[HomerJay]

Hypothetically, if it were possible, what would you suggest for purchase?

A new, <10 miles, 2017 Volt Premier with Adaptive Cruise Control for $34k + tax, tag etc. but before fed and state incentives.

or

A 2014 ELR with Nav and Adaptive Cruise Control with 8k miles, that's an MSO so it qualifies for the Fed and State tax credits and rebates for $33k + tax, tags etc., but before fed and state incentives.


I never heard of an ELR until I started reading this forum. After months of reading about the Volt, I started reading about the ELR. I don't think I've ever seen one in person, I'm not a Cadillac fan. But after reading all the raves about it, I think I want one over a Volt.

I've read that some people have found old left over MSO 2014's so I'm curious as to what people think.

Thanks in advance.

TIA

Homer

 

[Kraven]

I have the 2017 Volt Premier with ACC, can only comment based on what I've read about the ELR. Seems that if you are OK with basically a 2 seater, looking for a more richly appointed interior and a rare, stylish car then maybe the ELR is for you. I believe it has rear seats, but not as usable as the Volt's. Also, I believe the range on the ELR is more like a Gen1, so around high 30s all electric while you get low 50s in the Gen2 Volt. You also get the cache of a Caddy vs. a Chevy if that's a factor.

Others with experience with both will provide more insight I'm sure...

 

[llninja]

Unless you absolutely need a 4 door, I'd get the ELR. I regret not foreseeing the huge price drops or else I would have bought one instead of my volt.

 

[dannycamps]

The ELR is interesting as it has the first generation Voltec engine/tech but the instrument cluster was clearly the inspiration for the second generation Volt.

Assuming all things equal, I'd go with the '17 Volt. For my needs, that fifth seat (however loosely worded that might be) is a requirement. In fact, I have made a trip with my family of five in the Volt and we fit reasonably well. The ELR being a four-seater, along with the lower AER and worse fuel economy is not worth it to me.

-DJ

 

[TheBlueFlash]

I guess if you don't need the extra cargo space go with the ELR, but be warned, it requires premium gas and a much shorter overall range than the gen2 Volt. ELR=37mi electric 300mi overall vs. gen2 Volt=53mi electric and 420mi overall (on reg gas to boot!). Plus you'll pay more for tires in the ELR 20" vs. 17" in the Volt. You'll save more money overall with the gen2 Volt, but I guess if you've got the money and sportiness is the most important factor, then the ELR is a clear winner.

 

[BillR]

I agonized over this same choice about 18 months ago.

There were no ELR's nearby, so I drove an hour and a half to the nearest dealer that had one. It was the first ELR that I ever saw, and it was gorgeous! It was red with the cashmere interior (exactly the way I would buy it).

At the time, I didn't own a Volt, but my local Chevy dealer had let me drive their 2013 Volt for a couple of extended drives while I was in waiting for service.

The first thing I noticed was that the ELR was like a sports car, low to the ground and more difficult for ingress and egress. Also, once in the driver's seat, you are in confined to your space, as the center console, door, and seat wrap you into position. This is great if you like this type of driving experience.

The ELR is simply beautiful inside as well, with power seats, power tilt steering, plush seating, and much more. It is less utilitarian, as it has a trunk rather than a hatch like the Volt.

I only got a short test drive, without much opportunity to put the car through its paces, but I could tell with the larger wheels and wider tires it was better planted to the ground than the Volt. It also was a warm day, and although the car had been sitting in the sun, the AC cooled the interior quite quickly.

In the end, it was the practical side of me that decided to get the 2016 Volt. The improved range, ICE with direct injection that used regular gas, the new electric drive unit (which is faster than the ELR), all played into the decision. I haven't regretted it.

I also feel that the ELR will require more maintenance (as mentioned by others, like tires that wear faster and are expensive to replace, etc.).

However, if money were not such a consideration, and I didn't need to use the back seat, I would love to have such a gorgeous and plush car as the ELR!

 

[Loboc]

Since there is only one of me in the car 99% of the time, ELR is my choice over Volt.

If you need a rear seat more than 1% of the time, skip ELR. ELR is really a 2+2 not a real 4-passenger. My 18-yr-old refuses to ride in the back seat since her Texas big hair rubs the ceiling.

 

[ace]

The ELR is a great car and I love mine, but keep in mind the only approx. 3000 were made and it will likely be near impossible to get certain parts in the not to distant future. This is less of an issue with the volt due to production numbers.

 

[llninja]

The ELR is a great car and I love mine, but keep in mind the only approx. 3000 were made and it will likely be near impossible to get certain parts in the not to distant future. This is less of an issue with the volt due to production numbers.

So if might behoove you to buy two of them, or look for a wrecked one for parts. But isn't the drivetrain essentially the same as the G1 volt other than some software tweaks to get a little more performance and a larger SOC?

 

[fotomoto1]

Sounds like the ELR is a dealer demo. If so and IIRC, the GM warranty clock started ticking when it went into service.

 

[Just_Jon]

Given the O.P.'s hypothetical numbers, it seems like a no-brainer to me.

Since they cost the same, Buy the ELR. If you like it, you are done. If you don't like it, you can probably sell it for more than your cost (effectively pocketing the incentives).

You can always buy a Volt later, they are relatively common and still being made unlike the ELR.

Nothing about the Volt price screams "deal of the century". How many chances will you have to buy a new ELR at that price?

 

[telveer]

If a two door EREV with poor back seats was OK for me, I could get the ELR .. its a beauty! I would probably get a 2016 ELR .. it has many improvements.

 

[ace]

So if might behoove you to buy two of them, or look for a wrecked one for parts. But isn't the drivetrain essentially the same as the G1 volt other than some software tweaks to get a little more performance and a larger SOC?

The drivetrain and voltec systems are shared with G1 with some tweaks and is rock solid, probably more so then G2; however, all the sheet metal, headlights, tailights, trim, and certain interior pieces are not shared with other models. A minor accident could end up totaling an ELR because of exterior parts availability.

Good point about getting a spare.

 

[1LeeMartin1]

Hypothetically, if it were possible, what would you suggest for purchase?

A new, <10 miles, 2017 Volt Premier with Adaptive Cruise Control for $34k + tax, tag etc. but before fed and state incentives.

or

A 2014 ELR with Nav and Adaptive Cruise Control with 8k miles, that's an MSO so it qualifies for the Fed and State tax credits and rebates for $33k + tax, tags etc., but before fed and state incentives.


I never heard of an ELR until I started reading this forum. After months of reading about the Volt, I started reading about the ELR. I don't think I've ever seen one in person, I'm not a Cadillac fan. But after reading all the raves about it, I think I want one over a Volt.

I've read that some people have found old left over MSO 2014's so I'm curious as to what people think.

Thanks in advance.

TIA

Homer

HI...the LARGEST difference is the battery (which is the ultimate purpose of this car) ....where the ELR 2014 model may get 38 miles on a charge...however the 2017 Volt with the larger battery is stated at 53 miles and some users are reporting up to 60 miles on a charge? There are many other user friendly differences in tech as well as body style and utility.
For me its all about the EV miles but that is subjective to what you want? Like? and need??
good luck in your choice

 

[llninja]

There's always option 3, wait for a CT6 PHEV. It has the looks and luxury of a Cadillac, the Voltec-like drivetrain, and plenty of room for a family plus luggage, but this would only work if money was not a concern. The Volt would be practical, the ELR would be stunning at a significant discount from MSRP, and the CT6 PHEV would be over the top.

 

[madmike]

Just my opinion of course but the ELR has slightly worse range then even the old style Volt. New Volt has better range, doesn't need premium fuel and I value the safety options now available. I also think the premium has a reasonable quality interior. I'd go for the new Volt.

 

[ace]

ELR gets close to 50 in the summer and 30-ish in the winter (similar to gen 1 volt) and would probably due better with a more efficient rim and tire package. If you are in a northern climate ERDTT is hard set at an annoying 32F. Interior is a huge step up from the volt (G1 or G2). Safety systems are comparable to a loaded G2 volt (minus auto park).

 

[klic]

I was faced with a similar decision last December. I had the choice between a 2016 Volt Premier and a 2014 ELR for $3K more. I ended up going with the Volt. Here are some of the thoughts that went into my decision:

ELR:
Very attractive car & the interior did feel much more plush than the Volt.
Room in the back was fine, except for the headroom. If you plan on having anyone over about 5'9 spend any time back there, I don't think this would be a good option. I'm 5'11 and my head would contact the rear window when sitting upright.
If you like features & gadgets, this car is loaded with them! Lot's of cool features to explore (dynamic suspension, pause live radio, powered cupholder cover, etc.).
Future parts availability & pricing could be a concern.
Trunk was long, but not very high. Not much room to store anything back there. Trip to the grocery store would be OK in it though.

Volt:
The additional electric range over the ELR is very useful.
While the ELR interior was a significant upgrade, the Volt is very nice.
5th seat in the Volt is not very useful for an adult, but my 13 year old did use it comfortably when we had 5 passengers on board.
Heated rear seats are nice and a hit with the kids who are back there often.
Instrument cluster was similar, but not quite as nice as the ELR I'd say. Much improved over the G1 Volt, though.
With the rear seats folded down, the hatchback in the Volt offers room to store larger items easily.
The Volt performs very well, especially in Sport mode. The ELR seemed quick too. I'd call it a wash in terms of perceived performance.
Volt kinda looks like every other compact 4 door sedan. ELR wins hands down in the looks department.

It really boils down to what your priorities are. If you rarely carry more than 2 people on board and aren't focused on getting the best possible electric range, then the ELR is a great choice. If you want to maximize fuel efficiency or utility of the vehicle, I think the Volt is an excellent choice as well. I don't regret going with the Volt, other than when I see an ELR... that really makes me want one despite the limitations.

Good luck!