[viget]

Hi guys,

I have found an off-lease low mileage 2013 Volt and would like to get this puppy.
I searched online and read reviews, and it looks a Volt is very reliable car.
However, I would like to hear from current owners about the car.
Is there anything I should aware of or look for before I make this purchase?
Any common problems that the Volt have so that I can see if the Volt I am looking at has those problems?

Thanks for your input.

 

[Steverino]

Make sure the car includes the 120V EVSE (aka "charge cord"), that it works, and that it charges the car. Also check that the tire inflator works, and the tire sealant kit expire date has not passed.

Using the VIN have a dealer determine any outstanding updates or recalls that have not been performed.

Other than that, do what you'd do with any used car.

 

[Dan Manusos]

Turn on the heat in EV mode and make sure it works. The aux heater pump impeller has had rare problems.

 

[DZD]

I bought mine last July - it was CPO with a clean carfax - I've put about 7000 miles on it - no issues whatsoever. I'd get a history report just to confirm all is well.

I should also mention I've been on these forums ever since and I haven't seen anything that would make me concerned - I would definitely recommend a Volt. With gas prices so cheap you can get them for a great price - once gas prices go up - we may be able to make some money (although I doubt I'd want to sell it). I love the car so far.

 

[voganni]

Yes, be sure the electric heat is working. You can verify current draw by monitoring the power gauge in the DIC. In comfort the heater should initially draw 6-7 kw and ramp down as the cabin warms. Plug the car in with the portable charger and be sure it works. Take it for a drive with charge in the battery and put it in Hold mode and observe the engine operation. Be sure the drive mode button is working normally. I bought my '13 with 21k on it and now have 56k. Best car I've ever owned!

 

[mvanzanten]

Test all the door lock/unlock buttons on the door handles to make sure they work. They should operate with a light touch.

 

[ninjanate]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and in the process of buying a 2013 Chevy Volt Base model. It has around 45,000 miles and has used 527 gallons. Is that using the gas motor too much?

 

[2VoltFamily]

You will want to make sure heat works as mentioned. Also, there is no way to test it but 2013 lost mileage after being parked for a while. There was a firmware update so you will want to make sure you have some sort of warranty to cover some of those kind of updates. Noisy brakes or soft brake pedal was another firmware update. You may not be able to see my signature as you are a new member so I posted those below.

Also check out the FAQs for the Gen 1.



2013 No Cabin Heat? Perform a forum search on: PIC5796 PIC5943 PIC5855
2013 Losing Miles? Perform a forum search for the following: PIC6138
2011-2014 PS Stick PIC14242
Issues contact a Volt Advisor 877-486-5846

 

[Barry]

The issues mentioned above are typically covered in the Voltec or emissions warranties, which should still be in effect for your car for years. Look for accident damage and that all controls work as expected, just like any other car. My 13 is the best car by far I have had.

The things I would advise you to be aware of as a new owner:
There is no spare tire.
The OEM tires are fragile. Hit a curb and they may blow.
The headlights are weak. Upgrade bulbs are helpful.

 

[RFE]

I agree with the other posters.

I bought my 2013 a year ago with 21.5k on it and now have 49k. One very minor issue otherwise it has been a great car. Buy it CPO, if you can, its worth the price. Get the car history report and what service has been done to it, if possible. Make sure the charger port door opens and closes properly. I had mine changed because it stuck. Check to make sure you have two key FOB, a air compressor with sealant, and if the window sticker is still with the car, see if it was sold with a second L1 charger that the dealer added on.

 

[Dutch]

lift up the back deck and make sure you are getting the EVSE (the charger) and the airpump with the "goop" cannister.

Check the front tires for any strange wear, a few 2013's had a defective CV joint it seemed to also cause a bit of cupping on one tire but not the other. NOT a deal killer as it should be Voltec Warranty covered.

Try both fobs, make sure they both work.

Run the heat full blast (on electric), it should try to roast you out of the car in about 3-5 minutes

Look for moisture in the rear tail lights. A little mist is normal if it's been raining or whatever, but if they look like this there is a problem and it won't go away on it's own.

Test all the things you'd normally test on any car you were buying. this is a handy checklist to have so you don't have to trust your memory under stress.

 

[hellsop]

Turn on the heat in EV mode and make sure it works. The aux heater pump impeller has had rare problems.

And by this, we mean "turn the thermostat well above ambient temperature". If it's 75F and you set the thermostat to 80, the heat could be working but at a low enough level that you'll never feel it at the vent. Run it up as far as you can to actually get it to put some effort in.

 

[turboguy327]

Another 2013 owner here. Make sure it has the wind buffeting kit installed or negotiate it into the deal if the service date makes it out of B-B warranty.

 

[Crimson Volt]

Hope everything works well with the Volt. Got my 2013 Volt in September and it's been great so far. Check the engine by Turing on the car and opening the hood which will turn on the engine. Check to see if the oil plug is in good shape. I was checking mine and the previous guy that changed the oil scrap the surroundings now the plug needs to be replaced. Make sure the trunk hatch holds itself and the EVSE works. The early charge I got 26 maximum and now it's gets between 45-50 miles full charge. Winters coming so I'd expect a reduced charge. Congrats

 

[VoltenRock]

Also, make sure the charge door opens and closes without sticking. The 13s and earlier have an automatic charge door opener--which I personally like--but had a known issue of sticking. Try it a few times in a row to be sure. I had mine fixed under warranty a few times and it's fine now. However, it was a real P.I.T.A. when it wasn't working right and you want to get it resolved before taking delivery that's for sure.

 

[Dutch]

Also, make sure the charge door opens and closes without sticking. The 13s and earlier have an automatic charge door opener--which I personally like--but had a known issue of sticking. Try it a few times in a row to be sure. I had mine fixed under warranty a few times and it's fine now. However, it was a real P.I.T.A. when it wasn't working right and you want to get it resolved before taking delivery that's for sure.

VoltenRock, if you are still having an issue with the sticky charge port door, this solution has worked exceptionally well for me.

 

[ninjanate]

Thanks for all the tips!!! I'm a proud owner of a 2013 Volt!

 

[Crimson Volt]

Congratulations. Here in Georgia I recently saw a Silver Volt twice now driving on 314 and glad I'm not the only owner of the 1st Gen. There are a few Volt owners list in PlugShare. How do you like so far and what's it's equipped?