[Matrix21]

Hi there,

I'm new here, i don't have a Volt yet, i will probably have one soon but i really need some pointers, hints, etc.
I'm a total noob when it comes to electric car.

First thing first, my name is Ben and i live in Montreal, QC.
I have my eyes on a 2012 Chevy Volt Premium from my coworker. It got 85k km on it, white body color and two tone interior (leather). He's asking me 14 000$ CAD for it.

The car will be inspected by his GM dealer and all repairs that need to be done will be paid by him. He always do an annual inspection. So the car will be (should be lol) good to go if i say yes.
I will ask him also to check all fluids.

So that's the info for the car. Now as for myself, i live in a condo, no garage but i have a power outlook outside in front of my parking space. (110v 15A) So the car would always be plugged in with the ESVE L1 110v, unless i try to install a 220v charger unit, but that might be a waster because i don't know how long i'm gonna stay there...and i'm sure sure i have space for that outside.

Of course, i will install a weatherproof cover for the power outlet, just to make sure rain and snow are not interfering with the current.

The car will be primary used as a work commute (26km both ways). i already have a normal gazoline car (2015 Chrysler 200S AWD V6).

Will all that in mind, do you guys think it worth it ?
My heart says yes, but i have doubt about the reliability (not because it's GM lol, i have a Chrylser so...)
If anything goes bad, am i going to remortgage my condo ? lol

Thanks for your input guys!

 

[LANMAN]

We have a 2012 white diamond Volt with 50K miles on it and we love it. It's my wife's car, so I only get to drive it on the weekends. We had a number of minor issues with it (charge door, door entry buttons, charger), but all were fixed under warranty in the first three years. The only major issue was the replacement of the master cylinder the first week we took delivery.

I don't think it gets as cold where we are, usually not below 20 in the winter, and during those times my wife only gets about 25 miles on battery, which is barely enough for her round trip commute, but plenty to spare the rest of the year.

We went 4 years before getting a L2 charger (I installed it myself), and we have a house with a spare breaker from when the house was converted from electric to gas, so you definitely don't need one for a Volt. And after almost 5 years, and 42K electric miles, there only seems to be about a half Kw/h reduction in battery capacity.

As for will you possibly end up with an expensive repair? It will be the luck of the draw, as the Volt has some new and expensive components, a lot of them are covered with an 8 year warranty, but some are not. So far we have had great luck with ours and I would definitely consider purchasing a second hand Gen1 if I don't go BEV when replacing my 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid (very reliable, but unsatisfying little all electric operation).

 

[Matrix21]

Thank you LANMAN. Really appreciated.
At the least, the 8year warranty covers more than just the battery cells, that's a plus

I'm just being more cautious with an EV than a gas powered vehicule that's all.

 

[NM Volt]

I bought a '12 a couple years ago. it's a basic with 42k miles now. i'm really happy with it. i bought a L2 ESVE and it made a big difference. No guarantees in life but I think they are a very well built car.

 

[freshcut]

GM HAD to get the Volt built right the first time and I think as you spend more time on here you'll start to realize reliability is really high on these cars. Sure, as with any car, you get some lemons, but for the most part I don't think there is any sort of issue where it's too terribly common except perhaps the stator bearing which I understand is covered under the Voltec warranty (8/100K miles). That warranty is for the US, but I'm certain the Canadian models also have a similar warranty.

Being that it's a coworker, perhaps you've had enough contact and conversation with them to get a feel for how often, if ever, he may have complained about problems with the car. Odds are if he hasn't said stuff like "the Volt is in the shop AGAIN!", it's probably a pretty good bet this one isn't a lemon.

Your commute should be well within AER to get to work and almost entirely on the way back with likely only a few minutes running the engine if you aren't able to charge at work. If your driving is mainly limited to work during the week I probably wouldn't suggest even bothering with installing a 220 line since the basic EVSE will be more than enough to keep you charged every morning. I would however, since you mention living in a condo, make sure they don't have issue with you plugging in. I know I've read several articles where HOA's have concerns about EV charging here in the US. Fortunately being in CA, they've actually passed laws requiring HOA's to allow it in most cases.

Good luck with whatever you decide and keep us posted.

 

[Coppersnowboarder]

Take the Volt for a test drive on the coldest day that remains this season. Be sure that the heating system satisfies you, because the winter cabin temperature will be colder than the interior of an engine-heated vehicle. Be certain that you either pay for the electricity from the outdoor outlet on your own electric bill. Gain written approval from your HOA before you purchase the vehicle. My HOA bans all electric vehicle charging, refused to accept a state grant to fund a Level 2 charging station for the complex parking area, and refused my offers of reimbursement for utility costs. I do obtain free public charging at a location a half kilometer from my condominium, requiring parking to charge and returning a couple hours later to retrieve my Volt. Get insurance quotes and compare to the rates for your existing gasoline-engine vehicle. Consider that your registration fees may increase if your Volt has higher value than your existing vehicle. Last year, I purchased about 180 liters of gasoline for my Volt, with an average fuel economy that is twice that of a Toyota Prius, and free electricity for the remainder of Volt operational requirements.

 

[llninja]

Just remember, the 2012 has a smaller battery. 2013s added some capacity and 2015 added even more. Starting with 2013, they also added hold mode so you can save your battery for later and run on gas. The 2012 onlymhas mountain mode which will keep your battery at about 14 miles of EV range until you turn it off. So it is like a limited hold mode.

Revolt you are looking at probably has the built in hard drive where you can load up music.

 

[Matrix21]

GM HAD to get the Volt built right the first time and I think as you spend more time on here you'll start to realize reliability is really high on these cars. Sure, as with any car, you get some lemons, but for the most part I don't think there is any sort of issue where it's too terribly common except perhaps the stator bearing which I understand is covered under the Voltec warranty (8/100K miles). That warranty is for the US, but I'm certain the Canadian models also have a similar warranty.

Being that it's a coworker, perhaps you've had enough contact and conversation with them to get a feel for how often, if ever, he may have complained about problems with the car. Odds are if he hasn't said stuff like "the Volt is in the shop AGAIN!", it's probably a pretty good bet this one isn't a lemon.

Your commute should be well within AER to get to work and almost entirely on the way back with likely only a few minutes running the engine if you aren't able to charge at work. If your driving is mainly limited to work during the week I probably wouldn't suggest even bothering with installing a 220 line since the basic EVSE will be more than enough to keep you charged every morning. I would however, since you mention living in a condo, make sure they don't have issue with you plugging in. I know I've read several articles where HOA's have concerns about EV charging here in the US. Fortunately being in CA, they've actually passed laws requiring HOA's to allow it in most cases.

Good luck with whatever you decide and keep us posted.

As far as the power outlet, yes, it is connected to my own electric bill. No issues! It is a dedicated circuit also (15A).

Everytime i talked to him about his Volt, he never had any issues with it, except he broke the front windshield once (was replaced by the dealer).

He will come to my place on the 27th for a test drive! Can't wait.
I will keep my ears open for any buzzsaw sound and rattle for sure.

If everything is great with the car i might take posession on March 3rd of the 10th...

 

[sduck]

I love my MY2012! It used to be that when someone came here asking about which of the early year cars to get a bunch of people would pipe up saying the 2012's were the best made of the first generation. I think those same people might be keeping it a secret these days, so we can keep them to ourselves. Nearly 60K on mine and it's never been back to the dealer/service dept.

 

[debtslave]

i just bought a 2012 volt premium 68k with leather nav all the bells and whistles. I purchased it from a dealer for $10,000 USD before tax title and fees. Hope this helps I do not want you to spend to much money on the car. The car is amazing the best range i got out of it was 52 miles.

 

[ekimgtr]

Love my 2012 Red volt fully loaded at 46K from private seller who was anal with dealer records. Bought it for $12,250 and at first was bummed about the music streaming and hold mode. I bought Griffin Bluetooth adapter and it works great. I also downloaded the OBDII app from Brian Bautista to have option to get hold mode. (My VoltHold App)


Happy camper right here!!!

I love the HDD and auto L2 charge. The quality of this car amazed me, better than my previous Lexus and BMW which was horrible with creeking sounds and rattles everywhere.

 

[Matrix21]

Just letting you know that i'm scheduled to test drive the car tomorrow! it's gonna be -13 Celcius, but hopefully everything should be OK

 

[ndtinker]

Do you have more info on this Brian Bautista guy's app? I have a 2013 but have never heard of the option to add Hold to the 2012, that's really cool. I've steered a few of my Volt-interested friends away from the 2012 and older because of that very reason. If it can be added, that would completely negate my avoidance!

 

[Matrix21]

Allright! Its almost 98% done. Just waiting tomsee if his summer tires are still good (they are stored at the dealership)
Other than that, the inspection was great.
Brake pads were 10mm and 7mm. Suspension is tight.

I found that the ICE was a bit noisy, but that might be the fact that it was pretty cold today (-5 c)
But if i'm driving on the road and the ICE starts, it is almost seemless.
I searched around forums and noise is normal.

I really enjoyed stopping at a light and don't hear any noise, any vibrations...wow. Except when the engine is ON. Now it feels like a normal car.
On the roadtest imdid, i managed to do 2.1L /. The engine turned on about 3 times for my little trip. One when i started the car, 2 two times down the road (while i was stopped at a light) because it was cold outside.

 

[freshcut]

I remember the first time I experienced the engine shutting off at a light. It was unsettling since I've never driven a hybrid or a car with start/stop technology. But, now it just feels strange when the engine is running. Glad to hear everything is working out for you. I'm sure you'll be happy with the car once you get everything squared away.

 

[Matrix21]

Well, it's done ladys and gents.
i will take possession of the car tonight

2012 chevy volt premium /nav 56300 miles (91400km) for 14000$. (CAD)

 

[freshcut]

Congrats! I'm sure you'll be happy with the purchase.

 

[Matrix21]

Thanks!