[madmike]

Well it is official. My 2014 Volt is totaled after being rear ended by an 89 year old that had been reported as a missing person. He was very confused and thought he was in a different state then where the accident happened.

He was swerving off the road trying to avoid me when he hit the right rear of the car, hard enough to spin me around into the other lane of traffic. He hit me hard enough the right rear wheel of the car came off and it looked like the whole rear of the car was pushed forward about 3 inches.

I was not even sore after the accident and I must say I was very impressed with the safety of the Volt.

If anyone has the need of tan weather tech floor mats I removed the complete set, including the rear hatch mat. I also removed the Volt shelf and the air pump as I was pretty sure the car was totaled.

What to buy next? I am on the model three wait list at position 70K or so, a used model S is a possibility as is a Bolt or a new Volt. my wife and I also share a Volvo V60 which we could use for long trips so going all electric is a possibility. My current plan is to drive everything and make a decision... or just wait until the new leaf comes out in September as it will hopefully get dealers to lower prices on the Volt and Bolt.

I really enjoyed my 2014 and told my wife two days before the accident that I was thinking of cancelling my Tesla reservation because I liked it so much.

 

[Bill Step]

sorry to hear,,doesn't look all that bad for what happened.

 

[Taser54]

Get a used Volt. There are a lot of low-mileage CPO 2014s out there for $$ mid-teens. Then if the Model 3 of leaf happens, you aren't eating a large depreciation with the sale your replacement car.

 

[Powered7]

Really sorry that happened, but glad you're all right. A used Model S is a good option and you can look for ones that are available on Tesla's site.

 

[Ziv]

I am not a huge fan of In-N-Out Burgers, more of a 5 Guys guy, so to speak. But I still find it hard to believe he swerved out of his way to nail you right on your In-N-Out bumper sticker! The nerve of this guy!
;-)

Seriously, though, Mike, I am sorry to hear that your Volt got totaled. Glad you are ok!

 

[Sean-a-Tron]

Ouch! That's too bad. I'm leaning towards the Model 3 for my next car (Which is a long time away since I just got my Volt 9 months ago). The DC fast charge not being standard in the Bolt is a pretty weird considering that its standard on all Tesla's and Leaf's, to which it competes. Also the Bolt isn't much of a looker.

 

[Fyodor]

View attachment 131217 View attachment 131225

Well it is official. My 2014 Volt is totaled after being rear ended by an 89 year old that had been reported as a missing person. He was very confused and thought he was in a different state then where the accident happened.
----
I really enjoyed my 2014 and told my wife two days before the accident that I was thinking of cancelling my Tesla reservation because I liked it so much.

If I were you, and as happy as you've been with the Volt, I'd either get another Gen1, cheap, or go for a new Gen2.

On the bright side, at least no one was hurt, and the old fellow got home safe, and I'm sure they will hide his keys from now on.

 

[TheBlueFlash]

Glad to hear you're okay.

The used gen1 Volts are going for the low to mid teens and gen2 Volts are in the low to mid 20's around here in North Carolina. Of course used Leaf's are even cheaper, generally under 10k.

 

[madmike]

Thanks to all, for now I'm focusing on new Volts, I'll test drive the Bolt but I think its too small for me. I'll ask the dealer to run the engine for ten minutes or so to make sure there are no oil leaks yet as this sounds like it is an issue...anything else?

 

[llninja]

Thanks to all, for now I'm focusing on new Volts, I'll test drive the Bolt but I think its too small for me. I'll ask the dealer to run the engine for ten minutes or so to make sure there are no oil leaks yet as this sounds like it is an issue...anything else?

I think you'd be surprised, the bolt is roomier than the volt. Unfortunately, bolts are going to be hard to come by because of their limited rollout schedule. Because of that, supply and demand will dictate naer MSRP pricing.

 

[VoltenRock]

sorry to hear,,doesn't look all that bad for what happened.

I'm shocked they totaled it. What was the damage estimate? I had a similar accident on my '13--$9K of damage--and it was not totaled. My car looked worse than yours.

The bigger question--would you even WANT the car back if it could be fixed?

 

[Fourdoor]

Do the "it don't look that bad" people not realize that a rear wheel with its associated suspension components / mounting points was ripped entirely off of the car?

I am just glad you are OK, and I think your idea of purchasing a Bolt after the new Leaf comes out and (hopefully) drives prices down is a good plan.

Keith

 

[llninja]

Do the "it don't look that bad" people not realize that a rear wheel with its associated suspension components / mounting points was ripped entirely off of the car?

I am just glad you are OK, and I think your idea of purchasing a Bolt after the new Leaf comes out and (hopefully) drives prices down is a good plan.

Keith

I don't think the leaf will do much to drive down bolt prices unless they surprise us with a 300 mile battery. It's the Tesla Model 3 that will cause Bolt sales to stop and GM will panic and respond with heavy discounts, probably 3-6 months after Tesla's are in large numbers. So maybe 2019 or 2020. The first year tesla model 3s will come in tiny quantities and be in very high demand for quite some time. What scares me is that the push to get to mass production might bankrupt Tesla (i sure hope it doesn't). Meanwhile everyone is on the sidelines waiting, not buying models S or X leaving a huge problem with their cash flow.

 

[madmike]

I would not trust it as I think there was substantial damage to the back of the car and the frame. I'm going to ask State Farm for the repair estimate...just out of curiosity.

I'm shocked they totaled it. What was the damage estimate? I had a similar accident on my '13--$9K of damage--and it was not totaled. My car looked worse than yours.

The bigger question--would you even WANT the car back if it could be fixed?

 

[freshcut]

I agree. My mom was hit by a Suburban while driving her Z4. The car was in bad shape afterward. Damage estimate was initially $18000. In the shop 4 months, actually required the front half just in front of the cockpit to be completely removed and entire front section replaced, welding the frame and all! Final cost was just under $31000 to repair. The 80% value of the car (threshold to total vehicle) was $27000. Insurance approved because the initial quote was low, and mileage allowed aftermarket parts which unfortunately weren't available requiring OEM and by the time all was said and done, they were already in far more than just to total the car, which we requested from the get go.

My suggestion, is go with your gut. We ended up trading that car in about 6 months after getting it back. It drove fine and never had any issues even with the convertible top but every time we stopped to think that the car was cut completely in half at one point, we always questioned how safe it would be if ever involved in another major accident.

 

[kiler.racer]

In my opinion, if you need new car quickly buy a used Nissan Leaf after 2013 . Looking SV trim with 6,6kw on-board charger. Wait for some time. When the new LEAF becomes You probably take yours final decision. Its will be perfect time to buy on good deal some pure EV. If You need car brand new car now. Hyundai IONIQ EV is in good price and is very good car for that price range.

 

[madmike]

This is embarrassing, but the insurance company now does not remember the conversation on Friday and now says the car will be fixed. They have about $5500 in damage including an axle and shock absorber in parts. I called my auto shop and told them I thought there might be more damage and to please take a look in case it is totaled. I'm happy to be getting my car back but pretty apprehensive it ever being 100%. At least now I have a head start on picking my next vehicle...and I'll keep that model 3 reservation for awhile just in case.

 

[llninja]

This is embarrassing, but the insurance company now does not remember the conversation on Friday and now says the car will be fixed. They have about $5500 in damage including an axle and shock absorber in parts. I called my auto shop and told them I thought there might be more damage and to please take a look in case it is totaled. I'm happy to be getting my car back but pretty apprehensive it ever being 100%. At least now I have a head start on picking my next vehicle...and I'll keep that model 3 reservation for awhile just in case.

Well, that simplifies things. Bummer you don't get to buy a new car. I love and hate car shopping. Love to think about the possibilities. Hate the hassle and work I go through to get a great deal....until I find the deal of the decade, then I love making the kill.

 

[Ztirffritz]

One of the reviews on the Bolt that I watched said that fast charging was an option. You have to add it specifically.

 

[madmike]

Limited availability, expensive (most have a $8 hook up fee if my research is correct (which it might not be) and not as fast as Tesla, but its a start and my guess is GM will catch up. I

One of the reviews on the Bolt that I watched said that fast charging was an option. You have to add it specifically.