A Colorado dealership has sparked widespread interest this week with an extraordinary lease offer on the 2024 Nissan Leaf S, priced at an astonishing $19 per month with $0 down. This remarkable deal, made possible through a combination of incentives including federal and state EV tax credits, underscores the growing affordability of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state.
The lease terms, however, come with specific conditions—limited to 24 months and 10,000 miles annually—which have become standard for Colorado’s low-cost EV lease programs aimed at qualifying for state tax credits.
The aggregate discounts contributing to this offer include a $7,500 federal credit, a $5,100 Colorado state credit, and an additional $2,500 due to the Leaf’s low manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). Notably, these discounts are applied upfront at the time of lease, enhancing the appeal of the deal for prospective EV buyers.
Nevertheless, the advertised $19 monthly lease does not encompass all associated costs. Colorado residency is a prerequisite, and upfront dealership fees totaling $1,400 or potentially higher with added dealer options, must be factored in. State and local taxes, averaging around 8-9% on lease payments, add an estimated $34 monthly, while dealer fees add an additional $59 per month.
Consequently, while the base lease appears exceptionally affordable, the comprehensive monthly cost rises significantly when considering all additional charges. “Always take the quoted price with a grain of salt,” advised the dealership, emphasizing the need for clarity on total expenses.
Despite these considerations, industry analysts highlight that even at an adjusted monthly cost, the $100 total remains remarkably competitive for a Nissan Leaf S lease in today’s market.
