I was told by a local Albuquerque dealer that because New Mexico has not committed to public charging stations, our state will be one of the last to get an allocation of Volts. However, I called a California dealer who has an allocation of 30 who is willing to put us on their waiting list. They have deposits on 15 of their 30 so far. They are asking for a $1,000 deposit and I'm not sure if that is non-refundable. We are seriously considering buying one of the first cars and driving it around the Albuquerque area 6 to 8 months before it's available locally. Anyone else considering that for their area? Does anyone see a downside to this plan? My wife is nervous about having a new concept vehicle for which servicing may be non-existent locally.

I wouldn't put too much stock into that statement about WHY New Mexico is one of the last. Sounds more like uninformed chatter. Which we hear tons of here too :)

We do have a thread here already where those of us who are "long distance purchasers" have gathered. Take a look:

http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?5019-Long-distance-purchasers

After you've committed to your order and placed the deposit, we'd love to hear from you over in that thread. We've already chewed over the issues there quite a bit.

I do recommend that anyone who is on the fence about a Volt order go ahead and make your decision by Wednesday the 27th, because that's when the GM ad campaign starts (during the World Series) and then the slots will certainly get snapped up. Actually it would have been better to get it in before the crush of first reviews a week ago :)

mcuser, I don't know where you have received that information, but it is incorrect.
First, charging infrastructure is NOT a consideration as of course, with a built-in 120/240V charger, the Volt doesnt need it.
ALL of the states NOT in the initial launch markets will be recieving Volt at around the same time.
Agreed though you could be enjoying your Volt a full year before you start seeing the readily available in NM (or anywhere other than the ILM for that matter)
FYI- GM has already started to recruit dealers to become Volt Authorized Service Dealers (aka Volt ASD) . These dealers will NOT be in the initial launch markets, but will very likely to eventually become Volt selling dealers after this initial launch phase. The Volt ASDs will be required to purchase all of the special tools and equipment (including the 240V charging stations) and will receive ALL of the available service technician training so as to provide an immediate national network of dealers able to service the Volt should problems arise when operating outside of the ILM.

If you are considering an out-of-state purchase of a Volt, you might want to call a few of the local Chevy dealers in your area, and speak directly with the Service or General Manager and ask "if they are a Volt ASD". It's quite possible you might have a Volt ASD conveniently located near you.

HTH
WopOnTour

My local dealer seemed completely clueless. He's the one who told me that the ILM's were getting cars because their area or state had made political committments to install a charging infrastructure. He also said that he had no idea about when their Volts would arrive or how many their dealership would get. It appears that GM is not really informing their dealerships on how to respond well to customer inquiries.

For me, I'm not willing to wait and will be purchasing from the first dealer in either California or Texas who is willing to close the deal and ship me a car.

I am talking to Selman Chevrolet in Orange, California about taking one of their initial 30 slots. They informed me on Friday that they have an initial allocation of 30 and have deposits for 15. I would be 16/30 so far. Problem is that Selman is not familiar with obtaining a car carrier to deliver the car to me here in Albuquerque. I don't want to fly to California because I'm under the impression that the dealer is under state oblgation to charge me California sales tax and California vehicle registration fees if I accept deliver in California. That's why I want it shipped to Albuquerque. We did this successfully back in 2004 when buying my wife's Honda CR-V from a dealer in Phoenix, Arizona.

Summer 2011?

I thought the nationwide rollout was late 2011-early 2012. So, it's going to happen faster than expected? That may be good, I may buy a Volt then. :cool:

Hey, WopOnTour,
Will there be a posting of Volt ASD dealers posted on the GM-VOLT forums anytime soon?

I am talking to Selman Chevrolet in Orange, California about taking one of their initial 30 slots. They informed me on Friday that they have an initial allocation of 30 and have deposits for 15. I would be 16/30 so far. Problem is that Selman is not familiar with obtaining a car carrier to deliver the car to me here in Albuquerque. I don't want to fly to California because I'm under the impression that the dealer is under state oblgation to charge me California sales tax and California vehicle registration fees if I accept deliver in California. That's why I want it shipped to Albuquerque. We did this successfully back in 2004 when buying my wife's Honda CR-V from a dealer in Phoenix, Arizona.

Good input on the tax macuser. I almost put in an order in Ca but it fell through. Can't you get a refund from Ca if you register the car in another state after you buy it??

Can't you get a refund from Ca if you register the car in another state after you buy it??

*Heh*... that's funny. Get money back from CA that they don't have to give? It's hard enough to get money they owe you...

I don't think any government agency offers refunds once they have your money. I don't even want to risk it. I tried to contact an auto carrier called Lamb Transports. They are in the business of moving cars around the country. I expect to pay between $500 and $650 to have the car delivered to Albuquerque from Orange. I'm willing to pay it. However, the dealer just told me that if I lease the car, there are no registration or tax implications in California. If that is truly the case, I may fly to LA and drive it back.

I don't think any government agency offers refunds once they have your money. I don't even want to risk it. I tried to contact an auto carrier called Lamb Transports. They are in the business of moving cars around the country. I expect to pay between $500 and $650 to have the car delivered to Albuquerque from Orange. I'm willing to pay it. However, the dealer just told me that if I lease the car, there are no registration or tax implications in California. If that is truly the case, I may fly to LA and drive it back.

Just curious macuser---did the dealer say he would be able to "NOT CHARGE ANY TAX or registration" if the car is shipped?? Even if he or you had the car shipped his hands could be tied.

Chevrolet said when they clarified the "purchasing long distance" that under no circumstances would a car be shipped anywhere except to the dealer you ordered it from. I am sorry I don't have the link for you but I am pretty sure that is correct.

Jerry

So, macuser, I guess this tax issue is a California thing? They are required to assess tax even if you're out of state, and you (theoretically) get a refund of it by filing the right paperwork?

I'm doing my Volt purchase out of state, but I have no concerns about tax, both because the dealer (northern Virginia) says it's no problem and because I've done it before! I bought my current car from a dealer in West Virginia. That's a long story ...

I do expect to pay my local sales tax (here in Georgia) but that's it.

More and more problems. Selman Chevrolet says they can't lease me a car due to state rules. But, they would still sell me the car. I was hoping to lease for 3 years to see what might be available then (Gen2?). And, the very favorable lease terms being offered by Ally Bank (formerly GMAC) are worth investigating. However, if you are trying to be one of the first in line, I am afraid that buying is going to be the only way. I can't even get my local Albuquerque Chevy dealer to talk to me.

Macuser,
What about Texas?? CA is a pain.

Selman Chevrolet says they can't lease me a car due to (CA) state rules.

Maaaan, that is crazy. I would love to see that in writing.