the rest of the day. My ears still ring.

Later that day, I put on a fresh set of boots, she started right up and drove home. The radio was fried and I spent the next 6 months replacing relays as they gave out one by one. It ate alternators and regulators like tic tacs for a year or so, and the AC never worked again. All the rubber hoses in the cooling system and EFI rail fell apart, but I never had a single problem with the ECU. After that, it ran like a top for the next decade as my daily driver. That car was a beast.

Matt wrote a Morning Dump about Walmart and the future of EV charging. He ended by asking about the most 1995-coded car. Arch Duke Maxyenko comes back for a second COTD nom:

The 1995 Eddie Bauer Edition Explorer.

Greg Winson:

TBQ: A Neon in nitro green.

Evan Fediuk:

Most 1995?

Teal Blue Metallic Chevrolet Cavalier sedan.

Jason’s Cold Start judged the 1972 Sears catalog’s ride-on toy cars. Flyingstitch:

Are we sure the Pinto and fire truck weren’t sold as a package? I mean, if you have one, you’ll need the other.

Finally, Mark gave us a showdown between two Nissans. Our favorite CVT has returned after getting cooked at Lime Rock Park! Jatco Xtronic CVT:

Good thing you’re moving on from the played-out CVT hate. Its merits are many and its flaws few. Haters are just haters. You all know the truly correct choice over that old unreliable heap.

Have a great day, everyone!

Top graphic image: Nissan