PSA – Go buy a …Chevy?

"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k) 01/16/2020 at 13:47 • Filed to: None

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BOLT!

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Chevy is throwing crazy discounts on the Bolt right now. Locally to me (which includes a $2500 state rebate) they are being leased for under $200 a month with $0 drive-off costs (yes, that includes doc fees, registration etc.).

The 2020 Bolt comes with 259 miles of range. The price noted is typically for base LT model with DCFC – but those with the option packages or the next level up Premier can be had for not that much more too. For a city car, commuter, or really anything short of a true roadtrip vehicle this is a crazy good deal.

I’ve been eyeing used Volt and the Clarity as a replacement for my Spark EV lease that I recently returned – but with these prices it’s almost too good to pass up so I’ll likely end up in one within the next few days. It’ll work just great as a commuter and family runaround car, and will put the ZHP back in the garage for weekend duty and for me to actually be able to get around to doing some work on it as I have been intending.

phenotyp > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 13:56

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I’ve been driving an i3 for 2.5+ years. The Bolt isn’t as good, but I’d bet that it’s a pretty great car for what you need.

I don’t know shit about the Clarity, but if you’re in an EV market, I’ve liked the Volt (too bad about that one), and the Bolt’s range beats the shit out of the i3's.

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 13:58

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Damn, if I didn’t buy the 500e a couple months ago, I would really consider this. If I had another place to charge, it would go get one for the wife!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > phenotyp 01/16/2020 at 14:00

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Yeah speaking of dynamics and driving fun I’m sure the i3 blows it out of the water...but that’s what I have the E46 for.

This pricing is pretty aggressive, and the range is way more than what I need. The Clarity is the closest thing to the Volt that now exists, in terms of how it operates. Unfortunately they are impossible to find and priced crazy high as a result. The Volt truly is a shame - you can buy an off-lease car for around $15-17k right now, but discontinued model and aging Chevy...hard to tell how quickly it will lose value at this point. Thankfully this Bolt deal came around at just the right time for me. 

Chariotoflove > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 14:01

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A lot of more spread out cities like mine can only be partially served by mass transit options. I like a future where those in-city driving needs are served by electric commuter cars, and I think companies with cars  like Chevy’s offerings are the best path to that future.  I like my big luxury car, but the truth is that it’s not the best vehicle for my 5.5 mile work commute.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Chariotoflove 01/16/2020 at 14:03

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Agreed - mass public transit doesn’t work for all cities, especially those with lower density that are more spread out. Having more affordable basic electric cars will be great for people (especially those who don’t care about cars) to use for everyday duty. I’ve been driving my E46 to work for the last 5 months, and honestly it’s not enjoyable. I’d rather savor that for pleasant weekend drives. 

AlfaCorse > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 14:04

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I went from a Spark EV to a Bolt EV as a daily driver a few years ago. If you like the Spark you will like the Bolt. I think of it as more or less the same car but 25% bigger and better in most every way , apart from range which is obviously much better on the Bolt and the handling I thought was a bit sharper on the Spark being a smaller lighter car.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By 01/16/2020 at 14:04

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Just plug it in to a 110 outlet for regular duty given its range, and just get a night on the 240 every now and then if it’s getting too low for comfort! 

The Ghost of Oppo > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 14:06

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I saw a Bolt the other day and thought “that’s a pretty good looking car” and I spent some time driving a Gen 1 Volt which I liked.  Maybe a Bolt would be a good option for my 13 mile round trip commute.  

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > AlfaCorse 01/16/2020 at 14:07

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Yeah I loved that little Spark. I’m assuming the Bolt isn’t quite as zippy either? Haven’t even looked at the torque figures. I’m fine giving up a little of the driving fun for more practicality.

And is that old Alfa yours? SWOON. 

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > The Ghost of Oppo 01/16/2020 at 14:09

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Yup, I have a 11 mile commute so same boat. Right now I spend $100 a month in gas on my E46 for that commute (in addition to wear and tear obviously). So save $100, say spend ~$20 a month on electricity and about $30 more in insurance cost...so that’s a new and safer car, and more flexibility to work on the E46 for ~$150 a month. Pretty damn good deal for my needs .

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > The Ghost of Oppo 01/16/2020 at 14:10

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p.s. agree it’s a sharp looking car. One thing I HATE are the rear lights. They had to do that stupid thing where they added turn signals and reverse down low on the bumper due to regulations...why didn’t they just plan for it in the first place? 

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 14:12

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Thats even a stretch. In our apartment garage, we’ve got a whopping 2 110 outlets and one is taken up by the garage door lol. So we would have to switch out who is charging overnight. If we had an actual house then it would be another story

AlfaCorse > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 14:14

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I think the Spark felt slightly faster right off the line, but after that the Bolt is definitely way faster. I would say the Spark was a little more fun in the handling department though. Although I haven’t put on performance tires on the Bolt yet, that made a pretty big difference in how fun the Spark was to drive.  No I wish, I have a Spider though, it’s close enough to let me sleep at night ;)

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 14:16

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Too bad the bmw isnt paid off. If it was I’d look into getting one for my wife. Her Fit has lots of life left in it but that’s a hell of a deal on a brand new car. Let alone an EV with a useful amount of range. 

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > AlfaCorse 01/16/2020 at 14:16

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Any old Alfa is a thing of beauty in my book...personally don’t have enough wrenching knowledge to keep one on the road though.

phenotyp > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 14:17

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Beyond interior materials and stuff, I’ve thought that Bolt was a big step for GM, and the range beats the crap outta of the i3. It’s a similar package, though not a carbon chassis, and it’s always looked like a good option.

The big thing for me was daily ingress/egress with a car seat, and that’s where the i3 really destroys anything else out there. I went from an E60, which certainly had its positives, but was a super pain in the ass with a toddler.

T he ergonomics of the i3 sold me fom the get-go.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By 01/16/2020 at 14:18

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Aw man yeah that’s a no go - there needs to be some solution for those who don’t have a house with a garage or driveway. There have got to be incentive programs for apartment buildings to install chargers? Of course smaller ones still wouldn’t find it worthwhile probably but would be a start. 

AlfaCorse > AlfaCorse 01/16/2020 at 14:18

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One other thing, I noticed that charging on 110v, which is 95% of the time for me, the Bolt seems to gain slightly less miles per hour of charge time than the Spark . Not really an issue for me because of the much greater range, and typically it will still fully recharge from my daily driving overnight. (25-30 mile round trip commute).

AlfaCorse > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 14:21

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I don’t have a ton of knowledge either, but I am learning haha

BaconSandwich is tasty. > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 14:21

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In the mean time, they are still like $40k CAD up here. :(

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 14:23

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Yeah, it's on my radar to talk with out landlord. We live in a 'luxury' apartment complex, so I'd hope they would install some charging stations for residents to use

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 14:35

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Bolt is a great car. It’s still interesting that sales didn’t take off here in the US in the last 6 months, as Tesla claims to be “supply constrained” in the US market. —

Sales on LEAF and BOLT “should” have taken off, but don’t seem to have done so. It’s weird, especially since the Bolt’s already a pretty good value— and a great value at these incentive levels. Check one out.

Thomas Donohue > The Ghost of Oppo 01/16/2020 at 14:36

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Also check out used Gen 2 Volts. 50+ miles of EV range, and the 2017 models are dropping into the ~$16k range.  You still get the remainder of the 8yr/100k mile warranty on the EV parts.

Maxima Speed > The Ghost of Oppo 01/16/2020 at 14:38

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13 mile round trip? I would just bike that tbh.

The Ghost of Oppo > Maxima Speed 01/16/2020 at 14:45

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You are unfamiliar with Pittsburgh’s streets and geography

Kiltedpadre > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 14:47

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If my wife’s car were big enough to serve as a road trip car I would be seriously interested.

I currently drive a Gen 1 Volt, and the Bolt would work well for me. Unfortunately, my wife’s Spark is a touch small for trips.

AestheticsInMotion > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 15:22

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My HOA would cause so much trouble if I had a cord going out my window, otherwise I'd love to get in on that lease deal. 

Maxima Speed > The Ghost of Oppo 01/16/2020 at 15:30

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Say no more, friend. Ive heard the legends.

Noodles > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 15:37

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I own a Chevy Trailblazer, and will never own another Chevy ever. At 100k miles my oil pressure gauge failed, shortly after that my tachometer stopped working. I talked to a few mechanics and learned that my speedometer is next to go.

Yeah, at least I have something to look forward to.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > Noodles 01/16/2020 at 15:59

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So you had a component fail at 100K miles and it’s put you off the brand forever?

I should send you a list of the “dead stuff” on my E46 BMW by 90K miles...  I only wish it was limited to a non-functional tach.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > AestheticsInMotion 01/16/2020 at 16:00

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Nah, diesel generator in the driveway to start.

They’ll be thrilled for the power cord...

Noodles > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 01/16/2020 at 16:16

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I’ll be honest here and say yes. I’ve heard good things about their new offerings, but I won’t give them a chance. Just being honest.

But!!! If someone gave me a new Corvette, I’d daily that thing and never look back.

Honesty doesn't equal intelligent thinking.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > Noodles 01/16/2020 at 16:22

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Unless it’s a Toyota or Honda, I think you’re destined for disappointment. “Peak Reliability” hit probably 15 years ago... and that LL8 in the Trailblazer was a damn reliable engine. As was the 4L60 attached to it.

With the addition of DI, multi-cam VVT, displacement on demand, variable runner lengths, hybrid integration, 10 speed transmissions, electric steering, electric water pumps ??? It’s all down and to the right I’m afraid. I love my GM V8 trucks but none of them have VVT, much less cylinder de-activation.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Noodles 01/16/2020 at 16:28

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Yeah...what SBA said.

And I too honestly would never buy an ICE Chevy...but their EV offerings (like all EVs) are significantly simpler mechanically, and this is a lease with full warranty so not much risk there.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 01/16/2020 at 16:29

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Yup I don’t want the base LT...just negotiating pricing on a car with the option packages at this point for around $220, $0 drive-off.

Unfortunately none of these EVs have the cool factor that Tesla does...so if Tesla is supply constrained, most people who want a Tesla - which they do because it’s cool - are simply OK with waiting for one.

Shame cos there’s a TON of money to be saved with deals like these.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Kiltedpadre 01/16/2020 at 16:30

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Yeah having had a Spark EV before this it’s comical to think of depending on that as a roadtrip car. Don’t fault your position at all. Ditch the Spark and get in to one of these? Volt can be the roadtrip car! 

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 01/16/2020 at 16:31

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Yeah it seriously is. I was planning on driving my E46 for at least another 6 months before getting a new commuter...but at this pricing it’s a no brainer, too good to pass up. 

Kiltedpadre > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 16:35

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Unfortunately my wife likes the size of her Spark and how simple it is. It was in the shop for awhile due to parts supply issues, and she drove my Volt.

She kept talking about how big it was and that she hated the touchscreen. I doubt she’d like the control set-up in the Bolt.

Noodles > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 01/16/2020 at 16:42

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Agreed. I own a Camry that I've had for 5 years longer than the Chevy. Amazingly, everything works on my Toyota, and it has 210,000 miles

Noodles > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 16:44

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I can see your point. I'm just biased by personal experience.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 16:47

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yeah, it’s a weird syndrome. The brand aura around Tesla seems totally outside the rational. It’s like a classic Early Adopter thing for my PoV...

Why would I “buy a car over the internet” with limited support and possible long-term maintenance challenges, when for half the money I can just go to a Chebby dealer, and know I have a Service Director to yell at someday if something goes wrong? Dunno. Clearly there’s a factor at work— I just don’t get it.

Early majority wants clear cost savings, long term support and certainty.

I know a Model 3 is “better” but c’mon.  If I work it hard I can be into the low 20s for a pretty good EV with the Chevy...

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 01/16/2020 at 16:49

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Preaching to the choir, Sir! 

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > Noodles 01/16/2020 at 16:49

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Yeah, I’m totally a Land Cruiser guy— for that reason.

a pity about the 14MPG...

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Kiltedpadre 01/16/2020 at 16:51

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Yeah doesn’t seem like the car for her in that case. Anomaly amongst American consumers to see the Spark as the right size, and a Volt as being too big! I encourage it!

Thankfully I have a wife who hates SUVs and likes the lower feel of wagons as well...in our case an Outback, but still better than an actual SUV and truly does ride much more like a car despite the ground clearance.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > BaconSandwich is tasty. 01/16/2020 at 19:09

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What’s the matter? Isn’t that like the cost of 3 flapjacks or something?

I kid, I kid! What kind of incentives are available up there on EVs in the Great White North? 

BaconSandwich is tasty. > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/16/2020 at 20:11

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More like a lifetime supply of Timbits.

There’s a federal rebates of $5k. The one Bolt I have seen for sale (new) was around$45k, so that $40k is after the rebate.

I've been tracking used prices in the US using Autotempest. Oddly enough the low end of used prices has gone up in the last week or two. There were a few for sale below $17k, but now there isn't.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Noodles 01/16/2020 at 22:52

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It’s an easy fix for the stepper motors

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > BaconSandwich is tasty. 01/17/2020 at 11:55

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As with most US manufacturers I wouldn’t go by MSRP – federal credits. The manufacturer and dealers also throw significant amounts of cash on the hood to get these things out the door – especially if they’re models that aren’t selling well and they need to dispose of inventory. At least that’s what I’ve noticed on this side of things.