New Volt Owner from Wisconsin

[gunrunner]

Just got my 2012 Volt about two weeks ago. Did a lot of research and test drives and really am enjoying the car. I was going to wait until the 2013 model as the only ones left here in Wisconsin that were the color and options I wanted were kinda loaded up with ALL the options available. However the 0% for 72 was pretty compelling and decided to go for it.

A couple of questions...

1. I know it is after the fact but interested to see if you veteran Volt owners think this was a good call to take advantage of the 0% vs. waiting for the 2013 and it's improvements? I see they kept the price the same on the 2013's.

2. They just released the specs on the 2013 and it sounds like they changed the battery so you can get 16.5 kwh and it doesn't hold as much in reserve to get you an extra 3 miles or so. They also put in the Hold mode in addition to the three modes on the 2012. Do you think they will be able to roll these changes out via software to the 2012's?


Thanks in advance for any input. I have really enjoyed reading the posts and taking advantage of everyone's knowledge.

[DonC]

Congrats on the car. I think you'll really enjoy it.

Because the changes between MY 2012 and MY 2013 are incremental I don't think waiting for the 2013 MY was that significant. Maybe if you intended to drive beyond the Volt's EV range every day. Otherwise not that big of a deal. The 0% financing was/is very compelling though it's always possible it could be extended. If I had to choose between 0% financing and getting a MY 2013 I'd take 0% financing in a heartbeat. The best case for waiting for a MY 2013 would be, as mentioned, if you expect to drive beyond the Volt's electric range every day or if you intended to buy and flip the car in a three years (in this case it's better to get the next MY).

As for your second question, unfortunately the likelihood that the 2013 MY improvements will be rolled into 2012 MY Volts is pretty much zero.

[saghost]

Hold they could do anytime they wanted - but they've shown no sign of wanting to.

The extra range is a combination of improved chemistry (not retrofitable without replacing the pack,) and improved efficiency - we don't know how they got a little more efficient yet.

[jbfalaska]

0 for 72 months is an incredible incentive. I went for it too. The day it came out, I signed on. That equates out to about $6800 in savings over my credit union at 4.24% for 72 months.

[Sphyrna]

Gratz on your new Volt!! I'm currently facing that same debate. I'm torn between getting a MY2012 and taking advantage of the current incentives or waiting for 2013. I'm tempted to wait a little while until the 2013's start hitting. Then if I go with the MY2012 I might be able to get a better deal on it. I wouldn't worry about your decision. If the hold mode and extra range was that important to you then you would have waited. It's hard to pass up 0%.

[Nogasstation808]

I am also in a similar situation...I originally ordered my volt on April 28th, but when we got the invoice and window sticker to review it showed the tan interior .....I ordered the red tint coat with black interior and fully loaded. Well, there was another red volt with all the options I wanted but the build date was not till May 21st. Well so my car is now built, but still no delivery yet and dealer cannot give me any info on the car. They got me the vin #, but I still cannot get a invoice or copy of the window sticker to review before I sign off the loan papers.
And now Chevy is announcing the 2013 volt and its changes, with production "supposedly"to start in July and in show rooms "supposedly" in August. I like some of the new changes ...the hold mode and no longer black roof and tail. I am no longer in a rush to get the volt since other arrangements have been made for our home car situation.
I guess I like the fact that it would be a 2013 and not dated 1 yr if I decide to get another car in a few years. I am not sure if the 0% 5yr loan will still be around or funds for the calif. state rebate of $1500. I tend to keep my cars more than 7 plus years....I have a 9 yr mini cooper which is in in great shape but am ready for a change....and the volt has that "wow" factor that the mini had 9 1/2 yrs ago when I first got it.
Appreciate anyone's opinions and views....

[SharkVolt]

And the 2014 will have even more features and goodies....

Life is too short.

Just GET one, then you can enjoy it for a year more than those who wait.

If they keep adding enough cool things, by 2017, when mine is paid off, I just might trade it in for an even better one.

Of course, if the $7500 tax credit is nearly ready to end before that, I might update sooner.

[emd]

i'll be trading in mine before years end on a 13. hope they fix the goofy seats designed for munchkins. had enough back and leg pains on trips over 30 miles. $42k and not even an option for power seats? only 3 manual adjustments? the financing is a great deal if you can put up with the seats. i guess that if you really wanted the improvements you could always trade in.

[drbruns]

They got me the vin #, but I still cannot get a invoice or copy of the window sticker to review before I sign off the loan papers

If you can get a GM order number, you can use the gmconnects.com site to track the order. Once it gets to status code 3800, you will be able to see the window sticker.

[cab]

The 2013 changes are kind of ying and yang for me as follows:

2012 Pros
Black roof and tail panel - makes the car more visually interesting and distinctive
Neutral/tan interior (discontinued in 2012...haven't seen the pebble to know if it is equivalent)
0% financing (no word on 2013)
Lease Deals (again, no word on 2013)


2013 Pros
Extra 3 miles of EV range...important to me as my work commute is 38 miles round trip...I am the guy on the range bubble!
Much Cheaper Nav with MyLink
Hold Mode (meh for me)
Year newer (more important if buying vs. leasing)

Ultimately, my battle is "How important are the cosmetic items vs. the functional items"...I actually value cosmetic items a lot because I really like to feel passionate about a car when I look at it every day.