@bobbleheadguru
08-28-2011, 12:11 AM
A few thoughts on my upcoming lease of the 2012 Volt.
Check Status Like an Amazon Order
I was able to check my Volt order on the Chevy .com website. Sort of like an Amazon order. It is "en route". I wonder how much time it will take to go the ~40miles between Detroit and Ann Arbor where I will pick the vehicle up.
Based on some other social media reports, it looks like many others will finally get their Volt. In my case it looks like it will be about a 3 month wait. I ordered in early June.
Coordination with Charger Company
Chevy seems to be very well coordinated with SPX, the "preferred" company to install the 220 Volt charger. I was told that it would cost me nothing as I am part of the DTE (the energy company) program. Looks like this will be about a $1500 value.
I was a bit concerned about potential overheating of the 120V option as well as the fact that my circuit in the garage may trip with the power load. Having a 220V charger makes a lot of sense for something I will use every day.
Charger at Work?
I have asked the "green team" at my employer if they would look into a way of being able to charge my vehicle at work. All I really need is a parking spot near a plug. However, ideally, I hope they look at installing a 220 charger is a good business decision for the landlord of the property who may see it as a plus for their business. This may be a good experience in negotiation for me.
I took a quick look at autotrader.com to see if any Volt's were discounts. I found exactly one vehicle at $39K. Everything else is over $40K. So far, it is pretty clear that demand for this car exceeds supply.
Of course the car has only been available in 6 of 50 states (plus DC) so far. No doubt that there is demand in other states that will soon be met. Longer term demand... into 2012, will be more telling.
Lease Payment
Finally, I am still waiting on the lease payment. I think it will dip under $490/month (15,000 miles per year, $0 down, with Leather Option). I expect to save about $145/month in fuel, so my effective payment will likely be under $345/month.
I do have a bit of optimism that it will be even lower than that. I originally figured the payment would be $460 without the leather, but with a higher MSRP (2011 price was higher than 2012). I think with leather (which would add to the payment) and with a lower price (which would reduce the payment), there is a decent chance that the payment could be under $475.
It appears that I am one of the first to get a 2012 lease, so they are still figuring this out. As soon as I learn more, I will share.
Please let me know if you have any questions about my experience. And if you have a lease on a 2012, please reply to this thread with the details. Thank you!
Check Status Like an Amazon Order
I was able to check my Volt order on the Chevy .com website. Sort of like an Amazon order. It is "en route". I wonder how much time it will take to go the ~40miles between Detroit and Ann Arbor where I will pick the vehicle up.
Based on some other social media reports, it looks like many others will finally get their Volt. In my case it looks like it will be about a 3 month wait. I ordered in early June.
Coordination with Charger Company
Chevy seems to be very well coordinated with SPX, the "preferred" company to install the 220 Volt charger. I was told that it would cost me nothing as I am part of the DTE (the energy company) program. Looks like this will be about a $1500 value.
I was a bit concerned about potential overheating of the 120V option as well as the fact that my circuit in the garage may trip with the power load. Having a 220V charger makes a lot of sense for something I will use every day.
Charger at Work?
I have asked the "green team" at my employer if they would look into a way of being able to charge my vehicle at work. All I really need is a parking spot near a plug. However, ideally, I hope they look at installing a 220 charger is a good business decision for the landlord of the property who may see it as a plus for their business. This may be a good experience in negotiation for me.
I took a quick look at autotrader.com to see if any Volt's were discounts. I found exactly one vehicle at $39K. Everything else is over $40K. So far, it is pretty clear that demand for this car exceeds supply.
Of course the car has only been available in 6 of 50 states (plus DC) so far. No doubt that there is demand in other states that will soon be met. Longer term demand... into 2012, will be more telling.
Lease Payment
Finally, I am still waiting on the lease payment. I think it will dip under $490/month (15,000 miles per year, $0 down, with Leather Option). I expect to save about $145/month in fuel, so my effective payment will likely be under $345/month.
I do have a bit of optimism that it will be even lower than that. I originally figured the payment would be $460 without the leather, but with a higher MSRP (2011 price was higher than 2012). I think with leather (which would add to the payment) and with a lower price (which would reduce the payment), there is a decent chance that the payment could be under $475.
It appears that I am one of the first to get a 2012 lease, so they are still figuring this out. As soon as I learn more, I will share.
Please let me know if you have any questions about my experience. And if you have a lease on a 2012, please reply to this thread with the details. Thank you!