Oppo Hivemind Discussion: Electric Cars & Jobs

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley) 02/25/2020 at 16:01 • Filed to: None

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Job hunting is going well. Some really interesting positions, some not. I’d like some feedback on cars I know nothing about. I’d also like some input on what you look for in a job, whether it be money, enjoyment, balance, perks or location. I’m facing some hard choices in the weeks to come.

Cars

Looking at the jobs most likely to make an offer and the locations of those jobs, it is becoming clear that a Hybrid/Electric vehicle may make sense in the near future, since I will have to pay for my own gas again. Round trip will be 60 miles per day.

This would be in replacement of the Forte, with us retaining the Fiesta, Truck and Sportwagen.

Pros:

1) All Electricity in BC is renewable
2) HOV lane use
3) Price of gas vs. electricity
4) One job is a Government job that has primo parking for it
5) One job is a utility (power) that has a lot of parking for it

Cons:

1) I know nothing about electric cars
2) Lifespan?
3) Charging?

What does Oppo know about plug in hybrids or electric cars? I am really drawn to a used I3. Charging wise, I would likely have to get a long cord into a standard house socket. I may consider installing a charger for the right price/incentives. Car would be charged outdoors.

Jobs

Some interesting positions out there. I’ve made a rubric of what each offers with salary noted as a % change from what I made previously. The +30% job requires 6 months a year of travel with some not insignificant personal risk in many ways. Not something I will be taking.

Sorry it is so brutal to look at, but you can make out the field headings.

Personally, I want to do something I love and feel like I make a difference at. If all the positions were offered, I’d take the one with a -6% change in pay (Employer 2) . I’d rather make slightly less and be happy . This is the job I feel most secure in getting, more to come later on that.

Again what does Oppo look for? Commute length, work life balance, dogs at work, benefits, title, power etc. I am really quite interested.

bob and john > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:05

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My family owns an A3 Etron.
What do you want to know? 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > bob and john 02/25/2020 at 16:06

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How do you charge it? Are there concerns about long term ownership? Any maintenance headaches so far?

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:07

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Cold weather reduces battery life.

Also go hybrid and get a Mclaren

bob and john > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:13

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1: the charging the plug for audi is behind the badge. its a simply thing that plugs into a the wall of the house and charges it. its got a bigger sort of ‘adaptor’ that sits on the wall, so you’d have to park the A3 first one up against the garage. but its not too bad.

2: long term ownership: 80K km so far and 3 years . We had a issue with the high-voltage heater going out 200KM over warrenty. Audi only covered 70% of it. bastards. But I feel like thats a outlier. Other then that, its been smooth sailing.

3: so far its only been dealer maintained for the sake of the warranty . But its got a regular 1.4 gas motor in to as well. As it doesnt run all the time, the maintence intervals are really set by the car. 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:19

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Commute length, Yes

work life balance, Yes

dogs at work, Ye s

benefits, Yes

title, power don’t really care....

TheRealBicycleBuck > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:23

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Job choices are a reflection of you, your financial situation, and stage of life. I travel 100% right now, something I wouldn’t have done just five years ago. My children’s ages and the activities I was involved in made them the priority.

Now I’m chasing the highest salary so I can afford college and to build up my retirement fund. My wife will be rejoining the work force soon so she can help with those bills.

You should look at your finances and life commitments before selecting an offer. Pay close attention to the retirement packages. Many government jobs have their own retirement system which may not be compatible with what you already have. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:32

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Work/like balance is huge. 

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:33

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As I got older, work:life balance became the most important part about being gainfully employed.

My last paid role was reasonably well paid for the industry but I’d long negotiated it to be a part time role. The actual work was frequently interesting but also mundane (there was lots of paid Oppo time). I stayed in the role as long as I did simply because it afforded me and mine with an excellent balance between income and family.

Its now just past the two year mark since I have had a paid job. These days I work for my family, managing our ‘estate’ and its infrastructure and getting paid in hugs and food. And interestingly, the work:life balance remains just as vital now as it ever was, especially when it comes to maintaining social interactions within a small community like ours.

Also, commuting is working as you wouldn't commute if you didn't work. So that's counted in the 'work' bit. And if it's hard work then sod that.

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:34

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As you might know, I got a 500e for a 60 mile commute. TLDR, I don’t think I will ever go back to an ICE for daily work commute. If you want to know more, AMA!

E90M3 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:40

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After getting laid off, my priorities are job security and work life balance. Being away from home all the time gets old as does driving 35 miles each way to work. 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 02/25/2020 at 16:47

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Luckily we are quite temperate, but I'll keep that in mind

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By 02/25/2020 at 16:48

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How do you find dealer support specifically for the 500e? They were sold here and I'd consider one

Cash Rewards > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:50

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My leaf takes 19 hours to charge on standard 120v outlet. Upgrade is a must for home charging

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Cash Rewards 02/25/2020 at 16:50

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Yikes. I'll have to look into the costs

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:51

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Charging from a standard house socket is REALLLLLYYYY slow FYI.

Aremmes > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:53

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How much more in benefits does #2 offer vs. #5? If the difference plus the reduced commute distance/time add up to more than the salary reduction, then that’s the one to go with. OTOH, according to your sheet they don’t pay for education, which is worth $10,000+ per year here in Pennsylvania.

Cash Rewards > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:56

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Im in that process right now. First quote was 900. Charger another 500-600 on top of that. Caveat: labor rates around here are 100-125 an hour

ToyotaFamily > DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By 02/25/2020 at 16:57

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Saw 500e and my mind immediately went to this

Maxima Speed > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 16:59

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Personally I look for what is going to be the most effective advancement to get me to my goal. Work life balance is very important to me. 40 hour work weeks for me. In my line of work I realize there will be times that I have to work a Saturday or something every once in a while but I’m looking for a very 8 -5 mon day through Friday job. I’m currently trying to get an entry level job at a u niversity in order to get my foot in the door because it has that kind of balance I want. I’m also willing to take a large hit on pay because of the short term  benefits (free tuition for me and any future spouse and children I may have). It’s also a stable job that will eventually allow me to make a good living wage.

AlfaCorse > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 17:00

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Since you have other vehicles you can use , I would think an all electric car for commuting would be best , unless your regular commute is going to be really pushing the cars range. I’ve found that electric cars are in general better to drive than hybrids, simpler, more responsive, quicker.  

someassemblyrequired > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 17:05

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School is cheap in Canada, and extra week of vacation takes salary difference down to -2%. Add in short commute and high job satisfaction and #2 seems like a no brainer.

wafflesnfalafel > Cash Rewards 02/25/2020 at 17:07

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dang, didn’t realize the standard plug charge time was that long...

Cash Rewards > wafflesnfalafel 02/25/2020 at 17:10

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And that's a gen 1 leaf, with a low 100 mile range. Try a new bolt, or a Tesla. Days.

Under_Score > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 17:12

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Focus Electric

dogisbadob > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 17:25

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Is the range extender available in Canada?

There’s also the Volt

shop-teacher > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 17:36

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Work/life balance is very important to me, so long as you can pay your bills and not be worried constantly about money .

I came to a crossroads in my mid-20's. I could have gone down the construction road, or the teaching road. They were both careers that I would find satisfying, but I chose the one that lets me have more time with my kids. Even though I didn’t have kids at the time, I knew I wanted kids and I would want to be home with them more than my dad was. That’s by no means a knock against my dad. He busted his ass to provide for his family, but I wanted to be there for more of the things that he had to miss.

I’ll never make as much as I could have in construction, but I will likely never have those months without pay either. I make enough that my family has everything that we need, and some of the things we want. That’s good by me.

Cash Rewards > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 17:39

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Also, my leaf has a meter indicating overall battery capacity. Mine has 11/12. Others were 10/12. I think one can have 8/12 and still be CPO. Check for your target car.

Spasoje > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 17:47

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Job choice really depends on the person. Case in point: on your chart, it looks to me like the optimal choice is at employer #5, but you’d pick #2...

As far as the car goes, I’ve driven a couple i3's (along with the old and new Leaf, i-Pace, Model 3, Model S, Focus Electric, eGolf, Mirai, smart ED, and a couple others I'm probably forgetting)  and I really like them. Lots of fun, super spacious, and feels like you’re in the future. It would be my first choice for a small electric car, particularly 2018+ (range boost + facelift).

Since battery tech develops quickly, I’d either lease new or buy used. From some quick research, it seems like the recent i3's don’t really have any major issues.

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > ToyotaFamily 02/25/2020 at 17:50

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Inner chant “ONE OF US, ONE OF US! ”

gettingoldercarguy > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 17:54

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#2 all day long.  The difference in pay from the other jobs won't touch satisfaction.

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 17:59

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Dealer support is definitely the weak point for the 500e. I’m lucky to live about 5 miles from one that can service it if need be, but so far I haven’t had any issues. (Knocks on wood)

But the major strength with the 500e is its the cheapest EV (used) with a liquid cooled battery. Makes a major difference in long term degradation . It also has a 6 kW charger, so it can top up pretty darn quick for level 2 charging (~4 hours from totally dead) . DC fast charging isn’t available, but with only ~80 miles of highway range, it’s not a distance car anyway.

From what I’ve heard on the forums, if there is a Chrysler dealership with a tech that is certified on the pacifica hybrid, then he can service the 500e. But I haven’t tried that myself, so YMMV. But outside a 10 year battery coolant flush, there isn’t anything that needs done (outside of breakdowns obviously ) specific to the electric drive train .

Definitely give one a test drive. Short wheelbase, instant torque and nearly 50/50 weight distribution makes it a seriously fun and quick car

someoneatacura > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 18:00

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BC is rolling out new incentives, soon ish I think. You can get a rebate on a charger as well, so I would keep your ear to the ground.

Used US based EVs are pretty cheap, West Wood Honda sells a lot of them. Otherwise, I’ve heard only good things about the Kona electric, and apparently it’s a much better car than the Soul electric to drive.

fintail > ToyotaFamily 02/25/2020 at 18:07

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Same here, I had to think for a second: “that’s not the best commuter rig”.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > dogisbadob 02/25/2020 at 18:20

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It is yeah, the volt is kinda long in the tooth these days 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Cash Rewards 02/25/2020 at 19:15

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I may have some ideas about wiring the charger. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 19:28

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As far as cars go, I have been considering a Gen II Volt to replace the Cruze. The Volvo and its automatic transmission have spoiled me on my god awful commute. Its only 13 miles (21 km) each way but the traffic is utter shit.

As for work I primarily look for something where I can do cool shit and make use of my skills and education and also good total compensation. Im a lucky boy because I have all that and more - I do cool stuff (test ships ), travel somewhat frequently (I was gone a week each month last year) to interesting places (Bahamas, Alaska, California, etc.), and the money and benefits are good. Its feast or famine - when were busy we are slammed but when times are slow I get plenty of paid Oppo time. And I kind of like that. I also get to do a com pressed schedule - work 9 hour days and take every other Friday off.  That works perfectly for me as I have certain monthly obligations (namely have to take my wife for an infusion every month). They are also paying for my master's degree. 

Cash Rewards > Snuze: Needs another Swede 02/25/2020 at 19:33

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I know exactly what I need. My service panel is at the back corner of the house, with room to add a 240V circuit. It needs to exit the house, run conduit from back corner to front corner, and terminate in appropriate outlet in weatherproof box. I have a hammer drill to mount conduit and box to brick exterior , but no expertise to handle the rest. I could probably walk my way through it, but the consequence of getting in wrong here are bigger than I'm comfortable with. 

random001 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 19:33

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My i3 takes about 8 hours on the 110v charger.  I have the Rex model.  Maybe 10, but I’d come home, plug it in at 20-30%, and it would be ready by morning.  The charge estimate would say 0200 or 0400 depending on how low I got it.  So maybe longer.  The 220 charger takes 2-3 hours, and cost less than $600 for the charger and me installing the plug.  2nd gen volt might be the way to go, but I love my i3.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Cash Rewards 02/25/2020 at 19:40

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Are you doing a charger or just a 240V outlet? How many amps? No way to run it inside the house, like up to the attic or something?

I'd be happy to help a fellow Oppo out, I have extensive electrical experience. Or I can recommend some other electricians if you're interested in a second quote.  

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 19:58

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In general, I’m pretty good at doing the government thing where stability, work/life balance and benefits always win out over money. If only I could find both...

That said, I’ve learned to look at a lot of the more “soft” aspects of working at a place, and I ask lots of questions to that end in the interview process. “Tell me what a typical day for me might look like here... and then tell me what a typical day for me might look like X number of months or years from now... how do you see this office/dept/project X number of years down the road. ” I look for places with long histories of promoting from within versus hiring outside talent.

I always look for something that will I have niche I can carve out as my own, and the freedom to so do. I always seek out jobs with hands-off management that expects you to go make the things happen of your own motivation (and done as you see fit) versus the types that talk about supervision and reporting of things.  B oth in the interview and via networking, I really try to learn a lot about the boss before making a decision (this may also be a product of the government/academia world where by default everyone is in long-term positions. There is basically zero chance someone at the top decides (or even could legally) to change things around and rotate different folks to different roles or different department or teams, or whatever they call small units in the private sector).

Cash Rewards > Snuze: Needs another Swede 02/25/2020 at 20:45

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h /www.amazon.com/dp/B00MFVI92S?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_image

That guy just showed up today, so I need the outlet for it. It’s a 32 amp charger, but many are already at 40 amps, so I figured a 50 amp fuse.

I really appreciate the offer! The first quote was the local "Tesla certified EV charger expert", so I'm sure the price reflects that. Our regular guy shows up Thursday. Hopefully it's a done deal then.

zipfuel > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/25/2020 at 22:20

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Just went and sat in a bunch of electric car options at the Toronto Autoshow:

Chevy bolt, great range, terrible seats, everything light- weighted and plasticky

I really liked what Hyundai/Kia is doing: the ioniq would feel like a straight swap for the Forte; compact Korean car with a hatch. Decent range and prices. Kona felt a bit nicer and more modern but for the price it has to : huge tesla like range. Soul slots between them and while there’s some bargain ones being sold near me I’m surprised how much value they’re holding even 4-5yrs old in BC.

I was looking at the ford cmax and fusion energi plug in hybrids a while back as they depreciated really nicely. Electric only range was low but you’d get one way at least

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By 02/25/2020 at 22:58

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Looking at the pricing, it seems this might be the best option. What's the range? I'm far to lazy to Google apparently

BaconSandwich is tasty. > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/26/2020 at 00:32

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How about a second gen Volt? ~85 km electric range in summer.  Used prices have come down very nicely, at least for importing one from California. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Cash Rewards 02/26/2020 at 10:27

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I’m sure the “Tesla Certified Expert ” is expertly padding his rates. I imagine your regular guy will take care of you.

That charger requires 40 amps - #10 wire is 30 amp rated , and #8 wire is 50 amp rated, so you can fuse at 50 amps. #8 w ire is about $1.50/ft, Conduit is $2 to 5 per 10 ft depending on size and if it’s PVC or m etal, breakers are $10-25 depending on the brand of panel you have . If it’s a 50 foot run from the panel to the charger I’m guessing you’re looking at $150 to 200 in materials. I t’s probably half a days labor ($400-500). So I’d be looking for a price in the $50 0 to 700 range . Certainly not $900.

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/26/2020 at 10:33

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Realistically, about 80 miles highway, 100 in town. I can stretch the highway range to about 100 if I really have to by drafting off semi’s. But once you start going above 70 mph, the range takes a hit. Sorry, you will have to convert all my freedom units to something that makes sense...

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By 02/26/2020 at 11:15

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That’s decent, I would only need 60miles per day.  And I anticipate charging at work

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/26/2020 at 11:26

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That’s what I do; if you have a standard plug at work and home, you won’t need to spring for a level 2 charger. I just use the level 1 120V overnight at home/work , only occasionally a public level 2 if I am out and about. I usually get to work with about 65% of charge and if I can plug in , I’ll get home with about 65% as well. If I don’t get to charge, I usually get home with about 30%, charge overnight on 120V and that just gets me back to a full charge in the morning

The only thing that will really kill your range is lots of hills. I wouldn’t recommend one if you are driving up and down mountains

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By 02/26/2020 at 11:31

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I anticpate my office having chargers (free) so that will be a good option

Cash Rewards > Snuze: Needs another Swede 02/26/2020 at 11:52

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Awesome, thanks!

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/26/2020 at 12:24

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You’ll be perfectly fine then!

Cash Rewards > Snuze: Needs another Swede 02/27/2020 at 18:39

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Guy: so you already got the charger, and you’re going to mount it, and it just plugs in. This isn’t even an EV job, you just want a circuit and outlet. Ok, I’ll do that for $495.

I swear, two different guys heard EV and doubled the price. Thanks for the breakdown, saved me a ton. I owe you a coffee or two at  Katie’s

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Cash Rewards 02/27/2020 at 23:14

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You’re welcome. I’m glad I could help out!

I was talking with my dad yesterday and I mentioned it to him and he said “without seeing the job its tough, but I’d guess around $600.” So yeah, I think thats a good deal.

Also, I'm really starting to think about a Volt.  I might try to test drive one this weekend, or at least see if my neighbor will let me take his for a spin.  I also found a unicorn nearby - a manual, diesel, gen 2 Cruze hatchback.  Its several thousand less than a Volt and can pull 50+ MPG, so it makes a convincing case. I guess I need to start doing math.