I'm in Atlanta and have signed on the dotted line with a dealer in northern Virginia, in the Washington DC market. That's 600 miles away. I'd like to hear from others who are doing this as well.

nasaman, are you around? You're in Florida (Space Coast I assume) and also buying from Washington DC, right? That'd be about 1000 miles and would have me beat.

Anyone else? West coast buyers getting theirs from LA dealers?

I really don't intend for this thread to be about WHY. We have our reasons for wanting to be early adopters on this, and believe me I thought hard about this.

But in thinking about this, I realized that this decision is definitely not for everyone, and I wanted to itemize here some key factors that pay in enabling me to take this leap.

1. I know what I'm getting into. I am an electrical engineer and I've been studying this field closely for 2.5 years now (during my spare time). I really do understand the nuts and bolts and what things could go wrong. GM certainly does not need to educate me on the technology.

2. I don't need Level 2 charging for now. Which mean I will NOT need to install a charger, which means I won't need an electrician that understands what I'm installing, a utility that understands what rate plan I'm asking for, or a city inspector that understands what he's looking at. I don't need any of those things because, initially at least, I will be doing only 110V / Level 1 charging. One key reason for GM's limited rollout is they have to train a whole ecosystem of third parties about this, and they want to go slow at first. Fine, but that's not an issue for me.

3. I can live without a car. In a worst case scenario, the car has some sort of catastrophic failure, and my local Chevy dealer can't fix it. They will have had basic Volt repair training, but let's be honest, mine will be the first they've ever seen, and they almost certainly will not be able to do serious repairs. So I could be looking at weeks if not months with no Volt because it's been hauled on a flatbed to some faraway place for repair. And in that case, I have a bike and nearby mass transit (sadly underfunded but functional) and can commute that way. I don't expect this to happen, but engineers trade in failure scenarios, and this is one I'm prepared for.

And really, the above is my argument for why buying long distance is not for everybody. I'm taking a pretty big risk for the first few months (or maybe a whole year!) until my market gets launched, and I'm OK with that.

So, who else is doing this and what other things have you thought about?

My trip from the Kansas City area to Sterling Heights, MI sometime next March will be around 800 miles.

You have more or less covered the main factors I also have considered in this decision. If the Volt requires service, I've got several options available.

Tulsa, OK to Austin TX. 450 miles.

I have had all the same considerations as you.
I have a degree in EE, but am a software developer now.
I will be keeping my current paid for car, and leasing the Volt.
I currently budget about $200/month for gas, so I will basically be spending an extra $150/month for the entertainment of driving an electric car. I spend more than that on other forms of entertainment, that aren't near as fun as driving this car will be.

Dallas to Austin, 300 miles.

StephanWolf which dealership are you working with. I have had a deposit at Capitol Chevy since the first of July but they still are not accepting orders.

Jerry

@VoltGuy
Champion Chevrolet.
Same here. I'm #22 on the waiting list. They will let me know when my order is placed.
They are not charging above MSRP.
Capitol told me they would be charging above MSRP, so I didn't even consider them.

This is great, thanks guys!

I'm #1 in line at my dealer, so NYAH. :)

There's a "Ted in Fort Myers" (FL) commenting in the front page articles, who apparently has one on order, so I'm hoping to hear from him here too.


You have more or less covered the main factors I also have considered in this decision. If the Volt requires service, I've got several options available.
Tell me more? You mean you have several dealers, that you know are pursuing Volt certification? Or non-Chevy options? For this initial period, the problems I'm most concerned about are going to be the Volt-specific ones, e.g. electric motor / controller problems and the like, that can't be taken to just any shop. That and firmware updates, which are likely to be fast and furious during the first year.

Tell me more? You mean you have several dealers, that you know are pursuing Volt certification? Or non-Chevy options? For this initial period, the problems I'm most concerned about are going to be the Volt-specific ones, e.g. electric motor / controller problems and the like, that can't be taken to just any shop. That and firmware updates, which are likely to be fast and furious during the first year.

I will be trying to figure out which dealer(s) in the KC area are going to be certified. There are quite a few in the area, so I'm not too concerned. I have several backup transportation options - a paid off Honda Civic Hybrid (currently @ 53 mpg lifetime average over 17,000 miles) and an F150 that sits in the driveway unless I'm hauling something. If the Volt needs extended service I won't be stranded.

Off Topic: The exterior dimensions of a Honda Civic Hybrid and the Volt are nearly identical except for curb weight.

In the comments on a front page article today, a "John M" commented that he's in Miami and buying from VA. 1136 miles -- looks like a new leader. I'll try to get him to post here. GM, you really need to prioritize UP the launch of a market somewhere in the Deep South.

I am getting my Volt from a dealer in Fairfax Va. I ordered it after contacting about six dealers in the DC area and he was the first to respond. They tell me that I am number 3 or 4 in order for their first "flight" (delivery) of six Volts. I have received my 6 digit code and also got my call from Chevrolet thanking me for ordering a Volt and that they will contact me again for order tracking and build progress. The dealer did require a deposit which I FedExed overnight. I really wanted that Volt!!!
I plan on being in northern VA in October and will visit the dealer and do any early paperwork.
My wife and I will fly back one way when my car arrives (hopefully in Nov or early Dec.) and the dealer says "PICK IT UP!!!"
I already have Yahoo directions back to South Miami with stopover at Hilton Head Is. though I probably will not need them with OnStar and the standard navigation package. Yahoo quotes the trip as 18 hours 18 mins, total distance 1136.84 miles.

I live in Florida and spent > a week talking to a dealer in Sterling, VA (Sterling Chevrolet) and hoped to buy a Volt from them. Unfortunately, because of the shutdown of Saturn, the bluebook on my 2008 VUE was so low I would have been so severely "under water" trading the VUE for it that it just didn't make sense, so I'll have to wait for Gen 2. :(

Thanks nasaman for the update!

Chris,
Didn't you say you were getting your Volt out of state??

Uh, yes, at length in the first post when I started this thread! :)

Interesting thread.
It should be interesting to hear about everyone's experiences dealing with these "long distance relationships"
Hopefully you'll be looked after and it all remains positive.

One thing that is promising is that the Volt technicial training for the service technicians will be available (and officially commencing 9/01/10) to all Chevy dealers with various "incentives" for even non-initial market dealers to maintain their minimum training standards for the Volt. (and this goes for the GM 2-mode hybrids as well) So there's a good chance that a local dealer to you could even deal with any service of the Volt that you may require.

You might even wish to put some feelers out in that regard in a another month or two. I would start with larger dealers in your area that are "2-mode" certified for sales and service.Just ask them, (general manager or service manager) if they intend to sell the Volt as the market expands and if their techncians have taken any or all of the required training courses.

One other thing though Cris. The Volt already has an onboard Level 2 charger. So the 240V accessory kit that will be sold by the Chevy dealers is not a charger. It merely provides a method to hard-wire the cable to the service- with a few "bells & whistles". (source pesent and ground fault indicators, cable hangers etc)
But this installation may not even require an electrician, depending on your local regs.I would think an EE would't have too much trouble. ;)

I'm not talking about the "free" unit they are offering. That comes with some "conditions" about sharing data as well as professional installation.

Good luck to all of you going out-of-state to get your Volt! You are a hearty breed of early adopters!!

WopOnTour

Interesting thread.
It should be interesting to hear about everyone's experiences dealing with these "long distance relationships"
Hopefully you'll be looked after and it all remains positive.



It is our intention to deliver a high-quality customer delivery and experience. To that end, we are working with our Chevrolet Participating Volt Dealers to train technical service personnel so that any Volt customer can get their car serviced when needed, without location roadblocks.

We have over 600 Chevrolet Participating Volt Dealers in our launch markets. Go to getmyVolt .com to find the Participating Volt Dealer closest to you.

Also, we will have a network of Volt Authorized Service Dealers providing 48 states, coast to coast coverage. Servicing dealer information will be available on Chevrolet.com in the near future.


Thanks,
Angie – Chevrolet Volt Advisor

In today's front page article, a dealer commented on a visit from their GM district manager, who "gave me a firm warning about taking orders for out-of-state customers. Apparently there are many unhappy dealers in non-launch area states who may nit be spending the $20,000 (est) for special tools, parts and training for a vehicle that they cannot sell for another 18 months. "

Just a little insight. I am aware of the risk and am sticking with my order :)

Yea, that DM was a little out-of-line
The Volt team has already established that out-of-state orders are NOT an issue.
As far as dealers' expense to be a Volt Authorized Servicing Dealer (ASD). It's merely the cost of staying in the fold.
You can pay the General now or you can pay him later...

WOT

I don't see any reason to worry about owning a Volt a significant distance from a Volt certified dealer. We know that within 18-24 months the Volt will be sold in every state. Do you really think you'll need to do any work on it besides oil changes before then?

18-24 months? I thought the national rollout was 12-18 months after November 2010.

It better be available widely in Florida by November 2011, or I'm just going to have to go elsewhere.

18-24 months? I thought the national rollout was 12-18 months after November 2010.

It better be available widely in Florida by November 2011, or I'm just going to have to go elsewhere.

We will expand our distribution quickly. Volt will be sold in all 50 states, within 12 - 18 months of the start of initial sales. We plan to announce additional markets as we move into the 2012 model year.

Thanks!
Angie - Chevrolet Volt Advisor
socialmedia@gm.com

This is great, thanks guys!

I'm #1 in line at my dealer, so NYAH. :)

There's a "Ted in Fort Myers" (FL) commenting in the front page articles, who apparently has one on order, so I'm hoping to hear from him here too.


Tell me more? You mean you have several dealers, that you know are pursuing Volt certification? Or non-Chevy options? For this initial period, the problems I'm most concerned about are going to be the Volt-specific ones, e.g. electric motor / controller problems and the like, that can't be taken to just any shop. That and firmware updates, which are likely to be fast and furious during the first year.

Yes I have one ordered from Buff Whelan Chevy in Sterling heights Michigan and it is about 1250 miles from here in Fort Myers Florida. As I posted in the top page today I do not know until it gets closer if I will cancel my order. The indecision is due to the pay cuts we are experiencing in the County operations here. I just don't know if I can afford the price tag.

Take Care,
TED

Ted, sorry about the pay cuts in Florida. I hope things go ok down there.
I ordered a Volt from Ourisman Chevrolet in Bowie, Maryland. It's 35 miles from my home north of Baltimore. Ironically there's a Chevy dealer one block from my home that won't be getting the Volt for at least another year. I'm happy with this for now.
In 1995 I tried to lease an EV-1 from a dealer in Phoenix. They wouldn't lease me one because I didn't live in their "Targeted area". (Phoenix / SoCal) bummer. I'm giving GM another try, hoping I'm not disappointed.
So far, so good!

My local dealer (Galles Chevrolet) seems clueless about the car and every other aspect of the car. They did tell me that they thought New Mexico wouldn't get Volts until mid to late 2011. I'm not willing to wait. I'm a civil engineer, and while electricity is a mystery to me, I'm not afraid of something going wrong. I think GM has so much riding on this car they can't afford to produce a product that could be a poster boy for a good idea gone wrong. I'm taking a leap of faith.

I had ordered a Fusion Hybrid but I'm dropping that order in favor of this Volt because there's nothing like it. I may be the only resident in this state to have a Volt for 6 to 8 months. GM should pay me to let people drive it.

I'm working with Selman Chevrolet in Orange, California to be slot 16 on their initial allocation of 30. They are only charging MSRP and are asking for a $1,000 deposit to get on the list. I'm ready. No, I'm eager. This is the most interesting thing to come on the market in decades and I want to be in on the first wave!

Just a quick update to my 8/24 post. Visited my dealer in Va and signed a few preliminary papers last Tuesday (10/12/10) and drove my anticipated return route back to Miami. Just got a call from the sales manager this morning that I am now at 2030 stage and this is the last opportunity to change anything on my order (no changes). From here on it's in the hands of GM and the factory. Can't wait till it's at 5000, Delivered to the dealer.

We will expand our distribution quickly. Volt will be sold in all 50 states, within 12 - 18 months of the start of initial sales. We plan to announce additional markets as we move into the 2012 model year.

Thanks!
Angie - Chevrolet Volt Advisor
socialmedia@gm.com

The sooner, the better. If it's beyond early 2012, I might as well grab a Leaf or Focus BEV, or a Fiat 500 EV if they come out in early 2012.

Can anyone help me? I'm very eager to get a Volt in the first wave of deliveries. I realize I'm already a little behind given that it's October 20th and most waiting lists are already filled. I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico and I'm having trouble finding dealers in California and Texas (who are getting first allocations) to sell or lease me the vehicle. Selman Chevrolet will sell me one but say they can't lease me one due to California law. Any suggestions?

I just called a bunch of D.C. area dealers. One told me they have been told if they register a Volt to an out of state customer address their future Volt allocations will stop, so there's no reason for me to call other dealers. Then I found 5 dealers perfectly happy to sell to out of state. You get a real variety of responses. Don't believe them all.

I'm in Utah, and I've ordered from two dealers, one in Michigan, who took a $1,000 deposit but has failed to generate an order number. And one in Southern California, who as not required a deposit yet, but has given me an order number... (currently showing 2030) Hrmmm...

I'll cancel/transfer which ever one is going to take longer to get. I'm rooting for California, as it will be much cheaper to drive over and pick up. Though the California dealer seems to want to force me to pay California sales tax, rather than Utah tax, whereas the Michigan dealer sounds willing to let me pay Utah tax. Based on the different tax rates in Utah and California, that could amount to a significant cost difference.

Getting cloth, cyber gray, backup camera.

Though the California dealer seems to want to force me to pay California sales tax, rather than Utah tax

Do a search here ... There's a guy in New Mexico who's encountered the same problem. Apparently California requires that you pay the tax if you're taking delivery there, even if you are from out of state. There probably is a mechanism to get the tax refunded, but the paperwork probably takes a while.

There probably is a mechanism to get the tax refunded, but the paperwork probably takes a while.

California is notoriously bad about refunding anything. Once they have it, unless you file a state tax return there isn't really a vehicle for getting it back (that I know of).

Lansing, Michigan here, flying to Bayshore, New York to pick up and drive my new Volt 730 miles home. Hopeful delivery to the dealer will be the end of January/beginning of February.

I have a Volt on order here in Michigan but they are not slated for allocations until March. My current leased vehicle is being turned in next week, November 30. I am borrowing a vehicle for a couple of months til the Volt arrives.

Why is it anytime I tell friends I will be driving my Volt home from New York, they all ask how I will plug it in along the way??? GM needs to get the word out that you can drive this vehicle as far as any other car on the road, just by filling it up with gas!

Lansing, Michigan here, flying to Bayshore, New York to pick up and drive my new Volt 730 miles home. Hopeful delivery to the dealer will be the end of January/beginning of February.

I have a Volt on order here in Michigan but they are not slated for allocations until March. My current leased vehicle is being turned in next week, November 30. I am borrowing a vehicle for a couple of months til the Volt arrives.

Why is it anytime I tell friends I will be driving my Volt home from New York, they all ask how I will plug it in along the way??? GM needs to get the word out that you can drive this vehicle as far as any other car on the road, just by filling it up with gas!

Any chance you'll be driving through Syracuse NY on the way back? We could have a mini Volt meet up in Central NY :)

Why is it anytime I tell friends I will be driving my Volt home from New York, they all ask how I will plug it in along the way???

This is happening to all of us. The truth is, 99% of the country is not as focused on this as we are, and are distracted by reality TV shows, security theater headlines, leftover turkey ...

Treat that question about the long drive home as an excellent opportunity to re-educate them. One on one. Put the butts in the car and start turning on light bulbs in heads. TELLING someone a fact is one thing; SHOWING them is another.

macuser,
I've been dealing with Galles since February. I actually have $500 down. Forget what they told you, my best information on Volts to New Mexico is 2012. (I heard 12 to 18 months from now.) I am dealing with a dealer in Amarillo for the first one in the second phase of the roll-out. (All of Texas follows just Austin.) Let me know if you want to discuss things further. I'm in Los Alamos.

Distance from the dealer in TX to my house in Florida is 1352 miles ....... I am having the car shipped here, I don't want the miles on the car, nor do I have the time to drive it back here.

Well, that would be the new distance record. We have John in Miami who's going 1150 miles to Virginia for his, and Ted in Fort Myers who's going 1350 miles to Michigan for his (not until spring though). Since you're not driving yours back I guess Ted still has bragging rights :)

My original order was at a dealer in the DC area, but I found a car available from TX available so much sooner so I made the switch. Something to note to others, there is an Auto Train that runs from up the east coast down to as far south as Sanford FL ( Orlando ) , and you can ship your car and accompany it in comfort, AND save a lot of lease driving miles !

Wow, that's fascinating. Looks like it costs about $200 for the car and $100 for you, assuming you book ahead a bit. Lorton VA (near DC) and Sanford FL (near Orlando) are the two endpoints and apparently the only places you can get your car on or off.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_Train
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1246042852883

I'm not quite a long distance purchaser; my Volt dealer is 54 miles from home. I just checked Chevy's Volt web site and did a fresh dealer search. My Dealer did show as a Volt seller, but there were 5 other Chevy dealers listed as "Authorized Volt Service Centers". One is just 3 miles from my home! This tells me several things.
1) GM is serious about the Voltec powertrain. They wouldn't get dozens of dealers trained up just for the Volt.
2) GM is planning on the Volt being a success
3) I can be selfish and have my Volt serviced locally without a long distance plan.

Long Distance buyers, check it out... Get your Volt early and rest easy about the Volt 1.0 thing.

http://www.chevrolet.com/volt/

Anxiously awaiting my Silver Ice Metallic VIN #63!!

One thing about the "Volt Seller" mark on the Chevy website dealers list: I found calling around that some dealers that aren't listed as Volt sellers, actually ARE Volt sellers. So if you're calling dealers looking for a Volt, call them all.

This is happening to all of us. The truth is, 99% of the country is not as focused on this as we are, and are distracted by reality TV shows, security theater headlines, leftover turkey ...


Or ignorant comments by the likes of El Rushbo

One thing about the "Volt Seller" mark on the Chevy website dealers list: I found calling around that some dealers that aren't listed as Volt sellers, actually ARE Volt sellers. So if you're calling dealers looking for a Volt, call them all.
The opposite can be true as well.

The dealer closest to me is listed as a Volt seller. After three separate visits in August and early September as well as multiple phone calls, it became obvious to me that they just weren't really interested in taking an order and weren't up to speed on the Volt at all. I knew more about the Volt and ordering process from reading this forum than anyone there. I even walked in with my checkbook in hand. If this isn't a hint to a car dealer, I don't know what is.

I wound up driving 40 miles away to a smaller dealership. Totally different experience. Now at 3000, TPW 1/3/2011.

Your State: Illinois
Your City: Suburb Chicago, Will County (7% sales tax)

Color: Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat
Interior Trim: Light Neutral seats/Dark accents, Perforated leather-appointed seat trim
Options : Premium Trim, Rear Camera and Park Assist

Selling Price: MSRP + ($600 = airfare to NY ~$300*2) + ($60.75 = gas home (850-40)/40mpg=20.25 gls * $3) + ($150 = hotel and food on the way home)

Dealer Name and Location: Atlantic Chevrolet in Bayshore, New York
Date/Time of Order : 11-26-2010
Delivery Date : TBD - Feb?

Tracking:
11/26/2010 - (1100) Order Placed at Dealership Order passed GM edit tables but dealers has not received allocation to place order

Flying to NY with wife and ~850 mile drive home!!!

Flying to NY with wife and ~850 mile drive home!!!

Driving straight through? Or should you change your cost equation to account for a motel stay, plus another 40 "free" miles based on the overnight recharge at the hotel?

Driving straight through? Or should you change your cost equation to account for a motel stay, plus another 40 "free" miles based on the overnight recharge at the hotel?
When the time gets closer I'm going to figure out what city we are going to stay overnight and see if the motel/hotel will accommodate my charge. I may have to stop at Home Depot for some of that pipe insulation tho <grin> mentioned in the hotel charging thread you pointed me at earlier.

I just checked to see if Alexandra Paul had any more answers for her ask Alexandra series. They first put out two answers, but now are up to 12. (Facebook)

The good news is that my question got answered in number 4. :) The bad news is that Ohio and New Mexico dealers will not see new Volts until 2012. :( Those two states were covered specifically in the question and answer.
Michael

I'm just curious, I'm buying in-state so this doesn't apply to me, but how does registration work for those of you buying long-distance? Typically, a dealer won't sell a vehicle without registration. Sales tax is likely to be a mess as well. Also, can you lease if you take delivery in another state?

I'm just curious, I'm buying in-state so this doesn't apply to me, but how does registration work for those of you buying long-distance? Typically, a dealer won't sell a vehicle without registration. Sales tax is likely to be a mess as well. Also, can you lease if you take delivery in another state?

I checked with a dealer in Texas and he said either they or I could do the New Mexico registration. Either way I would pay the New Mexico tax rate. Basically he said they do it all the time for New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Most dealers have said no to the lease for out of state delivery.

I'm just curious, I'm buying in-state so this doesn't apply to me, but how does registration work for those of you buying long-distance? Typically, a dealer won't sell a vehicle without registration. Sales tax is likely to be a mess as well.

I've purchases long distance before. The dealer simply deals with your home state paperwork for registration and taxes. It's a little extra work for the back office clerk to get the paperwork done, but it gets done.


Most dealers have said no to the lease for out of state delivery.

I'd disagree with that. I'd say most have said YES. We are mostly hearing the "no" from California dealers. Data?

I'd disagree with that. I'd say most have said YES. We are mostly hearing the "no" from California dealers. Data?

No data, sorry, just an opinion based on reading postings on various threads on this site. I certainly could be wrong. How about we agree that "some have said no and some have said yes, check with your potential dealer to find out" ?

Anyone else notice in the Chevrolet Volt Recognition Event the President of GM stated that the car would be nationwide in early 2011 and not just in the the initial states? Did he just completely lie or does anyone think this is going to happen? I am going to place my order for a car in New York but if the car will be available in Iowa early next year, is it worth the time and money to go out of state to get the car 2 months early?

Thanks,
P

Anyone else notice in the Chevrolet Volt Recognition Event the President of GM stated that the car would be nationwide in early 2011 and not just in the the initial states? Did he just completely lie or does anyone think this is going to happen? I am going to place my order for a car in New York but if the car will be available in Iowa early next year, is it worth the time and money to go out of state to get the car 2 months early?

Thanks,
P

Go listen to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBNaWJlYttY&feature=related
And I don't think Iowa will be before Ohio.
Michael

I would think Nissan and GM would perhaps take some of Fords research into consideration.

Ford on Monday [Nov 15,2010] announced the first American cities where the Focus Electric, the company’s first all-electric, zero emissions car, will go on sale in late 2011.

The first metro areas include:

Atlanta, Ga.
Austin, Texas (volt here)
Houston, Texas (volt here later)
Boston, Ma.
Chicago, Ill.
Denver, Colo.
Detroit, Mich. (volt here)
Los Angeles, Calif. (volt here)
New York, N.Y. (volt here)
Orlando, Fla.
Phoenix, Ariz.
Tucson, Ariz.
Portland, Ore.
Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
Richmond, Va.
San Francisco, Calif. (volt here)
San Diego, Calif. (volt here)
Seattle, Wash.
Washington, D.C. (volt here)

Chevrolet Volt launch states:
Initial

California
Michigan
Washington, D.C.
Added

Texas (Austin)
New York (NYC)
New Jersey
Cconnecticut

Hi Fluke, I also will be getting mine from Sterling Heights some time March on. Wonder what dealer you picked. My deposit is at Hamilton Chevrolet. I am about 730 miles from MI. I have my wife's family there, just around the corner.:o

Who here is from the Southeast (say, south of Virginia and east of Mississippi river) and doing a long distance purchase?

Reviewing this thread, I think we've got these:
John M in Miami who's buying from Virginia
Ted in Fort Myers who's buying from Michigan (2nd wave)
Mybatcar from Florida who's buying from Texas and having the car shipping to him, VIN 313
ChrisC from Atlanta (me), buying from Virginia,VIN 284

I ask because I'm wondering if I'm going to have the first Volt in the Southeast. I already know I'm the first in Georgia, now I'm wondering if I'll be first regionally. It's just nice bragging rights to have :) With my VIN ahead of Mybatcar I'm guessing I'll have mine first.

EDIT: Oh snap! John M(iami) posted elsewhere that he's got VIN 177. Congratulations, sir :)

Thank ChrisC, Nasaman, and all the other folks who commented in this thread. Your comments helped me decide to go ahead with my out-of-state purchase of the Volt. And everyone who has listened to my ranting about having to wait 2 more years to get a Volt thanks you. So now we have a drive over the mountains some time in the next few months to pick up our new Volt in northern Virginia. :D

Welcome to the club. You don't have to drive very far horizontally, but quite a bit vertically!

Who here is from the Southeast (say, south of Virginia and east of Mississippi river) and doing a long distance purchase?

I'm also from GA (Gainesville) doing a purchase in NY TPW 1/3/2011 Congrats on your being the first in GA!

Alright! I'll wave as I drive through northeast Georgia on my way down I-85 to Atlanta ... whenever. You might want to check on your TPW; it seems like a lot of the early January ones have been moving up.

FYI, put a (/QUOTE) at the end, in square brackets instead of parentheses, to close the quote. You can edit your post at any time.

I'm #3 at Sterling Chevrolet. TPW is next week (12/13). Very exciting!!!

Chris

Hi Fluke, I also will be getting mine from Sterling Heights some time March on. Wonder what dealer you picked. My deposit is at Hamilton Chevrolet. I am about 730 miles from MI. I have my wife's family there, just around the corner.

My order is with Buff Whelan Chevrolet in Sterling Heights, MI. I think there are 2 or 3 other forum regulars who also have orders through Buff Whelan. I'll be flying in to Detroit and driving back to the KC area.

Those of you looking for long distance purchases try Mike Savoie in Troy MI..Chuck Martin runs the store and sold me mine.

For those of us who are taking delivery of a Volt and driving it home (me from Fairfax VA to Miami FL) it is good to see that some motels/hotels are interested in supporting the future of electric cars. This is a response from Marriott to a request regarding where we might stop on our return trip.

From: InternetCustomerCare [mailto:internet.customer.care@marriott.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2010 5:41 PM
To: D. Martin
Subject: RE: Other [T20101209021CS010Z204302]

Dear D. and John M.,
Thank you for your additional message. We apologize for any inconvenience this may caused.
We were able to locate the following information regarding the charging station at the hotel's in South Carolina near I-95:
We did contact Marcus at the Courtyard Florence, and we were advised that they have three prong plug-ins on the side of the hotel and they also provide extension cords.
We also did contact Sean at the Residence Inn Florence, and we were advised that they have a three prong plug-in at the front of the hotel.
More information regarding this hotel's facilities and services may be found at the webpages below:
www.marriott.com/FLOCY
www.marriott.com/FLORI
You may wish to contact an associate at the hotel's for further details. The contact information for these locations are included below:
Courtyard Florence
2680 Hospitality Blvd.
Florence, South Carolina 29501 USA
Phone: 1-843-662-7066
Fax: 1-843-662-6949
Residence Inn Florence
2660 Hospitality Boulevard
Florence, South Carolina 29501 USA
Phone: 1-843-468-2800
Fax: 1-843-468-2900

Good to hear, thanks John! I missed your post over the weekend. I'll be doing this around Dec 28th myself, driving from the northeast down I-85 to Atlanta, stopping overnight in North Carolina probably.

Good to hear, thanks John! I missed your post over the weekend. I'll be doing this around Dec 28th myself, driving from the northeast down I-85 to Atlanta, stopping overnight in North Carolina probably.

+1 John! I'm flying to NY to get ours and driving 16hrs back over a couple days. Marriot will be my first choice now and I will check for on at the half way point. I'll also contact Marriot to let them know I appreciate their efforts overall. If those Marriot's are less than 100 miles apart then the Leaf owners can travel on vacation <grin>.

Posted over in the order tracking thread:


Just got my call from my dealer. It just arrived. Will be flying up Sunday and picking it up from Fairfax VA and driving back to Miami arriving Tuesday in time for cocktail hour. #177

Congratulations John on what I believe is going to be the first Volt in the southeast US!

...If those Marriot's are less than 100 miles apart then the Leaf owners can travel on vacation <grin>.

LOL, but in all fairness to the Nissan neighbors, the money saved on purchase could be used on a rental car. But just as with the EV-1, there will be some who attempt using the Leaf coast-to-coast. The laugh will be on us when there are enough fast charge stations to do it in a reasonable timeframe. If McDonalds chooses to install those chargers, then it just might happen sooner than we think. "Would you like a Super Size Charge with your meal today?"

Just got back to Miami from the dealer up in Fairfax VA. the drive was 1127 Miles and used 30.4 gal gas and averaged 37 mpg. Stayed overhight in Florence SC at a Marriot where they had a secure storage room in which I was able to plug in my charge unit and park right outside. The charger was locked inside so I had no worries about that end being stolen. The drive was averaging around 65 to 75 mph. I may be the first Volt to get a speeding ticket at a Virginia speed trap ($300 +)!! Volt 177 may also be the first in Florida crossing the state line on 12/21/10 at 1:06 pm. Once I figure out how to post pictures I will post them.

I may be the first Volt to get a speeding ticket at a Virginia speed trap ($300 +)!!

Wear it as a badge of honor!

I may be the first Volt to get a speeding ticket at a Virginia speed trap ($300 +)!!


Did the officer at least comment on how cool the car is? :)

Volt 177 may also be the first in Florida crossing the state line on 12/21/10 at 1:06 pm.

Congrats to one of the first volts in Florida.........mine is still sitting at the dealer in TX since The 17th, waiting for a truck to ship it to Boca since Monday.....may sit there a few more days until an available truck passes by to get it, but it's tough so close to the holidays.

At the Chicago Volt Unplugged event all the GM people stayed at the same hotel I stayed at downtown: the Marriott SpringHill Suites. I was very impressed to see their parking ramp had stalls with free chargers for electric cars. The Volts were parked there. I had to park my Prius next to them. I think Mariott is really trying to be accomodating to plug-in cars!

My wife wouldn't let me sleep in the parking ramp with the Volts...

http://www.robbinsmail.com/unplug1.jpg
http://www.robbinsmail.com/unplug2.jpg
http://www.robbinsmail.com/unplug3.jpg
http://www.robbinsmail.com/unplug4.jpg
http://www.robbinsmail.com/unplug5.jpg

Great pictures of the Marriot parking area. Thanks. There must be some executive at that company who is big into EVs? How else to explain it. That can't give them much extra/cost_justifying business. Don't get me wrong it is COOL and I plan on looking them up on my way back from NY and emailing the company when it goes well.

My order is with Buff Whelan Chevrolet in Sterling Heights, MI. I think there are 2 or 3 other forum regulars who also have orders through Buff Whelan. I'll be flying in to Detroit and driving back to the KC area.

I will be driving in from Mass with my trade in, not much of one, and don't expect to get much for it. 1999 Chrysler 300M. But it is reliable and will get me there. By the way, for those from Mass ordering out of state, make sure that your order specifies California, or 50 state emissions as that must me stated on the "Origination document" otherwise as a new car it will not be able to be registered in Massachusetts. Mass follows the California emissions standard. Hopping that at the turn of the year, I can place the actual order.

P

<snip>There must be some executive at that company who is big into EVs? How else to explain it. That can't give them much extra/cost_justifying business. Don't get me wrong it is COOL...<snip>

And here it is - Bill Marriott : http://www.blogs.marriott.com/marriott-on-the-move/2010/11/enjoying-a-smooth-quiet-ride-in-the-new-chevrolet-volt.html

Here's a picture of my Volt crossing into Georgia last Wednesday. This is at the rest stop a couple miles in; I couldn't get a shot at the border because it was on a bridge and there was no shoulder.
727

FYI, Dublin Chevrolet is charging list. Took delivery of 468 this week, placed order 2 months ago. Long drive? Well, maybe 3 miles... I was pleased they were doing list, wasn't going to pay over book, so when asked, they said yes, I ordered ;-)

Discussion of how to time your flight purchase in anticipation of your Volt arrival:

http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?6221-Long-dist-purchasers-on-when-to-book-flights

In my case, I knew the Volt had been unloaded from the rail car, about an hour's drive away from the dealership. So I got plane tickets a couple days in advance, even though the car was not yet at the dealer. Plane got in late at night, I grabbed a hotel room, the next morning the dealership called to say they got my car that morning new year's eve day. I managed to buy the car in 2010 as I had hoped. So I lucked out, but I would have been willing to wait a couple days there if necessary.

BUT I will say the dealership did a very poor job of PDI, didn't put air in the tires (they needed it), didn't detail the interior. They were probably rushed because I was breathing down their neck. I'd have to agree with others it would be best to wait till the dealer has the car before you book a flight.

As for air fare, I found big differences in price when I looked just one or two days ahead and behind my target date. So test out a number of different dates till you see the best price.

In my case, I knew the Volt had been unloaded from the rail car, about an hour's drive away from the dealership. So I got plane tickets a couple days in advance, even though the car was not yet at the dealer. Plane got in late at night, I grabbed a hotel room, the next morning the dealership called to say they got my car that morning new year's eve day. I managed to buy the car in 2010 as I had hoped. So I lucked out, but I would have been willing to wait a couple days there if necessary.

BUT I will say the dealership did a very poor job of PDI, didn't put air in the tires (they needed it), didn't detail the interior. They were probably rushed because I was breathing down their neck. I'd have to agree with others it would be best to wait till the dealer has the car before you book a flight.

As for air fare, I found big differences in price when I looked just one or two days ahead and behind my target date. So test out a number of different dates till you see the best price.
Gee, If I were a bit younger, I think I could push my new Volt from the plant to my house.

We'll be picking up vin#951 from Long Island soon. It's at status 3800 at the moment. Google maps say it's going to be a 1308 mile trip to Fort Lauderdale, FL. White diamond tricoat, black leather, dark accents. We thought about the auto train, just not sure yet. We have done the auto train several times in the past.

Mark

Shipped mine to Boca Raton from Marble Falls TX......similar distance, 1355 miles. Trucking it means no wear and tear or road rash, no hotels, no air travel nightmares.....and it was inexpensive.
I think the auto train is a great idea.... sit back, relax, and have a short drive home to Fort Lauderdale from the Orlando area. I bought mine, but if you are leasing, you might consider keeping all those extra miles off the odometer in the first few days.

VIN # 313

Steve in Boca Raton

How much did it cost to ship it Mybatcar? How long did it take? Did you ship it covered? Did you need to get it detailed once you got it? Who did you use?

Thanks,
P

I am not purchasing my Volt (after much consideration) Vir Joule loaded drk interior (#685). Send me a priv message if anyone wants the info to possibly take it. It just arrived in Austin TX from what I can tell.

How much did it cost to ship it Mybatcar? How long did it take? Did you ship it covered? Did you need to get it detailed once you got it? Who did you use?
P

I went thru a shipping broker, so those guys took a commission, but the actual trucker brought it here for 375.00 . If someone wants to buy one in the Austin TX area and bring it anywhere between Austin and Miami ( like here in Boca Raton ) they can do it pretty cheap because this particular tucker lives near Austin, his girlfriend lives near Miami, and he makes regular trips back and forth so he was happy to get a load close to home and make the few extra bucks.
It was placed on top of an open car carrier, it was never moved or transferred. It left Texas on the 27th and arrived on the 31st Dec. All it needed here was a wash.
If you need him just let me know.

Steve in Boca Raton. VIN # 313

Wow great deal. I need someone from new York to Iowa though lol.

NY to FL is a real popular route for transporting autos, with truckers running north and south all the time. NY to IA will probably be off the beaten track and cost a few more dollars.
You can hook up with a broker, let him know the price you want to pay, he will enter it into an electronic national loader board and any trucker that sees it and agrees with that price can accept the job, exactly the way I did it

Steve in Boca Raton
VIN #313

Does anyone know if the US Bank lease requires you to bring the car back to the dealership you leased from when the lease is complete? I have heard no and can't see why I would have to but my dealer cannot verify it. Can anyone confirm?

Thanks,
P

My dealer told me that I can return the car to any dealer at the end of the lease. This was a requirement for me since I live in Western PA but will be leasing the car from Long Island, NY.

Chris thanks for posting the query, very thought provoking.

After much deliberation, I told myself that I would not order a Volt until they were available at a local dealer. I’ve been Jonesing for this car right from the beginning, but I was concerned about the vehicle needing to be serviced and having to tow it a long distance.

As a college student in the late 80s it was clear to me EVs were the route to oil independence…among other things. Throughout the 90s I bored friends and family with my “one day we will buying EVs, and it will be the German or the Japanese that sell it to us” speech. How happy my surprise to find an American company doing it. In 2001 I converted a Ford Ranger to a BEV, which is used daily at an apartment complex I manage. So yeah, I’ve got EV on the brain big time. And I am not even a big car guy. For me it’s just a means to get from point A to point B. I buy a vehicle based on the most economic value and utility of the thing. Obviously, this changed for the Volt. Right or wrong, I believe this vehicle is important to the nation, and I am voting with my dollars. Yes there is a premium but it is well worth it.

Two things changed my mind about waiting. First my local dealer in Hampton VA did not give me a warm fuzzy feeling when I would call to check up on my status on the waiting list. Second, reading about the “nuts” on here who live in Florida and are buying a car from a dealer in VA or even NY!  Seriously though, I thought hey if they can drive 1000+ miles to get one I can drive the 150 miles or so to Northern Virginia.

And I got lucky I ordered the thing on January 5th and my status is:

01/06/2011 - (4000) Vehicle available to ship
01/06/2011 - (4104) Bailment Invoice Created (vehicle is about to leave plant property).
01/06/2011 - (4B00) Your car is bayed and is waiting for transportation by Truck, Rail or transfer to vendor
01/11/2011 - (4B00) Your car is bayed and is waiting for transportation by Truck, Rail or transfer to vendor
01/13/2011 - (4B00) Your car is bayed and is waiting for transportation by Truck, Rail or transfer to vendor
01/17/2011 - (4106) Bailment Released (vehicle has left plant property).
01/17/2011 - (4150) Invoiced (Order is invoiced to the dealer)
01/16/2011 - (4200) Shipped (Vehicle is shipped to the dealer or point of delivery)
01/15/2011 - (4B00) Your car is bayed and is waiting for transportation by Truck, Rail or transfer to vendor
01/15/2011 - (4300) Interm transfer; processing transfer to QC or vendor
01/15/2011 - (4200) Shipped (Vehicle is shipped to the dealer or point of delivery)


Chris, gotta agree with WOP, you can definitely handle the charger installation. Buying and installing yourself is definitely the way to go. The “free” chargers, they stick you with a high installation cost. Why would you not take advantage of the faster charge times? Most states have provisions for homeowners doing work in their own house, without requiring a permit.

Angie and WOP thanks for addressing the “getting your volt serviced if you buy long distance.” It is reassuring to know that I might have a service option closer to home, should I need it.

For the record, last week I was at an EV event here in Atlanta which GM's Britta Gross presented at, and one of her slides showed that Volts had now made it to nearly every state in the Union. Note that for most of thesestates, by far, the owner had traveled long distance to a launch market to get his/her Volt. Only Utah and South Dakota hadn't received a Volt yet (Utah has one on order). See attached snapshot!

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